Patch that screen!
In the summertime, we like to keep the doors open to allow the warm breezes in but the screens still locked to keep the bugs out. Of course, a screen is only effective as long as it's in one piece - and if you have a screen that's patchy or has one glaring hole, it's time to either repair it or replace it. This article will help you understand which option you may need to pursue.
Repairing a Patchy Screen
Believe it or not, repairing a screen isn't a highly complicated affair, involving the stitching of small metal wiring. Actually, you can purchase screen patches that clip on to the rest of your screen at hardware stores and online - but keep in mind that these patches will only fill smaller holes, typically up to three inches in diameter. When you purchase one of these screens patches, you'll need to know how large the hole you're repairing is, and then buy about a half an inch more than that. Make sure to measure the hole you're repairing before you make your purchase.
The patch of screen you're buying will typically have long ends that you can intertwine with the rest of the screen to make it as unnoticeable as possible. Keep in mind that if you have smaller holes in your screening, then you'll be able to use smaller repairs, such as household cementer or even glue.
Replacing a Patchy Screen
Of course, there's a tremendous difference between a screen that has a few tiny holes in it and a screen with one gaping monstrosity of a hole: how you repair it. In the case of these large holes, you're better off simply purchasing a new screen to replace the old one. Install it yourself to save money, and it won't necessarily be a big expense.
To get a good idea of how your screen works, pay attention to how the old screen was put in place. This will help a lot if you're not familiar with household construction at all, as it will give you some context regarding screen installation. Once you've made a couple of notes, prepare the frame for installation and cut down your screen to the right size. Never try to cut a screen to exactly the right size - you're better off overestimating so that any mistakes can be easily corrected with new cuts.
Those are the two most effective ways of fixing your household screen. How much repair does your screen need? Only you can say.
Photo Credits: General Wesc
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 12, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, doors, windows
Squeeeeeeeaaaak no more.
It's usually the stuff of horror movies: a door opening slowly always seems to produce an eerie creaking sound. It's enough to make one wonder why every haunted house seems to have rusty hinges. In real life, a squeaking door isn't always scary, but it can be downright annoying after a while. If you want to know how to fix your squeaking door, you've come to the right place.
First, you'll want to understand exactly what causes a squeaking door. It's not very complicated: sound vibrations are caused when two parts rub against each other. When it comes to doors, most hinges are designed to be as silent as possible, so the squeaking noise indicates a problem with alignment, usually with the door hinge.
Lubricant eases this friction, but only on a temporary basis. This means that a household item like WD-40 will be able to handle the job, but that doesn't mean your door will permanently stop squeaking.
For a long-term solution, you'll have to take a good look at your door hinges and really determine what's causing things to rub against each other contrary to their design. One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply re-tighten and re-attach a hinge by tightening loose screws. Be sure to check the top hinge on your door first, since much of your door's weight actually hangs on that area.
Most long-term fixes usually require a bit of tearing down before you build back up: this is the case if your door itself is actually out of alignment. You can use a balance to check your door's alignment, and if it needs adjusting, you can loosen your hinges and make the necessary changes. Oftentimes, simply undergoing this process will fix whichever point on the door was causing the squeak, even if you can't pinpoint it directly.
After you've tightened everything back again and the hinges seem in proper alignment, you can give your door a test swing. Swing it back and forth with your hand, and also try a "slow" movement to see how your door handles it. If your door is now silent, you've fixed the problem. Be sure to listen to it occasionally in order to be sure that the treatment has stuck.
Remember that everything can be repaired - or at least replaced. Don't assume that a squeaking door is out of your league even if you've never fixed anything in your life. You might surprise yourself.
Photo Credits: ocean yamaha
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 11, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, doors
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