Replacing or repairing patio screens
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Replacing or repairing patio screens
I have a large patio with screens enclosing all three sides and one screen recently got damaged. I'm looking at repairing or replacing it but I'm a little lost. These are older screens, at least 10 years old. Would it be better to replace? If not, how would I repair a screen? These are held on with four screws. I don't see a way to open one up to repair.
#2
Pictures please! Both from afar and close up.
You might be able to rescreen without taking the frame out. You need to measure the width of he screen and determine the total length of spline needed.
If I see some pics maybe I can walk you through it.
You might be able to rescreen without taking the frame out. You need to measure the width of he screen and determine the total length of spline needed.
If I see some pics maybe I can walk you through it.
#3
Its been a few years but screen repair is relativly simple. Getting the right screen material, the rubber spline, and a roller tool to insert the spline into the frame.
Price our replacement screens, might convince you to give it a try!
The biggest question, are the frames straight and square?
Price our replacement screens, might convince you to give it a try!
The biggest question, are the frames straight and square?
#4
The biggest question, are the frames straight and square?
#5
Group Moderator
In most cases it's pretty easy to replace screens whether it's stapled or with the more popular spline. If you can find a matching screen you can probably get away with replacing only the one damaged panel. But, both aluminum and fiberglass screen break down over time so now is a good time to look at your other screens to see if they are ready to be replaced.
#6
My suggestion is stay away from aluminum screening. It's the last choice I offer my customers. Only because it dents, can have bubbles and it's tough to get a tight lay, especially the bigger the screens.
Also if you have more than one screen, it's worth checking prices for new ones vs repairing. Often the cost of repair can exceed to cost of new if you have enough frames to be replaced.
Also if you have more than one screen, it's worth checking prices for new ones vs repairing. Often the cost of repair can exceed to cost of new if you have enough frames to be replaced.
#7
Speaking of screens I'm at the height of my repairs. I'm averaging twenty units at any given day for the past month and that should increase as late spring and early summer approach. Most are just rescreening, but repairs is what takes the time. I'm about 45% over in quantity from last year at this same time. COVID has people pent up and first chance they get all hell breaks loose. I'm only officially scheduled one day a week for 6 hours, I'm already averaging three days a week at 8 hours each. Only 9 days into the month and I have had 38 units already. 78 units for the month of March. 137 units since beginning of the year.
And if I get a glass window repair that really cuts into my turn around time. Two glass windows this week. One metal frame, one wood glazing. I quote 7 to 10 days or B4 but so far I'm averaging 3.5 days turn around completion.
And if I get a glass window repair that really cuts into my turn around time. Two glass windows this week. One metal frame, one wood glazing. I quote 7 to 10 days or B4 but so far I'm averaging 3.5 days turn around completion.
#9
Well I've seen just about everything as far as fixing a torn screen.
You can put clear packing tape over it. You can sew it back together.
You can't do anything but replace it if you wait it to look good.
How is the screen held in the frame? Spline or staples or wood trim?
You can put clear packing tape over it. You can sew it back together.
You can't do anything but replace it if you wait it to look good.
How is the screen held in the frame? Spline or staples or wood trim?
#10
Member
Thread Starter
It's in an aluminum frame...I'm not sure what you mean. There's a few holes that hold it to the wood.
#11
So how is the aluminum (or cloth) screen held into the aluminum frame which in turn is screwed to the wood frame? I suspect that if it's an aluminum or metal frame then a spline (thin rubber cord in a groove) is holding the screen material in place.
Need more pics both from afar and close up.
Need more pics both from afar and close up.
#13
Looks like a spline cord and I don't think you can or should remove the frame. This is a rescreen on the job site situation. Buy a piece of cloth screen the width plus a couple inches more and about the length plus about 6" more. Remove a piece of the existing spline and bring it with you to get the same size. Buy enough to cover total perimeter. Buy a decent screen tool. Try to get the larger style wheels if available. after removing the old screen start at the top and using the then blade of the tool run a groove with the screen into the frame. Repeat on opposite end. Do not pull to tight (a little slack is OK). Repeat on either side. The spline will stretch and you may end up with a foot or two left over, that's normal.
diy_in_atl
voted this post useful.
#15
Group Moderator
You can buy the supplies almost anywhere; local hardware store, big box home center, order online... Screen and spline are commonly available items. If replacing just one panel you want to find a new screen that matches the others as closely as possible so they look the same. Or, if redoing all the panels you can choose what type of screen you want. Some has smaller openings for keeping out tiny insects. Some is more durable to resist damage while others are specially made to resist damage from dog and cat claws. And even others are designed to block some of the sunlight.
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#17
Member
Thread Starter
One more thing...is there a good way to make this screen quick removable? I'd like to just remove it while I'm grilling.