Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself A damaged or worn screen door isn't just ugly; it's also a an ideal entry point for flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. While there are services to repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the work yourself. Lay the screen flat on a work surface. Remove the handle from that side by removing the screws that hold it in the position. Damaged Screens Between the elements children, pets, and weather, it's no surprise that holes and tears will surely be found in your window or door screens. Aside from being unsightly, these damaged sections allow pests and flies into your home. Repairing these problems is simple. While patch kits and screen repair tape offer an easy fix for minor damage, they aren't suited to more serious issues. This step-by-step guide will demonstrate how to replace and repair your screens' windows and doors. Examining the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable or does it require to be replaced? This is important because, as a rule windows and door screen frames are more prone to damage than mesh. A bent frame may cause the screen to become out of alignment and create holes or weak spots. After you've decided whether the frame can be salvaged, you can begin to work on the mesh. For this job, you'll need a few essential tools. A spline roller for pressing the spline into the frame, an utility knife and scissors are all required for this process. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you make repairs. If you're dealing with a large hole, start by removing as much of the old screen as possible to create a clean opening. Then cut a patch of the new screen material so that it is at a minimum half inch bigger all around than the damaged area. If your window has grid patterns, be sure to match the patch with it. Trim the edges to remove any irregularities. Fold over the spline's ends to hide them. When you are purchasing a replacement screen, you should think about the climate in your region. Fiberglass mesh is a popular option for its flexibility and affordability and aluminum screens provide durability and snag-proofing. You might also select a special insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitos and other pests. Whatever type of screen material you select, make sure that you stretch it tight across the frame to prevent sagging or wrinkles. Broken Rollers A damaged roller on your patio screen door can be a harrowing trouble. 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 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 flattened or worn out on one end because of the constant contact with the track. The wheels are typically mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to insert an screwdriver between it and the bracket and attempt to push off the roller. If you're unable to get the roller to come off, it might be beneficial to spray the shaft area with WD-40 before trying again. It is also important to check the tracks from top to the bottom. You can straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent part. It's essential to clean the tracks, too as they could hold sand and grit. Once you've identified what kind of roller that's broken you can buy a replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you are sure you're buying the right type. If your door has more than one roller, you'll need to purchase enough to replace all of them. Use a screwdriver to the inside of your door frame, near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts for adjustment. After the screws are loose, you can take the rollers from the bottom. It is recommended to have someone help you with this step, so that you can unwind your hands to focus on removing the rollers. After the new roller has been installed, the door can be raised back into place and the adjustment screws or bolts can be tightened. Check the alignment of both the track and rollers. If everything is in its proper position, your patio screen should slide into place easily. Damaged Frame If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are several solutions to correct it. Make sure the hinges are secure. A hinge that is loose could cause doors to bind, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose, tighten the hinge screws. If this fails, you may have to sand the frame's top to make it smooth. A frayed frame is another frequent issue with screen doors. It can be costly to repair as the frame needs to be replaced. To avoid this, keep looking for signs of decay. Treat them as soon you notice them. You should look for wood that is darker than the rest. Be on the lookout for any areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. If you find any of these problems you should contact an expert. A mesh patch kit can be used to repair a damaged frame. The cost of these kits is between $2 to $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue which you can use to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is minor you can attempt to repair it with wood filler. To do this, apply the filler to the damaged area, then wait for it to dry, then sand it smooth. You can buy a framelift, which is a metal structure that is bolted to your frame that raises it up. It can be expensive, but it can be the best option if your frame is severely damaged or is completely decayed. You can build an easy leg for your screen door by using scraps of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, attach an anchor or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can add a piece felt to the bottom of the frame to protect the wall from scratches. Broken Splines A damaged screen spline can be just as frustrating to deal with as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like an issue that is easy to ignore. However, if you leave it unattended for too long, pests like mosquitoes and flies may slip through. This could quickly become the issue of a bigger scale, resulting in expensive repairs or the need for a new screen door. It is simple to repair a damaged spline, particularly when you have the proper tools. You will first need to remove the old screen door spline. This can be accomplished by laying the frame flat on a surface such as a table, or the ground. Utilize a screwdriver to pull through the free spline and pull it out. If the spline has gotten especially worn or brittle, it may break as you attempt to remove it from the groove. When you're removing the old spline, ensure that you remove any caulking that has been used to keep the spline in place. This will ensure that the new spline is able to fit into the grooves. Once you've removed all the old spline, use a knife to cut any excess screen from the frame. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-cambridge/ will ensure that you have a tight, clean fit on all sides of the frame when you put in the new spline. Installing the new spline is simple after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new material to size. Start on the short side 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 to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Repeat this process on each side of the frame. While you are working make sure to keep the screen taut using spring clamps or tape. Repeat the process on the other side once you have completed the splining of all the short sides. Complete by splining both of the top and bottom edges of the frame.