Patio Screen Door Repair - How to Do it Yourself A worn or torn screen door isn't just unsightly; it provides a convenient entryway for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Although there are services that will repair your patio screen door, it is fairly simple to do the job yourself. Lay the screen flat on a surface. Remove the handle from the screen by removing the screws holding it in place. Damaged Screens It's not a surprise that your door or window screens will develop holes and tears due to weather animals, children, and pets. These damaged sections are not just ugly, but they also let insects and flies to enter your home. Fortunately, fixing the problem is fairly easy. Patch kits and screen repair tap are quick fixes for minor damage. However, they won't work as well on larger problems. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to properly repair and replace your windows and doors for screen. Examining the damage is the first step. Is the frame salvageable, or does it need to be replaced? It is important to take into consideration this since windows and door screen frames are more susceptible to being damaged than mesh. A bent frame can cause the screen to move out of its alignment, leading to holes and weak areas in the mesh. Once you've determined whether the frame is salvageable or not, you can begin addressing the mesh itself. You'll need a few tools to accomplish this task. This requires a spline roll for pressing the spline in the frame, an utility knife and scissors. These tools will ensure accuracy and durability when you make repairs. If you have a large hole, begin by cutting away 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 larger than the damaged area. If your window has a grid pattern, make sure that the patch matches with it. Trim the edges to eliminate any imperfections. Fold over the ends of spline to hide them. When you are purchasing a replacement screen, you should consider the climate in your area. Aluminum screens are strong and resistant to snags while fiberglass mesh is popular for its affordability and flexibility. You might also choose a specially designed insect screen mesh if you live in an area that is plagued with mosquitoes and other insects. Whatever type of screen you select, remember to stretch the material tautly over the frame to prevent sagging and wrinkles. Broken Rollers A broken roller on your patio screen door can be a harrowing issue. It can make sliding the door difficult and allow bugs to get inside your home. The good news is, repair of your rollers isn't as expensive or complicated as replacing your door. Begin by looking at your rollers to identify the issue. You may find that the wheel has sunk or worn out on one end because of constant contact with the track. The wheels are usually mounted as a push fit on the bracket, so you may be able to put a screwdriver between it and the bracket and attempt to push it off. If you can't get the roller to come off, it may be beneficial to spray the shaft with WD-40 prior to trying again. It's recommended to look at the tracks from both at the top and bottom. Straighten bent tracks by hammering a piece of wood against the bent part. It is essential to wash the tracks well as they could collect grit and dust. Once you have identified the type of roller that is damaged and you are able to purchase the replacement. Bring your old rollers to the hardware store so that you can be sure you're buying the correct model. Some doors have more than one roller, so be sure to buy enough rollers to replace them all. Use a screwdriver on the inside of the door frame near the rollers to loosen the screws or bolts that adjust the door. After the screws are loose, you can remove the rollers from the bottom. This step is best done by someone else so that you don't have to make use of your hands. After installing the new roller, the door can then be raised, and the bolts or screws for adjustment can be tightened. Make sure to verify the alignment of the rollers and track, too. If everything is properly positioned, your patio screen door should be able to slide effortlessly into its place. Damaged Frame If your screen door is getting caught against the frame, there are many solutions to correct it. First, ensure that the hinges are in good condition. A hinge that is loose can cause a door to become stuck, which means it will stop when you open or close the door. If they're loose make sure you tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work then you may need to sand the frame's top. Another common problem with screen doors is a decaying frame. This can be expensive to repair, since it typically requires replacing the entire frame. To avoid this, be on the lookout for signs of rot and treat them as soon as you notice them. Check for signs of decay by observing wood that looks darker than the rest of the frame. Keep an eye out for areas where the wood is beginning to bow or warp. Call a professional if you observe any of these issues. You can fix damaged frames by using mesh adhesive patch kits, which costs between $2 and $7. The kit includes a tiny piece of mesh and glue that can be used to cover any holes in your screen. If the damage is minor, you can try to repair it with wood filler. To accomplish this, you'll need to apply the wood filler on the affected area and wait for it to dry before sanding it smooth. You can buy a framelift which is a metallic structure that is bolted to your existing frame that lifts it up. This can be very expensive however it is the best choice if your frame is badly damaged or completely decayed. You can create an easy leg for your screen door by using a scrap of wood or an old display stand for your photo frame. Then, attach the brackets or wire to the back of the frame to hang it on the wall. You can also attach a piece of felt on the bottom to protect the wall from scratches. Broken Splines A broken screen spline can be just as annoying to manage as damaged doors or frames. It may seem like something minor that could be ignored, but letting it go too long could allow pests such as mosquitoes and flies to get through. This could quickly turn into an issue that is more serious and could result in more expensive repairs or even a new screen door. It is simple to replace a broken spline, especially if you have the right tools. First, you'll need to take off the old screen door spline. You can do this by laying the screen door frame flat on any surface such as a table or the ground. Remove the spline by using a screwdriver. If the spline has gotten particularly worn or brittle, it may break as you try to remove it from the groove. When you're removing the old spline make sure that you take off any caulking that has been used to hold the spline in place. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ will help ensure that the new spline is properly fitted into the grooves. Make use of a utility blade to cut the excess screen around the frame after you have removed the old spline. This will ensure that you get a clean, tight fit on all sides of the frame when you install the new spline. Installing the new spline is straightforward after you've cleaned the frame and cut the new screen material to size. Start by putting it on one of the short sides of the frame. Roll the spline into the screen channel using your splining device. Continue to roll the spline, pressing it into as you go. Continue this process for each of the short sides of the frame. While you are working, use spring clamps or tape to keep the screen taut. Once you have splined each of the short sides of the frame move to the other side and repeat the process. Complete by splining both of the bottom and top edges of the frame.