Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself

A damaged or worn-out screen door for your patio sliding doors repair is not only unsightly, but it also serves as an entryway for pests like mosquitoes and Flies. There are a variety of solutions to repair your patio doors with screen, however, it is a simple task to do yourself.

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

Damaged Screens

Between weather, pets and kids It's no wonder that tears and holes will surely be found in your window or door screens. In addition to being ugly, these damaged sections allow pests and flies into your home. The good news is that fixing these problems is fairly simple. Patch kits and screen repair taps are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they don't work as well on larger issues. This step-bystep guide will show you how to repair and replace your screen doors and windows.

Analyzing the damage is the first step. Can you salvage the frame or will it require replacement? This is vital because, as a rule, window and door screen frames are more prone to damage than the mesh. A bent frame could cause the screen to be out of alignment and create holes or weak spots.

Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable, you can begin to tackle the mesh. You'll require a few essential tools to complete this task. A spline roller that presses the spline into the frame, a utility knife and scissors are all required to complete the process. These tools will guarantee precision and durability when you make repairs.

If you have an extensive hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as you can to create a clean opening. Then cut a patch of the new screen material to ensure it is at least a half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. Match the patch to your window's grid pattern in the event that it has one. Then cut the edges of the patch to eliminate any imperfections and fold them over the top of the spline to cover them.

Take into consideration the climate of your area when purchasing a replacement screen. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is a favorite because of its cost and flexibility. You might also choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if your area is a victim of mosquitoes and other pests. Whichever type of screen you choose make sure you stretch the material tautly over the frame to avoid sagging and wrinkles.

Broken Rollers

A damaged roller can be a frustrating problem. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow insects to enter your home. The good news is, repairing your rollers isn't nearly as expensive or complicated as replacing your door.

Start by examining the rollers to determine what the problem is. It could be that the wheel is flattened or worn out on one end due to constant contact with track. The wheels are usually mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you might be able to insert an screwdriver between it and the bracket and attempt to push it off. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it could be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again.

It's an excellent idea to examine the tracks, top and bottom. If they're bent, you can straighten them by holding a block of wood against the bent area and beating it with a Hammer. It's important to clean out the tracks, too because they can hold dirt and sand.

Once you've identified the type of roller that's broken, you can purchase a replacement. Make sure to bring your old rollers to the hardware store to ensure you buy the correct type. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all.

Use an screwdriver inside of your door frame near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom of the door. This is best done by a third party so that you don't have to make use of your hands.

After the new roller has been 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 correctly positioned, your patio doors repair screen door will slide easily into place.

Frame Damaged

If your screen door is rubbing against the frame, there are a variety of ways to correct it. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. A door could be bowed if the hinges are loose. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you may require sanding the top of the frame to smooth it.

A frayed frame is another frequent issue with screen doors. It is costly to repair as the frame will need to be replaced. To avoid this, be on the lookout for any signs of rot. Make sure to treat them as soon as you notice them. Look for signs of rot by looking for soft wood that appears darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye on areas where the wood patio door repair has started to bow or warp. If you find any of these issues contact an expert.

A mesh adhesive patch kit can be used to fix a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 and $7. The kit includes small pieces of mesh and glue that you can use to repair any holes in the screen. If the damage isn't too severe it is possible to fix it with wood filler. To do this apply the filler on the area that is damaged, wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth.

Framelifts can be purchased which is a metallic structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it. This can be a costly option, but it can be the best option in cases where your frame is badly damaged or is completely damaged or has rotted.

You can build a simple leg for your screen door with wood patio door repair scraps or an old display stand for your photo frame. Connect wires or brackets to the back of the frame, allowing you to place the frame on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt to the frame's bottom to shield your wall from scratches.

Broken Splines

A broken screen spline is just as frustrating as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like a problem that can be ignored. If you allow it to linger for too long, pests such as insects and mosquitoes can get through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale that could lead to costly repairs or a new screen door.

It is simple to replace a broken spline, particularly if you have the right tools. Before you begin, you must remove the old spline from the screen door frame. You can do this by placing the frame of the screen door flat on any surface like a table or a floor. Pull the spline out by using a screwdriver. If the spline is extremely worn or brittle it could break when you attempt to take it from the groove.

When you are removing the old spline make 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.

Make use of a utility knife to cut the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline.

When you have a clean 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 then begin rolling it using your splining tool to work it into the screen channel. Continue rolling the spline, and pushing it into the screen channel as you go. Repeat this process on each short side of the frame. While you work, apply tape or spring clamps to keep the screen taut.

Repeat the process on the opposite side after you have completed the splining of all short sides. Finalize by splining the top and bottom of the frame.