Replacement Screen For Patio Door

A damaged or torn screen on your patio door can be a nuisance, letting in bugs and allowing heat to escape. Replacing the screen is a relatively simple and inexpensive project that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps on how to replace a screen for a patio door:

Materials You'll Need

Replacement screen material
Spline
Spline tool
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the Old Screen

Start by removing the old screen from the door frame. Most patio door screens are held in place by a spline, a thin rubber or vinyl strip that fits into a groove around the frame. To remove the spline, use a utility knife to carefully cut it away from the frame. Once the spline is removed, the screen should come out easily. If the screen is stapled or nailed in place, you will need to remove the staples or nails before removing the screen.

2. Measure and Cut the New Screen

Measure the opening of the door frame to determine the size of the new screen. Cut the replacement screen material to the same size, adding about 2 inches to each side for overlap. Fold the edges of the screen material over by 1 inch and iron them down to create a hem.

3. Insert the New Screen

Place the new screen over the door frame, making sure that the hemmed edges are facing inward. Starting in the middle of one side, insert the spline into the groove around the frame. Use the spline tool to push the spline into place, working your way around the entire frame. Trim any excess spline with the utility knife.

4. Reinstall the Screen

Once the new screen is in place, reinstall the screen into the door frame. If the screen was held in place by screws or nails, simply screw or nail it back into place. If the screen was held in place by a spline, insert a new spline into the groove around the frame and use the spline tool to push it into place.

Tips

Here are a few tips for replacing a patio door screen:

Use a high-quality replacement screen material that is resistant to tears and punctures.
Make sure the new screen is the same size as the old screen, or slightly larger.
Fold the edges of the screen material over and iron them down to create a hem. This will help to prevent the screen from fraying.
Insert the spline into the groove around the frame carefully, using a spline tool. Avoid using too much force, as this can damage the spline or the frame.

Replacing a patio door screen is a simple and inexpensive project that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can keep your patio door looking its best and functioning properly.