How to Install Patio Screen Doors
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There are a couple of types of patio screen doors, but the main type of screen door is hung on the outside and has rollers or glides located at the bottom and top. These are a simple door to remove and install so do not be intimidated by the job. All it will take is a few simple tools and a bit of patience to get the job done right. It is a good idea to have a can of spray lubricant such as WD-40 and a flat headed screwdriver. Again, this is not a difficult job to do, and since the door is located on the outside, it will only make it easier to work with.
First, locate the rollers or plastic glides. They will have an adjustment screw that must be loosened to prevent them from being broken during removal. The screw should be located, sticking up, near the roller/glide or at the edge of the door. When you find the screw, loosen it until the door is easy to move up and down in the door frame. If the screw has become rusted or corroded, apply some type of penetrating oil, let it stand for a few moments, and then try to loosen it again.
Using a flat bladed screwdriver gently lift the spring loaded rollers by sliding the tip of the screwdriver under them. A gentle prying at the bottom and top edges will release the door. Once the door is easy to lift out, remove it from the frame. Now that the door is out, it is a good time to check the rollers/glides.
Make sure all the glides or rollers move with ease. If they are sticking, apply a bit of light lubricant and adjust the screws to the desired tension. Once everything has been repaired, it is time to re-install the door. This is done by reversing the steps you made to remove the door.
It is best to re-install the door in the center of the patio door opening. Begin by placing the top edge of the door in first, putting the rollers back into the track at the top. Then you can push up slightly, and at the same time moving the bottom of the door back in line with the track at the bottom of the frame. If the bottom does not fit back in place easily, do not force it but instead use the screwdriver to gently pry the rollers over the lip of the track until the door fits into the track. Most bottom rollers are spring loaded so you won’t need extra help to put the bottom of the door back in place.
Once the door is in the frame and moving well, adjust the rollers until the handle of the screen door lines up with the door frame on the side where it locks. The adjustment is usually a very small one; approximately only 1/8 of an inch is all that is needed. Be prepared to possibly re-position the lock hasp in order for it to function properly.
Most of the screen doors made today have plastic rollers or glides on them, so as a result, as the door ages the plastic becomes brittle and can break easily. They can be replaced, but with so many different manufacturers out there, you should take the old patio door hardware with you when you go to the hardware store to find the properly sized replacement part.
Once the job is complete, make sure to double check your work by testing the door in the track a few times. To make the job complete, it never hurts to wipe out any dirt and debris that may be in the track at the bottom of the door frame.
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