Screen doors are a very important part of a sliding door system. They allow users to allow a fresh breeze into their home without letting an army of bugs inside. If the screen is damaged, this protection becomes compromised. Components on the door such as the rollers can become jammed or broken over time, causing the screen to not operate correctly. Instead of removing your sliding screen door altogether, take a look at some of these helpful tips on how to repair it yourself.
Broken Rollers
To save on manufacturing costs, many screen door companies use cheap plastic rollers on their doors. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as they work quite well when in good condition. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the plastic to chip or break. Objects that fall into the roller track can cause the rollers to jam or break entirely. Signs that your sliding door screen has damaged rollers include:
1) The door refusing to move
2) The door opens roughly
3) You hear a squeaky or scratching sound when opening
To get the door rolling smoothly again, the rollers must be replaced. Remove the screen by lifting it out of the track. Remove the rollers on the top and bottom of the door with a screwdriver. The rollers attach to the door with special brackets, which are different from door to door. Take them to your home improvement store when purchasing new rollers so you know which ones to get. Install the new hardware in the same spots and replace the door. Smooth operation should occur.
Short Door
If the door continuously falls out of the track, the door sill may be adjusted too small. In this case, sliding screen doors will fall out because they are not held into the track tightly. Most sliding door rails are adjustable with a simple screwdriver. Start by finding the rail adjustment screws at the top and bottom of the screen door. Unscrew them partially until the rail becomes loose. Push the rail in the direction of the track until the fit is tight, then quickly re-tighten the screws.
Holes in Screen Material
Damage to the screen material is perhaps the most common type of repair done on a screen door. Children and pets have a tendency to scratch and bump up against this material, often resulting in small tears which can propagate into larger ones. The tools needed for this repair are quite cheap and are easy to use. The easiest method is to use adhesive patch kits. Start by cutting a small square of patch, allowing for at least 1/2 inch space overlapping the hole. Align the screen’s holes and then press firmly across the whole surface.
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