Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen door isn't only ugly, it also provides an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes and other bugs. There are numerous services that can fix your patio door locks repair screen doors however, it is a simple task to do yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle by taking out the screws that secure it.

Damaged Screens

Between the elements, pets and kids It's no wonder that tears and holes are bound to appear in your door or window screens. These damaged parts are not just ugly, but they also let pests and flies in your home. Fortunately, fixing these issues is relatively simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on larger issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screens' windows and doors.

The first thing to do is evaluate the damage. Can you salvage the frame, or does it need replacing? This is vital because, as a rule window and door frame screens are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to fall out of alignment, causing holes or weak spots.

Once you know whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can start working on the mesh itself. For this task you'll require some essential tools. A spline roller to press the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all necessary for this process. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you make who repairs sliding patio doors.

If you are dealing with a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to create a clean opening. Then, cut a patch of new screen material to ensure it is at a minimum half inch larger than the damaged area. Make sure the patch matches your window's grid pattern If it has one. Finally, trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline to cover the edges.

Be aware of the climate of your region when buying a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular choice because of its flexibility and affordability, while aluminum screens offer strength and snag-resistance. You may also wish to choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitoes and other pests. Whatever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller can be a gruelling issue. It's not only making the process of sliding glass patio doors repair your door more difficult, but it can also allow bugs and other undesirables to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as difficult or costly as replacing the entire door.

Begin by inspecting the rollers to determine what the issue is. It may be that the wheel is flattened out, or perhaps one side of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to put a screwdriver behind the roller between the bracket and the roller and attempt to push off the roller. If you still can't remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try again.

It's an excellent idea to examine the tracks, both at the top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks as well because they can hold grit and sand.

Once you have identified the type of roller that is broken then you can purchase an alternative. Be sure to take your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to purchase enough to replace them all.

Before installing the new roller make use of a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts on the inside of the frame near the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This task should be done by a third party so that you don't need to use your hands.

After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Verify the alignment of the rollers and track. If everything is in the correct position the patio screen will slide in place easily.

Frame Damaged

If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are several ways to fix it. First, make sure that the hinges are in good condition. A door can bind in the event that the hinges are loose. If they're loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may have to sand the top of the frame to make it smooth.

A rotting frame is another common issue with screens. It can be expensive to repair since the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep a watchful eye for signs of rot, and treat them immediately if you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas in which the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Contact a professional if notice any of these issues.

A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 to $7. The kit comes with small pieces of mesh and glue that can be used to fix any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it using wood filler. To do this, you will have to apply the wood patio door repair filler over the affected area and wait for it to dry before sanding the area smooth.

For a more durable solution you can purchase a frame lift, which is a metal structure that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This is a costly alternative, but it is the best if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.

To create an easy stand for your screen door, you can create an edging from a piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Then, attach the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the bottom of the frame to protect your wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline can be as difficult to handle as damaged doors or frames. It may appear to be something minor that could be ignored and left unaddressed for long enough can allow pests like mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This can quickly turn into a larger problem, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.

It is not difficult to repair a damaged spline, particularly if you have the right tools. Before you can get started you'll need to take out the old spline off the screen door frame. This can be done by placing the frame of the screen door flat on any surface, like a table or a floor. Remove the spline by using a screwdriver. If the spline is especially worn or brittle, it could break when you try to remove it from the groove.

When you are removing the old spline make sure to also remove the caulking used to keep it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is suitable for fitting into the grooves.

Make use of a utility knife to trim the screen around the frame once you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline.

Once you have a clean frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to begin installing the new spline. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you go. Repeat this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you work, apply spring clamps or tape to ensure that the screen stays taut.

Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame, shift to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.