Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Patio Screen Door Repair

Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn screen door for your patio is not only ugly, it also provides an easy entry point for pests like mosquitoes and insects like flies. While there are services that can repair your patio screen door, it is quite simple to complete the job yourself.

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

Damaged Screens

Between weather, pets and kids It's not a surprise that tears and holes are bound to be found in your door or window screens. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is simple. Patch kits and screen repair tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on more serious problems. This step-by-step guide will explain how to replace and repair your doors and windows.

Analyzing the damage is the first step. Are there ways to salvage the frame, or does it need to be replaced? This is vital because, generally window and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to become out of place and cause holes or weak spots.

After you've decided whether the frame can be salvaged then you can begin to tackle the mesh. For this job you'll require some essential tools. This process requires a spline roller for pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when making repairs.

If you're dealing with a large hole, begin by cutting away as much of the old screen as possible to make a clear opening. Cut a new piece of screen material that is at least one half inch larger all around than the damaged part. If your window is designed with a grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches with it. Finally trim the edges of your patch to eliminate any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline in order to hide them.

Be aware of the climate of your locale when buying a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are durable and resistant to snags, while fiberglass mesh is a favorite for its affordability and flexibility. You may also wish to choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if your area is plagued with mosquitoes or other insects. Whatever type of screen you choose be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame to avoid sagging and wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller on your patio screen door could be a harrowing inconvenience. It's not just making it difficult to move your door and difficult, but it could let bugs and other unwanted visitors to enter your home. The good thing is that fixing the rollers isn't as complicated or costly as replacing your entire door.

Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel has flattened or worn out on one side because of constant contact with the track. You can try to take off the wheels by putting an screwdriver between the roller and the bracket. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.

It's recommended to look at the tracks from top and bottom. If they're bent and need to be straightened, you can do so by putting a piece of wood against the bent part and rapping it with the hammer. It's essential to clean the tracks, too, as they can trap grit and sand.

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

Before installing the new roller, use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts or adjustment screws on the inside of the frame, close to the rollers. Once the screws have been loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. It's best to have someone help you with this step to unwind your hands and concentrate on removing the rollers.

Once the new roller is installed, the door can be lowered back to its original position and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and rollers. If everything is properly positioned, your patio screen door should slide easily into position.

Frame Damaged

If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many ways to correct it. Make sure the hinges are tight. A door could be bowed when hinges are loose. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you might have to sand the frame's top to make it smooth.

Another common problem with screen doors is a rotting frame. It is costly to repair since the frame will have to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. You should also keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Contact a professional if observe any of these issues.

A mesh patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame.  upvc patio door repairs  between $2 and $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 could also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the damaged area, wait for it to dry, then smooth it with sandpaper.

You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it up. It is a costly option, but is the best if your frame has been badly damaged or has rotted.

You can create an easy leg for your screen door with scraps of wood or an old photo frame display stand. Then, fasten a wire or brackets to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also add a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A broken screen spline is similar to damaged frames or doors. It might appear to be a problem that can be ignored. However, if you leave it unattended for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This could soon become a bigger problem and could result in more expensive repairs or even a replacement screen door.

The positive side is that replacing the broken spline is relatively easy and affordable, particularly when you already have the equipment. Before you begin, you'll need to take out the old spline from the door frame. This can be done by laying the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Remove the spline with a screwdriver. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it could break when you attempt to take it from the groove.

When you are removing the old spline, be sure to also remove the caulking that was used to hold it in place. This will ensure that the new spline is capable of fitting into the grooves.

Once you've removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any screen that is left the frame. This will ensure a secure and straight fit on all sides of your frame after you install the spline.

After you have a clear frame and the new screen material cut to size, it's time to install the new spline. Begin with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining tool. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Continue this process for each of the shorter sides of the frame. While you work, apply tape or spring clamps to keep the screen taut.

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