Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself
A damaged or worn screen door is not just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for mosquitoes, flies and other pests. There are numerous solutions to repair your patio doors with screen, but it is easy to do yourself.
First, lay the screen on a flat work surface. Remove balcony door repair repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk from the screen by removing the screws that hold it in place.
Screens damaged
Between weather children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that tears and holes will surely appear on your window or door screens. These damaged parts are not just ugly, but they also let pests and flies into your home. Repairing these issues is fairly simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape provide an easy fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to larger issues. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to properly repair and replace your screen doors and windows.
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Is the frame salvageable or does it need to be replaced? It is important to consider this as the frames of window and door screens are more susceptible to being damaged than the mesh. A bent frame can pull the screen out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak spots in the mesh.
Once you've determined whether or not the frame can be salvaged and you're ready to build the mesh. You'll need some essential tools to complete the task. This process requires a spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you do repairs.
If you're dealing with an extensive hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as is possible to make a clear opening. Then cut a patch of new screen material so that it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window is designed with grid patterns, be sure to match the patch with it. Finally, trim the edges of the patch to remove any irregularities and fold over the ends of the spline to cover them.
Take into consideration the climate of your region when purchasing a replacement screen. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option due to its flexibility and cost and aluminum screens provide strength and snag-resistance. You might also opt for a specialized insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is a victim of mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever type of screen you pick be sure to stretch the material tightly over the frame to prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Broken Rollers
A broken roller can be a frustrating issue. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is, fixing your rollers won't be nearly as expensive or difficult as replacing your door.
Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. 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 typically a push fit on the bracket, and you might be able to put a screwdriver behind the roller between the bracket and the roller, and try to lever off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to lift off, it might be helpful to spritz the shaft area with WD-40 prior to trying again.
It is also important to check the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a block of wood against the bent part. It is crucial to wash the tracks well, as they may accumulate dust and grit.
After you've identified the type of roller that is damaged, you can buy a replacement. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you purchase the right type. 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, close to the rollers. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. This is best performed by a person else so that you don't need to make use of your hands.
After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised and the adjustment screws or bolts are tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers as well as the track, as well. If everything is in order your patio screen door should be able to slide effortlessly into its place.
Damaged Frame
There are several ways to fix your screen door to stop it from rubbing against the frame. First, make sure the hinges are in good condition. A door could be bowed in the event that the hinges are loose. If they are loose, just tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working it is possible to sand down the frame's top.
Another issue that is common to screen doors is a decaying frame. It can be expensive to fix as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the eye out for signs of rot and address them when you spot them. Find soft wood that is darker than the rest. Keep an eye on areas that have started to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems contact an expert.
Repairing damaged frames with mesh adhesive patch kits costing between $2-$7. The kit includes small pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage is not too significant you could also try fixing it with a wood filler. To do this, you'll need to apply the wood filler to the area that is damaged and wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth.
Framelifts can be purchased which is a metallic structure that is bolted on to your existing frame that lifts it. It is a costly option, but is the best if your frame has been badly damaged or rotted.
You can create an easy leg for your screen door with wood scraps or an old photo frame display stand. Connect wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to place the frame on the wall. You can even attach a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to shield your wall from scratches.
Broken Splines
A broken screen spline is similar to damaged doors or frames. This may appear to be a problem that can be ignored. If you let it go for too long, pests such as mosquitoes and flies can slip through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or a new door screen.
It is easy to replace a broken screen spline if you have the right tools. First, you'll need remove the old screen door spline. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a work surface, such as a table or the ground. Pull the spline out with the screwdriver. If the spline is especially worn or brittle you may discover that it breaks when you try to pull it out of the groove.
When you take off the old spline, be sure you remove the caulking used to hold it in place. This will help ensure that the new spline will fit in the grooves.
Once you've removed all the old spline, use a utility knife to trim any screen that is left around the frame. This will ensure that you get an even, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.
Installing the new spline is straightforward after you have cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start with one of the shorter sides of the frame. Place the spline on top, and then begin rolling it using your splining device to work it into the screen channel. Continue to roll the spline, pushing it in as you move. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work try to keep the screen taut using tape or spring clamps.
Repeat the process on the opposite side once you have completed the splining process for all the short sides. Finally, finish by splining the top and bottom of the frame.