Using a channel as bottom track for sliding screen
I have a sliding screen on my patio door. The bottom rail is broken and is made of plastic/vinyl. Finding a replacement seems to be very difficult.
I am wondering if I can use a U channel instead of the bottom rail. With the current setup, the wheels roll on a rail, but with channel, there will be no rail. Would the sliding screen still work with a channel?
It looks like the rail the screen door rides on is part of the threshold therefore the rail is not a replaceable part without changing the threshold. If you still have the broken piece of rail, it could be welded back in (I assume it is aluminum). Unless you have a friend with a mobile welding unit you can entice with a few cold ones, my guess is the cost of welding would compare to replacing the entire door (DIY). Attaching any kind of channel will result in quickly wearing of the screen's rolling wheels (loss of vertical adjustment) resulting in higher friction and screen door binding (loss of one hand operation). Hope this helps.
I had the same identical problem. Yes I bought an aluminum 90° angle extrusion. Drill counter sunk holes and space about 6 to 8 inches apart. Be sure to locate the vertical leg properly. Input the top of the door first then clip the wheels on top of the vertical aluminum angle. Works like a charm.
Looks like a vinyl door, and a vinyl track. They are readily available, and the height of the track is a critical part of the total screen height. So no, you would not just replace it with a U channel, which would hold water and have no drainage. The rollers need to ride on a rail, which keeps the frame out of dirt and debris.
Your first step should be getting the old one out. Until you get it out you can't measure the size you need. So once you get the old piece out, post back with measurements if you need help finding a similar replacement. Here is an example.
Typically you need to get a hook pick and hook the end (covered in dirt in your photo) to help pull it up. A pliers will usually just snap off another piece of the track. A wide vise grips (welding clamp?) might work better than a pliers.
Thank you all for your comments. The rail is made of plastic or vinyl or something like that.
The bottom of the rail (flat surface) is connected to the rest of the door. I can’t pull it out and replace. So the only solution seems to be attaching another rail.
Norm201 that’s a good solution. Does it hold well over the plastic surface. Any bending?
The rail is around 1/4 inch tall. Where can I buy an angle at that size?
Norm201 that’s a good solution. Does it hold well over the plastic surface. Any bending? The rail is around 1/4 inch tall. Where can I buy an angle at that size?
Local hardware store. Look for the smallest size. I'd give a picture but this is at my cabin and it be a week or so before I go there. I use 3/4 x 1/2 with the 3/4 leg drilled to the floor.
The rail could be a sharp edge that could be stepped particularly for barefooted persons.Thicker metal would be safer. Also you might be able to smooth over the upper edge with a file or sandpaper.
Hello,
I'm a new home owner and looking to replace the spacer towards the inside of the storm door.
I'm just so dumb that I'm not able to find what it's called to look it online for purchase.
Here is the picture and marked with red lines-18mm thick.
Thanks you!
[img]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/1500x2000/20210501_160127_7407c3f719e2f3106460e17bcc28919d64813345.jpg[/img]
I have been struggling with a screen door the previous owners left for us to install at our house. I eventually realized there was no bottom track, and that is why it wouldn’t slide properly. I bought a piece of track for it, but cannot get the door to go in; it almost seems to not. If you see the attached pictures, there is one of the top part of the door on its track, and one of me lifting from the bottom trying to get it over the lip and get it onto the track with no luck.I have loosened the wheels as much as I can, and Lee my measurements, the door should be the right size, is there something I’m missing g? Is the top track not deep enough?
[img]https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/7be21aab_6d50_47bf_94c5_69d301723ff7_08d4cce4d95c728690facd3de6933651718d8900.jpeg[/img]
[i]Lifting, cannot get onto bottom track[/i]
[img]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/d855ec50_2b56_4654_9b67_75dd8d5ce52e_f9b68e0386a4b1050e3c1440c7212fd06bb5d2d0.jpeg[/img]
[i]Gliders are on top track[/i]
04-12-21, 11:52 AM
Using a channel as bottom track for sliding screen
