Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Know About Screen Door Repair?

Licia Morrow
Licia Morrow

Screen door repair covers a multitude of topics and there are many areas of knowledge needed to assist in repairing screen doors -- either rolling or standard. Additionally, screen doors are accompanied by locks, latches, and other types of hardware which may also require repair or replacement. For both rolling and standard screen doors, the screening material might be damaged or loose. This can be fixed with a few simple screen door repair steps and save the cost of a new door.

If the screen is simply loose, you can replace it with the black rubber that holds it in the frame. This rubber material is called the spline. Remove the spline, replace the screen material into its original position and replace the spline using either a flat head screwdriver or spline roller, which can be purchased at most hardware stores.

A utility knife is used to remove extra screening after a screen door spline is replaced.
A utility knife is used to remove extra screening after a screen door spline is replaced.

If the screening itself is damaged, it is possible to buy small patch repair kits. However, if it looks like the damage will necessitate some major screen door repair, mesh screening material is sold in large rolls at most home improvement stores. One must first remove all old spline and screen. Then the new screen can be placed in and secured with the spline as described in the above screen door repair section. After the spline has been replaced, the extra screening can be cut away with a utility knife or razor blade.

A flat head screwdriver may be used to repair a screen door.
A flat head screwdriver may be used to repair a screen door.

For a sliding screen door, often the rollers upon which it slides are damaged. After removing the screen door from its track, the old rollers can be removed simply with a screwdriver. Old rollers should be taken to the hardware store, matched up, and can be replaced in the same way they were removed.

If a sliding screen door seems too short to fit the frame upon which it rolls, it can be extended using some handy screen door repair secrets. Most sliding screen doors can be extended by as much as four centimeters by simply readjusting the top and bottom rails of the door, which are attached with screws in one-inch (2.5 cm) slots. One can simply locate the slots at the top and bottom of the door, loosen the screws, slide the slots along the screws, and retighten.

Another important element of screen door repair is the damage to locks and latches. Most manufacturers have individual screen door latches available for purchase on the internet. Additionally, an old or damaged latch can be removed with a screwdriver and taken to a hardware store to match and replace.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A utility knife is used to remove extra screening after a screen door spline is replaced.
      By: J and S Photography
      A utility knife is used to remove extra screening after a screen door spline is replaced.
    • A flat head screwdriver may be used to repair a screen door.
      By: Schwoab
      A flat head screwdriver may be used to repair a screen door.