Repairing Guides

how to repair a screen door frame

by Kenneth Reichel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Take Measurements. If the door frame is totally broken it is recommended to replace the entire screen door. ...
  2. Cut the Lumber. Wear a pair of safety glasses and proceed by cutting the frame pieces with the circular saw. ...
  3. Install the Frame Pieces. Now that the new frame pieces are cut to the measured size, you can start setting up the frame again.
  4. Apply the Stain. Before attaching the screening, paint the frame with some wood stain to give a great look to the door.
  5. Attach the Screening. If the screening is not damaged you can use the same one for the new door, otherwise, it is better to replace it rather ...

Part of a video titled Fix This: How To Fix A Screen Door - YouTube
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Make sure your screen stays tight and flat beginning at one corner use a roller on the splineMoreMake sure your screen stays tight and flat beginning at one corner use a roller on the spline installation tool compress the screaming to the groove. Make sure your screen stays tight and flat.

Full Answer

How to restore a vintage screen door?

  • Put on rubber gloves and squirt two to three drops of dish detergent into a bucket of water.
  • Wash the aluminum door with a large sponge and the soapy water.
  • Rinse the storm door with clean water and the sponge.
  • Dry the aluminum storm door with clean, dry rags.
  • Apply an aluminum cleaner to the storm door.

How much does a screen door repair cost?

To replace a screen panel in a typical 3-foot-by-6-foot slider, a replacement service at a home center or hardware store will charge $42, which includes the labor and material. You can do the job for $27, the cost of the material, screening fabric, spline, a screen spline tool and spray silicone.

How do you fix a screen door?

Screen Door – Supplies

  • Roller Tool
  • Mesh Screening
  • Spline (2 bags)
  • Screwdriver
  • Utility Knife
  • Scissors

How do you repair screen doors?

Things You'll Need

  • Clear nail polish
  • Scrap screening
  • Needle
  • Strong thread (heavy-duty or polyester)
  • Straightedge or utility knife
  • Window screen patch
  • Painter's tape
  • Waterproof silicone glue
  • Microfiber cloth

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How do you fix a storm door screen frame?

0:291:40How to rescreen a Forever Storm Door insert - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your rigid screen spline to lay it flat in one of the corners of your frame with the inner edgeMoreTake your rigid screen spline to lay it flat in one of the corners of your frame with the inner edge under the lip of the screen frame. Then begin rolling it on the outer edge of the spline.

How do you fix a broken frame on a screen?

0:223:26DIY: How to Fix Window Screens & Replace Aluminum ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith everything needed in front of you it's time to assemble your screen first lay out your frame onMoreWith everything needed in front of you it's time to assemble your screen first lay out your frame on a flat surface. Then insert the corners to create the frame insert.

How do you reattach a screen to a frame?

1:574:09Replacing a Window Screen 5-Steps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart in one corner. And pry up your spline. On all four sides of the frame to remove the screen.MoreStart in one corner. And pry up your spline. On all four sides of the frame to remove the screen. Step two is to align your new screen over those grooves.

Can window screen frames be repaired?

Measure your broken window, or bring it into one of our shops and we can fix the window by installing a new mesh screen. If the frame has also been damaged we can make a new screen that fits in the existing window. We can repair or make replacement mesh screens for all window and door sizes.

Does screen repair tape work?

0:050:48Window Screen Repair - Screen Patch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you just press it in place and it does a fantastic job of just locking on to the screen andMoreAnd then you just press it in place and it does a fantastic job of just locking on to the screen and it completely covers the hole.

How do you make a screen frame?

1:389:29How To Build a Window Screen - Using a Frame Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we could use a larger 7/16 thick frame screen frame or the more common which is what we're goingMoreSo we could use a larger 7/16 thick frame screen frame or the more common which is what we're going to use is 5/16 those are the ones that Missy. And kids and they're just going to be more readily.

How do you attach screen material to frame?

0:004:47Instructional Video: Installing the Screen to the Frame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace your clip in on the vertical. And then pull directly across sliding your top running markMorePlace your clip in on the vertical. And then pull directly across sliding your top running mark letting your margin up with the horizontal.

How do you attach a screen to a wood frame?

4:4913:39How to install screening on A Porch. Screening a Porch How To - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you get the screen on one side stapled all the way down across the top and all the way down onMoreOnce you get the screen on one side stapled all the way down across the top and all the way down on one side then you're starting to work from the top pulling pulling.

How do you attach a screen to a metal frame?

1:192:44How-to Install Aluminum Window Screen - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the convex or rounded end of the spline tool to crease the screen into the channel. NextMoreTake the convex or rounded end of the spline tool to crease the screen into the channel. Next starting at a corner take. The new spline.

How do you make a window frame fixed?

1:0028:58We Made 5 DIY Windows from 2x4s and Saved $1,500 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so here is a side section of the stud. With the crazy shape that is our window frame inside ofMoreOkay so here is a side section of the stud. With the crazy shape that is our window frame inside of it and to match the windows that we have on the house we want them to be three inches wide.

How do I repair a hole in my screen porch?

0:412:57Easy Way to Patch a Screen Porch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCoated side against the screen covering the damaged area hold the hairdryer. At a distance of oneMoreCoated side against the screen covering the damaged area hold the hairdryer. At a distance of one inch. And using the high heat setting. Apply heat until the screen mint adheres to the screen let's.

How do you fix a metal screen door?

0:203:26Fix This: How To Fix A Screen Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnything you do on your screen door also works for your screens on your windows. So take a look veryMoreAnything you do on your screen door also works for your screens on your windows. So take a look very step remove the screen door you will need a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the adjustment screws.

How do you Remesh a window screen?

0:071:29How to Repair or Replace a Window Screen | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith all four sides secure trim away the excess material. Using a utility blade or scissors. TakingMoreWith all four sides secure trim away the excess material. Using a utility blade or scissors. Taking care not to cut into the spline. Then reinstall your window screen and enjoy the fresh air pest.

How do you fix frame mesh?

1:364:28How to replace screen printing mesh - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition the way that i work with these is to push the cord in very lightly all the way around theMorePosition the way that i work with these is to push the cord in very lightly all the way around the frame. So that the mesh is just held in place.

How do you fix a loose screen on a window?

1:095:30How To Fix a Window Screen For Cheap - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEspecially if you already have the frame. And so all you have to do is replace the screen materialMoreEspecially if you already have the frame. And so all you have to do is replace the screen material itself. So they actually sell a roll of screen material in different lengths.

How do you glue screen mesh?

Silk screen mesh bonding can be carried out quickly and effectively with cyanoacrylate adhesive and if necessary, a cyanoacrylate activator. The process is simple and will have a screen print frame up and running again in a relatively short time compared with some other mesh bonding adhesives.

How to get a spline out of a screen door?

There should be a tiny rubbery strip in that groove. This is called the SPLINE. Find the loose end of the spline, pull it out (a flat head screwdriver can help) and pull the whole spline out.

How to make a screen for a hole?

Steps: Cut your screen to be slightly larger than your hole. Place the screen over the hole. Hold in place with the stir stick or similar. Heat up the heat gun. Apply heat where the patch is, enough to slightly melt the plastic and stick it to the underlying screen.

What is patching a screen?

Patching a screen is an option for small holes in door and window screen.

What to do if you have holes in screen?

If you have a few holes in a screen or want a perfect like-new look, replac ing the screen material is the right choice.

How much screen is beyond the spline?

Roll out the new screen and cut so there is about 1 inch of excess screen beyond the spline.

Step 1: Prepare a work surface

First, you’ll need a work surface to support the door or screen panel. This surface could be a workbench, a pair of sawhorses covered with some plywood, or even your picnic table.

Step 2: Measure

Now measure the width and length of the door. Plan on buying screening material wide and long enough so you have an extra 2 inches or so of the screen on all sides.

Step 3: Pry out the spline

Use a flat screwdriver or knife to pry out one bit of the spline, then pull the rest out.

Step 4: Unroll the screen material over the door

Give yourself a couple of inches of overlap, or as much as possible, around the perimeter of the door.

Step 5: Cut the spline

Cut the spline into lengths that roughly match the screen’s perimeter, giving yourself a little extra to trim later.

Step 6: Repeat on the long sides

Now move your spring clamps from the opposite short side and spline that section. Once the short sides are complete, repeat the process on the long sides.

Step 7: Trim excess screen

Once the entire perimeter is splined, you’ll need to trim the excess screen.

In This Article

In the hot summer months when you leave your back door, front door, or patio door open to circulate fresh air in the house, a screen door may be all that stands between you and hoards of hungry mosquitoes. It can't protect you if the screen is torn or damaged, and if you have pets or small children, that's an all-too-likely scenario.

Shopping for a New Screen

Manufacturers gauge screen transparency by the number of mesh openings per inch, and they measure in two directions: from side to side and from top to bottom. The conventional screen mesh is 18 x 16, which means there are 18 mesh openings per inch from side to side and 16 from top to bottom.

You May Need New Spline

Screen spline is a flexible vinyl cord you push into the groove around the screen opening to hold the screen in place.

How to Fix Your Screen Door

You don't need many tools to rescreen a door or install a window screen, but a spline roller is essential. This is the tool you use to push the screen into the groove and to install the spline.

Step 1: Take Down the Door and Lay It Flat

If the door has a pneumatic or spring closer, unscrew it from the door using a Phillips screwdriver. You can leave the other end's door closer attached to the door frame. Unscrew the hinges from the door and then remove the door and lay it on a flat surface with the screen side facing up.

Step 2: Remove the Old Spline and Screen

Locate the end of the spline, which is usually in a corner, and work a flat-head screwdriver under it to force it out of the groove. Grasp the end with your fingers or with pliers, pull gently, and continue pulling to remove all the spline from that side of the door. Repeat for the other three sides.

Step 3: Prepare the New Screen

Unroll enough screen from a roll to cover the screen opening, allowing an overlap of at least 2 inches on all sides. Cut the screen from the roll using a utility knife. A knife works for both fiberglass and metal screening.

How to remove a screen from a door frame?

Using a small screwdriver (or a nail), pry up and remove the old spline from the groove around the frame. This is the strip of material that holds the screen in a groove all around the door.

How to secure a screen on a frame?

With these two sides installed, move to the long opposite side and, starting at the top again, gently pull the screen fabric so it is slightly taut across the frame, and secure it with spline embedded loosely into the spline grooves. You should see the screen take on a nice smooth appearance as you work your way down the side of the frame.

How to remove screen fabric?

Remove the Old Screen Fabric. Using a small screwdriver (or a nail), pry up and remove the old spline from the groove around the frame. If it is in good shape (not brittle, dried out, or broken) and comes out intact, it may be carefully reused. Usually, though, you'll replace it with new spline.

What is screen fabric made of?

Screen fabric can be made of either aluminum or fiberglass and is held in place within the window frame using a simple, flexible gasket called a retainer spline that fits into a retainer groove that pinches the screen fabric in place.

Why does my screen pucker?

If you see a pucker or slack area appear, it is because you are changing the tension or tautness of the screen as you are rolling the spline into place. If a pucker appears, gently lift the offending section of the spline out of the track and reinstall.

Where to trim screen material?

Trim the extra screen material right at the edge of the retaining spline with the razor blade , creating a neat appearance.

Can a dog tear a screen door?

An over-exuberant dog, especially, can cause a screen tear that will need to be fixed. Fortunately, repairing a screen door and getting professional-looking results is fairly easy.

How to cut a frame with a circular saw?

Wear a pair of safety glasses and proceed by cutting the frame pieces with the circular saw. Make sure to hold the wood as steady as possible while cutting so that the new frame pieces will fit exactly in the existing frame. If you will find it difficult to handle the lumber while cutting, it’s better to ask for some assistance to hold the lumber firmly.

Can you replace a broken screen door?

If the door frame is totally broken it is recommended to replace the entire screen door. Otherwise, you can replace only the parts of the frame that are damaged. Hence, detach the damaged parts from the frame by removing the old nails using the curved part of the hammer (the claw). Then measure the size of the damaged parts in order to determine the exact size of the new frame piece.

Can you use the same screen for a new door?

If the screening is not damaged you can use the same one for the new door, otherwise it is better to replace rather than trying to repair it with some patches. Hence, position the screening on the wooden frame and use the staple gun to attach it to the frame. Remember to handle the staple gun properly to avoid any unwanted incidents. Once ready, position the door back in place by attaching it to the door hinges.

How to fix a bent storm door screen?

However, there are certain instances that may bend the door frame as well. The problem lies with the material used for the door frame. If it is made out of wrought iron, only a strong physical force may bend it. This can be fixed by using the hammer method to bend the frame back. However, aluminum door frames usually become bent a lot easier than steel because the material more flexible. Wooden door frames also get bent when exposed to moisture and heat after several repeated intervals. When confronted with a storm door screen with bent frames, here are some steps to follow.

How to fix a bend in a metal frame?

If the material is made from some rigid metal, a hammer may fix the bend. Check where the bend occurs and use the hammer to straighten it back. You may use a block of wood to cover the area to avoid having the hammer damage the surface of the frame.

Why does a wooden door frame expand?

Wooden frames usually expand and contract due to shifting temperatures in addition to moisture. When the wooden frame is bent, the problem may be solved by using a planer to level the frame. This should be done only if tightening the screws on the wooden frame does not work. Since the bent portion may be hard to fix using any other material, the best remedy is to plane the bent portion until it is level with the door.

Can you use a hammer to bend aluminum doors?

For aluminum doors, never use a hammer because the material is fragile. Since the material is flexible enough, using soft pliers may do the job. Get a piece of cardboard to cover the surface of the bent aluminum before sinking in the teeth of the pliers. Use the pliers to slowly bend the aluminum back to its correct position.

How to get old screen out of groove?

Pry out the old spline that is holding the old screen into the grooves. A flat head screwdriver works for this step.

How to trim screen spline?

Using a utility knife or scissors, trim the outer edges of the screen close to the spline.

How to cut a spline in a corner?

Cut the spline when you reach a corner and press the end tip into the corner.

Where to insert roller tool on door?

Insert the roller tool over the screen into the groove on the right side of the door.

Do you need to lift a sliding screen door?

For a sliding screen door, you’ll need to lift it out of its tracks.

Can a screen door be repaired?

Screen doors can take a beating. Between pets or moving furniture in and out, screens can get torn or pushed out. Learning how to fix a screen door is possible for an avid DIYer. The tools are affordable, and you may already have some of them. Even if you don’t have pets, you may still want to pay extra for a tough, pet-resistant screen. You’d be surprised how much damage a curious bird or mouse can do to a screen.

How to remove old screen material?

Use the flat-blade screwdriver to pry the staples up that fasten the screen material to the frame, then remove the old screen material.

How to make a wood screen?

Wood-framed window screens are constructed by stretching a piece of screen fabric over the opening, stapling it in place, trimming it to size, then covering the cut edges of the screen with thin pieces of screen molding nailed to the wooden frame. The big challenge is to get the fabric taut and smooth over the opening; unless you do, the fabric will sag and billow.

How to attach screen to window?

There are several ways to stretch and attach screening, but the approach described here is sometimes known as the "cleat-and-wedge" method. It uses a 1 x 2 cleat temporarily attached to a work surface. The window frame is laid flat on the work surface next to the cleat, and the screen fabric is loosely laid over the opening and stapled down at one end to the bottom of the window opening and at the other end to the cleat. Then, wedges are driven into the gap between the window frame and the cleat. This pushes the frame away from the cleat, thereby stretching the screen fabric taut. The screen can then be stapled in place onto the window frame for a perfect fit.

How to staple screen fabric?

Staple the screen fabric along the bottom of the frame opening, spacing the staples every 2 inches. Work from the center outward along the opening, and make sure the screen fabric is stretched tight along the bottom edge.

Where to insert wedges in a screen?

Insert the wedges into the space between the cleat and the top of the screen frame from both sides.

What is window screening made of?

At one time, window screening was usually a metal fabric, but today it's more common to use screening made of fiberglass mesh, which is more durable and easier to install than metal screening.

Can you staple a screen on a window frame?

The screen can then be stapled in place onto the window frame for a perfect fit. If your wood window frame uses retaining spline instead of staples to fasten the screen to the frame, then use the same technique used to repair an aluminum frame screen door .

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