How to Fix a Screen Door

Is your screen door sticking, squeaking, or simply not closing properly? For many Ontario homeowners, a malfunctioning screen door is a small annoyance that can lead to bigger frustrations. Fortunately, with a little know-how and some basic tools, you can fix your screen door quickly and efficiently.

Even though many homes in Ontario have upgraded to sturdy and energy-efficient storm doors, many property owners still prefer screen doors. After all, they open up your home during the warmer season, keep bugs away, and allow natural light and ventilation to come in.

While screen doors can also last several years, they’re prone to damage from everyday use and constant exposure to the outdoors. If you’re a homeowner with this type of door, knowing how to fix a screen door will benefit you when the inevitable happens.

In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to fix a screen door and other minor repairs.

Materials Needed for Repairing a Screen Door

The mesh screen is the most vulnerable part of the screen door. It can get torn or worn out due to blunt trauma from accidents or everyday use and abuse. This is why typical screen door repairs involve replacing or patching up this area. If you’re having the same issue with your screen sliding door or exterior door, here’s what you need to prepare:

• Tools: Screwdriver, pliers, utility knife, measuring tape, and a spline roller.
• Door spline: This is the PVC vinyl strip on the groove of the door frame that holds the screen in place. Make sure you have the correct size and diameter. You can reuse an old spline unless it’s already broken or buy a new screen spline from the hardware store.
• Replacement screen mesh: Fibreglass or aluminum are the top choices when replacing screen mesh. Vinyl-coated fibreglass screens are the industry standard for screen doors because they are durable, easy to operate, and cost-effective. Meanwhile, aluminum is more durable but can be more costly.

Image source: Canva

How to Repair a Screen Door in 10 Simple Steps

1. Remove the screen door from the door frame and set it down on a clean, flat surface where you can work comfortably.
2. Take out the old spline material from the screen door’s groove by popping it out using a screwdriver and pulling it out from all sides.
3. Unscrew hardware like the doorknobs, handle, or the locks on the old screen door that can get in the way.
4. Wipe the screen door clean, focusing particularly on the grooves for the door spline. Inspect for serious damages that may require you to buy a new screen door.
5. If everything checks out well, roll out the mesh on top of the part that should be screened.
6. Cut the mesh screen using a utility knife. Make at least a 1” allowance on all sides.
7. Attach the new door spline by pressing it into the groove using a spline tool. Make the screen taut while doing this to avoid any wrinkles, as you set the spline in place for all sides.
8. Trim the excess screen door using a sharp utility knife. Cut at a 45-degree angle, being careful not to cut into the spline.
9. Screw the handle and other door hardware back into place.
10. Reinstall your screen door back.

Other Minor Screen Door Repairs

The small holes and tears in your screen door can simply be mended by patching them up with aluminum patches designed to be threaded into your aluminum screen and reinforced with silicone glue. Fibreglass screen doors can be repaired with fibreglass patches that come with adhesives.

🔧 Pro tip: When repairing screen door mesh, cut a regular shape like a square or rectangle to make the patchwork less obvious.

Be wary of DIY screen door repair techniques that involve sewing, darning, or applying nail polish. These methods may not produce the same results, though they can be relatively cheaper.

Read more: Screened-In Porch Ideas for the Modern Homeowner

What to Do When Repairs Aren’t Enough

Image source: Canva

There are some cases where the damage to your screen door is beyond repair, with the usual culprits being extensive rusting or corrosion. When this happens, it could be time to upgrade to storm doors.

Complementing your front door with a storm door is an effective strategy to shelter your home from extreme weather, such as the sun’s scorching heat in the summer, harsh winter cold, and possible water damage when it rains or snows. It also adds an extra layer of security.

Storm doors improve your home’s energy efficiency and insulation, keeping your energy bills to a minimum even with frequent use of cooling or heating. They also add curb appeal to your home, ensuring you increase your property’s resale value if you plan on selling.

Replace Your Old Screen Door with High-Quality Storm Doors

Ontario is well known for having extreme weather conditions. Make sure you’re prepared for anything coming your way by protecting your property with high-quality entry doors by Burano Doors.

We are Ontario’s trusted manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. In fact, our energy-efficient storm doors feature:

• Fusion-welded, 45-degree corners with mechanically fastened 90-degree aluminum angle brackets for additional strength.
• Aluminum reinforcements, all to provide enhanced stability and security.
• Durable royal bond paint finish (available in standard paint finishes).
• Complete colour and finish customizations.

Instead of figuring out how to fix a screen door, why not enhance your home’s curb appeal with a new storm door that’s built to last? Contact our team today and get a free estimate!