The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Patio Screen Door Repair

Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A worn-out or torn screen door for your patio is not only unsightly, but it also provides an easy entry point for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. There are a variety of solutions to repair your patio doors with screen, however, it is a simple task to fix it yourself.

Lay the screen flat on a surface. Take the handle off by removing the screws that hold it in place.

Damaged Screens

It's not surprising that your window or door screens will develop tears and holes due to weather pets, children, and even pets. Apart from looking ugly the damaged screens allow insects and flies to enter your home. Repairing these issues is fairly easy. While patch kits and screen repair tapes offer a quick fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will explain how to repair and replace your screen windows and doors.

The first thing to do is determine the damage. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? This is crucial since, in general, window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to be out of place and cause holes or weak spots.

If you are able to determine if the frame is salvageable or not, you can start addressing the mesh itself. For this job, you'll need a few essential tools. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors. Using these tools ensures the highest quality and durability of your repairs.

If you've got a large hole in your screen, begin by removing as much possible of the old material to make a clean space. Then cut a patch of new screen material so that it is at least half inch larger than the damaged area. If your window has grid patterns, be sure the patch is in line with it. Finally, trim the edges of the patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold them over the top of the spline to cover them.

When purchasing your replacement screen, make sure you consider the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost, while aluminum screens offer durability and snag-proofing. You may also wish to select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tautly over the frame to avoid sagging and wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller on the screen door to your patio can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it make sliding patio door repair your door difficult however, it can also allow insects and other pests to get into your home. The good news is that repairing the rollers doesn't have to be as difficult or expensive as replacing your entire door.

Begin by looking at the rollers to determine what the issue is. It could be that the wheel has sunk out, or maybe one side of the wheel is worn out from constant contact with the track. You can try to remove the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you're still unable to remove the roller then spray the shaft with WD-40, and try again.

It's also a good idea to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by holding a block of wood against the bent area and rapping it with the hammer. It is important to wash the tracks well as they can be a source of dust and grit.

Once you've identified the type roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase an alternative. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so you can ensure you're purchasing the right type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.

Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws or bolts 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 help you with this step, so that you can liberate your hands and concentrate on getting rid of the rollers.

Once the new roller is installed The door can then be lowered back to its original position and the bolts or screws that adjust can be tightened. Verify the alignment of the track and the rollers. If everything is properly positioned your patio door repair screen door should easily slide into place.

Frame Damaged

There are a variety of ways you can repair your screen door that is to stop it from rubbing against the frame. Make sure that the hinges are tight. In the event of loose hinges, it could cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might need to sand down the top of the frame.

Another common issue with screen doors is a rotting frame. It can be expensive to repair, since it usually involves replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, keep on the lookout for any signs of rot. Take care of them as soon as you notice them. Find signs of decay by looking for wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Be aware of any areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you notice any of these issues you should contact a professional.

You can fix damaged frames by using a mesh adhesive patch kit costing between $2 and $7. The kit includes a small piece of mesh and glue that can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage isn't too severe you can attempt to repair it using wood filler. To do this apply the filler to the damaged area, wait for it to dry, and then sand it to a smooth finish.

If you want a solution that is more permanent you can purchase frame lifts, which is a structure made of metal that bolts onto your existing frame and lifts it up. This can be a costly option, but it can be the best option in cases where your frame is badly damaged or is completely rotted.

You can create an easy leg for your screen door by using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for a photo frame. Attach brackets or wires to the back to hang the frame on the wall. You can even 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 just as frustrating to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It might seem like an issue that is minor enough to be overlooked however, ignoring it long enough can allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to pass through. This can quickly become an issue that is more serious and could result in more costly repairs or even a new screen door.

The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is simple and affordable, especially if you already have the equipment. First, you'll need take off the old screen door spline. This can be done by placing the screen door frame flat on a surface like a table or ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull open the free spline, and then pull it out. If the spline appears to be particularly damaged or worn, you could notice that it cracks as you try to pull it out of the groove.

When you are removing the old spline, be sure that you also take off the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.

When you have removed all of the old spline, you can use a utility knife to trim any screen that is left the frame. This will ensure you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame once you put in the new spline.

After you have a clear frame and have the new screen material cut to size, it's time to start installing the new spline. Start by putting it on one of the short sides of the frame. Lay the spline in place and begin rolling it with your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline and pushing it into the screen channel as you move. Continue this process for each side of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut.

Once you have splined all of the short sides of the frame move to the opposite side and repeat the process. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.