patio doors repairs Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn-out patio screen door is not just ugly, but it also serves as an entryway for pests like mosquitoes and Flies. There are many solutions to repair your patio screen doors but it's easy to do yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by taking out the screws that hold it in place.

Damaged Screens

Between weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that holes and tears will surely appear in your door or window screens. These damaged sections are not only unsightly but also allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer a quick fix for minor damage, these products don't work well on larger problems. This step-bystep guide will show you how to correctly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.

Analyzing the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame, or will it need replacing? This is important since, in general, window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to be out of place and cause holes or weak spots.

After you've decided whether or not the frame can be salvaged, you can begin to build the mesh. For this task you'll require some essential tools. This process requires a spline roller for pressing the spline in the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure precision and durability when you do repairs.

If you have a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much as possible of the old material to create a clean space. Cut an entirely new screen material that is at least a half inch wider than the damaged portion. Make sure the patch matches the grid pattern of your window, If it has one. Cut the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the edges of spline to conceal them.

When buying a new screen, be sure to consider the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option for its flexibility and affordability as well as aluminum screens that offer the strength and durability of snag-resistant screens. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if your region is plagued with mosquitos and other pests. Whatever kind of screen you pick make sure you stretch the material tightly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A broken roller on the screen door to your patio doors repairs can be a harrowing inconvenience. It can make sliding patio door repairs the door difficult and allow bugs to enter your home. The good news is, fixing your rollers won't be nearly as costly or complex as replacing your door.

Start by examining your rollers to identify the issue. You might find that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side because of the 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 between it and the bracket and attempt to push it off. If you're still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40 and try it again.

It's also a good idea to take a look at the tracks, top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent section. It is essential to keep the tracks clean as well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.

Once you've identified the kind of roller that's damaged, you can purchase a replacement. Make sure to bring your old rollers with you to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. If your door has more than one roller then you'll need to buy enough to replace them all.

Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame, close to the door rollers. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. It is recommended to have someone assist you in this process to help you unwind your hands and concentrate on removing the rollers.

Once the new roller is installed after installation, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Examine the alignment of the track and rollers. If everything is in order, your local patio Door repairs screen door will slide easily into position.

Frame Damaged

There are many ways you can repair your screen door that is that is rubbing against its frame. Make sure the hinges are in good shape. Loose hinges can cause a door to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the frame's top to make it smooth.

Another common problem with screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be costly to fix as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, keep alert for signs of rot. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Look for soft wood that is darker than the rest. Also, keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems, call a professional.

Repairing damaged frames with mesh patch kits that costs from $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue that you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe, you can try to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, and then smooth it with sandpaper.

For a more durable solution you can purchase a frame lift, which is a structure made of metal that is bolted onto your frame and raises it up. This can be very expensive however it could be the best option in cases where your frame has been severely damaged or has completely damaged or has rotted.

To make a simple stand for your screen door, you can make an edging from a piece of wood or a photo frame display stand. Attach wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to place the frame on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt to the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A damaged screen spline can be just as annoying to deal with as a damaged frame or door. This may seem like a problem that can be overlooked. But if you let it go for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.

The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and affordable, particularly if you already have the equipment. First, you'll need remove the old spline from the screen door. You can do this by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or a floor. Use a screwdriver to pry open the free end of the spline, and then pull it out. If the spline is extremely worn or brittle it may break as you try to remove it from the groove.

While you are pulling out the old spline make sure that you remove any caulking used to keep the spline from moving. This will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves.

Once you have removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen from around the frame. This will ensure a tight and straight fit on all sides of your frame when you install the spline.

Installing the new spline is easy after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Begin with the shorter side of the frame. Lay the spline down and then begin rolling it with your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Repeat this process for each of the short sides of the frame. As you are working, try to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape.

Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame move to the other side and repeat the process. Then, you can finish by splining both the top and bottom edges of the frame.