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Installing Screen Mesh

  
  
  

window screensInstalling window screen mesh isn’t difficult, but you need to make sure the window frame (or door frame) isn’t bent. If the screen’s frame is bent, it will be too weak to hold the tension of the screen as it is stretched across the frame. If you use the right material, the job is easy.

Choose the right thickness of window frame. The screen’s frames come in 2 different thicknesses, so measure before you go buy a replacement, or better yet, take a piece of the old frame with you so you can compare the thicknesses. If you are reusing the old frame, make sure it is in good condition.

Most of the screening materials are fabric (rather than the old style metal), and they last long and trim easily with a utility knife. Also get the right size of spline. The spline is the rubbery cord that holds the screening material in the groove. Too fat and it’s too hard to push in…too thin and it won’t hold tension.

Cut the piece of screening so it overlaps the frame by a few inches. Start at a corner and push the spline into the screen until it rests in the groove. A spline roller is best for this as it won’t cut the fabric and you can roll it down the length of spline quickly. When you come to a corner, you may have to tug a little on the screening material and carefully push the spline into the groove, but it is quick. You may also have to cut the screening material at a 45-degree angle outside the frame so that it lays flat and doesn’t wrinkle.

When the entire screen has been rolled, use a utility knife and cut the screening material against the frame.

Handyman Hints For Screen Door Repairs

  
  
  

sliding screen doorSo your sliding screen door is trashed. Maybe the dog shredded the screen or the rollers don't roll so well anymore. You probably don't need a handyman for this repair, unless there is a good game on you want to see.

Screen doors are light-weight and roll on plastic (and occasionally metal) wheels. You can buy replacements for these wheels if the door is not rolling smoothly. You will have to lift the door up and out of the track, and lay the door on it's side. The wheels are held in place with one or two screws.

If the screen is damaged, you can re-screen the door in under one hour, but if the frame is at all damaged you might as well replace it. You might consider replacing anyway if you want to save some time.

A new sliding screen door costs about $50.00 and installs very quickly. Once you remove it from the packaging, set it in the track and turn the wheel adjustment screw on the bottom rail (although rarely you might find this on the edge of the door). You want the wheels to travel freely down the length of the track. Although the adjusting mechanisms are slightly different, you just need a screwdriver to raise the frame of the door off the track.

On some models, there is a top piece that is spring-loaded to allow the door to be tall enough to ride in the top track. You can adjust this in the same manner so that the door is tall enough not to fall out.

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