Screen Door Repair

Screen doors offer one of the great pleasures of modern life: fresh air without any bugs. More homes than ever are coming with hybrid indoor/outdoor designs these days, and in warm weather regions like Florida and California, such open architecture can be a major selling point. The problem with screen doors, of course, is that they are considerably less robust than their hardwood counterparts, making them prone to cracks, rips and worse. Thankfully it is exceedingly simple to repair a screen door on your own.

If you bought your home with the screen door included or don’t recall where you got it, you will want to investigate what the screen is made of. Most inexpensive screens are made of polyester core, or “poly core” and is essentially a plastic screen that comes in cheap, convenient rolls. Some older doors may house aluminum or even bronze. These are considerably hardier materials, making them tougher to tear and damage.

A variety of ailments can infect screen doors, from issues with balance and rolling to cracks and tears. If you have a sliding door that no longer slides, the most likely culprit is an obstruction in the track. Close inspection is usually rewarded here, as pebbles, twigs and seeds tending to work their way down to the seams where they are nearly invisible. If the track appears clear and washing it doesn’t help, the problem most likely lies in the rollers.

Screen doors weigh next to nothing, which is how manufactures get away with using wheels that are as flimsy as they fragile. Most contain no ball bearings or lubrication, leaving them especially vulnerable to wear and warp. If you suspect this is the problem, lift the door off the track and remove the wheels with a screwdriver, then head to the hardware store. You should be able to find appropriate replacements in a matter of minutes.

The problem could also lie in the door frame itself. Warp or flawed design can create improper shapes in screen doors which is not a good problem to have when it’s supposed to lay flush along the top and bottom. Check for 90-degree angles and proper length. If the door is too short, it could simply be slipping out of the track because it lacks a tension fit. Thankfully, most doors can be lengthened manually using screws along the upper edges to compensate for this common problem.

If the door is simply misshapen beyond repair, it is time to get a new one. Most hardware stores offer dozens of designs, latching mechanisms and materials to suit any home. You may want to consider stronger stainless steel and hardwood construction, particularly if you don’t relish the thought of repeating such repairs in the future.

Of course, even if the door is sliding beautifully, it makes little difference if the screen is ripped. Screen door repair requires removing such screens entirely and replacing them with new, unbroken panels of mesh. Depending on the tools you have handy and what kind of material you’re working with, this is a job that can take a couple hours. You’ll be grateful you did it, however as new screens let in more air and provoke less anxiety.

Lift the door off the track or hinges and remove the handle, giving you ready access to the spline and screen. Most splines can simply be peeled from the frame, and a visual inspection will help determine if you need a new one. Next, simply lift out the screen and discard it. Cut a new piece that exceeds the dimensions of the opening by a couple inches per side, then lay it squarely on the frame. Use a spline roller (available at most hardware stores) to press the spline back into place, then cut away the excess screen mesh with a utility knife. If the frame is sturdy, your new screen should last for years.

Screen door repair is easier than many people imagine, but it’s important to watch the details as you work. Wheel alignment, plumb mesh placement and careful cleaning of the tracks will keep everything in working order well past your warranty’s expiration. Then you can expect nothing less than clean air and stunning views every time the weather permits.

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