Simple Guide to Changing the Screen in an Angled Screen Door

Tenant unions advocating for renters in Philadelphia often remind us that even a simple door issue can turn into a crucial factor in lease negotiations. Their demands frequently include that landlords must address sticking doors, broken hinges, and faulty screens before discussing rent increases. As a Florida homeowner, it benefits you to pick up the necessary skills to handle basic screen-door repairs. One good place to start is replacing a screen on angled frames.

What is Unique About an Angled Screen Door?

In an angled screen door, the way the screen fits into the frame is different. The spline that stabilizes the screen must curve as it moves around the angle. If the screen is too loosely fitted, it could sag. On the other hand, poor fitting can also create gaps, letting in wind and insects. Since the angle impacts how the door swings, challenges with the screen can lead to flimsiness; it’s not just an aesthetic issue. It's also important to remember, as it was pointed out by tenant unions, that having doors that are difficult to open is a safety concern.

What Do I Need to Replace the Screen?

You will first need a new piece of screen door material that is wider and longer than the existing one (leave an inch of excess beyond each side), a new spline, a measuring tape, a utility knife, and a hand roller (some people also use a flat-head screwdriver). You may also need to adjust the existing hinges, so a screwdriver may also help. Given the size and bulk of many front or back screen doors, it can help to remove the door from its hinges.

To begin the repair, kindly work as slow as possible. You may have to pry the existing screen out. The edges may be stuck to the frame. Try not to damage the frame while you remove the old screen. Be gentle while removing the old frame. Once the screen comes free, you will need to measure the horizontal length and vertical height of the screen frame. Make sure to add two inches to each dimension for the new screen.

Begin to position the new screen within the frame. It's best to use a bit of a rougher surface like wood or upholestry that nut change the dimensions of the screen frame. Next, lay the fabric across the intended diameter of the old screen so that there are two or so inches laying over the edges. Press the screen into place. Then, return with the roller to the corners if they have not been fully pressed into place.

Now measure and make a mark at the corners of the screen frame for the diameter, with a ruler. Take the marker and carefully cut off the fabric splaying past or beyond the screws.

Once you have sewn in the new screen, test run by trying to close the door.

While this whole project should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour it can save you both money and being on either end of the lease from obtaining the cause of the closing issue. Common advice passed among real estate people is that fixing the screen is well worth doing.

This is an easy enough maintenance call anyone can try once if they have not done this type of repair before.