A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Screen Door

A screen door is, inevitably, something that will need to be replaced. They incur a lot of wear and tear on them and over time can no longer develop holes and tears. This may seem to be a big undertaking if you are not a do-it-yourself type of person but it is really a simple project that should not take much time at all. You will need a measuring tape, new screening, possibly new spline, a screwdriver, a spline roller and a utility knife.

Step One: Assess the Damage

Check the screen to see what exactly the damage is. If the hole in the screen is smaller than a few inches, it can just be patched. These small holes can be patched using a small patch and household cement. Larger tears will need the entire screen replaced. Aluminum frames usually can not be fixed and will need to be replaced if there is any damage to them. If they are simply bent out of shape, try to bend it back into the correct angles.

Step Two: Remove the Screen

Once the decision has been made that the entire screen needs to be replaced you will need to remove the old screen.On metal framed doors there is something called a spline holding the screen in place. Use a flat screwdriver to pry it out and remove this from around the screen. New spline may need to be purchased if the old one is in bad shape.

Step Three: Measuring and Cutting

Measure the screen doors length and width to see how much screening you will need. Purchase enough screen to cover the surface of the door at a home improvement store. Cut the screen to measure at least an inch longer and wider than the door. Lay the new screen over the door, making sure it is even all the way around.

Step Four: Installing the New Screen

Now you can begin installation. You will need new spline or reuse the old spline if it is in good shape. Pick a spot to start and slowly start pressing in the spline over the screen to hold it in place. Work your way around, stretching the screen so that it is nice and tight when you are pushing the spline in. Once the spline is in the frame all the way around, cut it off so you do not have any extra hanging out. Use a spline roller, that looks similar to a pizza cutter, to run around the spline pressing it harder into the frame to secure it. If you notice any spots where the screen is not stretched tight, try pulling on the edge to tighten it. If this does not work, remove that portion of the spline, pull tight and insert it back in again.

Step Five: Finishing Up

The last step in the process is cutting off the extra screen. Use a utility knife to run around the edges to remove the extra screening. Finally, re-install the door and give yourself a big pat on the back. The new screen door will look as good as new.