As a homeowner with a patio, you likely enjoy the ease of sliding open your screen door to access your outdoor oasis. One of your top priorities in maintaining your home should be the functionality of your patio screen door- but what do you do when it no longer functions as easily?
When your sliding screen door isn’t rolling smoothly across the tracks, it may be time to remove the door for maintenance. Patio screen door removal and maintenance can seem frustrating and time-consuming, but it is quite simple in practice. Here, we’ll go over the steps involved in your patio screen door removal, including what tools you’ll need and other screen door maintenance tips.
Why Does Your Patio Screen Door Stop Rolling?
If your sliding screen door suddenly stops working as it should, there may be a few reasons why.
- The door may simply be off the tracks. If this is the case, keep reading to learn how to safely remove your door from the tracks and easily re-install it.
- The track itself may be damaged and in need of repair. If you notice any dents or broken tracks, you’ll need to get those repaired. Screenmobile may be able to help you depending on the type of damage. Call us for a free assessment!
- The wheels on the screen door may be cracked or broken (especially common with plastic wheels). When this happens, call Screenmobile, and we may be able to replace your faulty plastic or broken wheels with a set of heavy-duty stainless-steel wheels!
- The track may be filled with dirt or debris, preventing the wheels from rolling smoothly. In this case, a thorough cleaning is all you should need! Continue reading to learn how to easily remove your sliding screen door to clean out your tracks.
Sliding screen doors can become loose over time, requiring the tightening of screws and other adjustments. The bottom track can become caked with grime from dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris, preventing the door from sliding properly. The door frame can become warped due to excessive force from pets, children, or weather. While inspecting your screen door, you may even find that certain components, such as the wheels, screen and frame, need repair or replacement.
Whether it’s for cleaning, repairing, or replacing, learning how to easily remove your patio screen door is a beneficial skill to help prolong the lifespan of your patio screen door.
Patio Screen Door Removal: Step by Step
Step One: Gather Materials
Before you begin your DIY screen door removal project, you’ll want to gather the tools required to complete the job. Luckily, you only need a few: a screwdriver and a putty knife. If you don’t have a putty knife, a butter knife, a flat screwdriver or even a metal ruler will suffice. If the screws in your patio door are tightly fixed, you may need a power drill as well.
Step Two: Clear the Area
To avoid any damage to your home décor, remove any items you have located near the screen door, such as curtains, outdoor plants, patio furniture, etc.
Step Three: Locate the Roller Wheels and Screws
Sliding patio screen doors slide on their tracks via two wheels at the top and bottom of the door frame. These wheels are held in place by two screws which can be found either directly above the wheels or on the corners of the door frame.
Step Four: Loosen the Screws
Using a Phillips screwdriver, turn the screw counterclockwise to raise the wheels up. Continue turning until you can see the head of the screw sticking out of the socket. Repeat this step on both sides of the screen door. Once the screws are loosened, you should be able to lift the screen door leaving a space between the bottom of the door and the track, revealing the two roller wheels. If the door does not easily raise from the track, you may need to remove the screws altogether.
Step Five: Lift the Screen Door from the Bottom Track
Starting at one corner, lift the screen door, slide your putty knife or other flat tool underneath the roller wheel, and gently press upward to compress the springs. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can dent or bend the frame. Once the wheel is recessed into the door frame, with the putty knife still in place, carefully pull the door towards you and over the lip of the bottom track. Be sure not to pull the door more than an inch, or you’ll risk bending the frame. Repeat this step on both sides of the screen door.
Pro Tip: To avoid warping the door frame, have another person assist in removing the screen door from the track. Using two flat tools, raise the roller wheels simultaneously and gently pull the door off the track.
Step Six: Lower the Screen Door from the Top Track
Once the bottom of the door is free from the track, you should be able to easily lower the screen door from the top track. Be sure to place your successfully removed screen door in a safe place to avoid damage, such as leaning up against a wall or laid out on a flat surface.
Reinstalling Your Screen Door
To reinstall your original or replacement screen door, start by aligning the top wheels onto the top track. Then, gently lift the door to compress the top springs and align the bottom wheels with the bottom track. If you have trouble re-aligning the bottom wheels, use your putty knife to gently compress the bottom wheel springs and move the wheel into place over the bottom track. Be sure to test that your door slides smoothly in the track and adjust the fit accordingly.
Professional Installation by Screenmobile
If DIY isn’t an option or your screen door is damaged and in need of repair or replacement, Screenmobile is here to help. Professional patio screen door removal and installation by Screenmobile means you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to solve your screening needs. We’ll come right to you! Screenmobile will measure, manufacture, and install screen solutions right on-site and will ensure that your screening needs are met with convenience and care.
With customizable options and high-quality materials, Screenmobile guarantees that screen solutions will fit and work correctly, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself. Our team of experts will provide a stress-free experience so you can get back to enjoying your home again.
Contact your local Screenmobile today to request a free estimate!