Screen doors let fresh air in and keep bugs out. When they work.

When they don't, you've got a door that sticks, slams, or has a torn screen that defeats the entire purpose. Good news: most screen door problems have straightforward fixes.

Torn or Damaged Screens

Small Holes (Under 1 inch)

Quick fix — clear nail polish:

  1. Clean the area
  2. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish
  3. Let dry, apply another layer
  4. Works for tiny holes and prevents spreading

Better fix — patch kit:

  1. Buy a screen patch kit (adhesive mesh)
  2. Cut patch slightly larger than hole
  3. Apply over damage
  4. Press firmly to adhere

Larger Holes and Tears

Time to rescreen that section or the whole screen.

For framed screen panels:

  1. Remove the panel from the door
  2. Pry out the spline (the rubber gasket holding the screen)
  3. Remove damaged screen
  4. Cut new screen slightly larger than frame
  5. Lay new screen over frame
  6. Press in new spline with a spline roller
  7. Trim excess screen

Materials needed:

  • Replacement screen material (fiberglass or aluminum)
  • Spline (match the diameter of existing)
  • Spline roller tool
  • Utility knife
  • Flat-head screwdriver

Pet Damage

Pets wreck screens. Solutions:

Pet-resistant screen: Much tougher than standard screen. Resists claws.

Pet door: Let them use their own entrance. Prevents scratching.

Grilles/guards: Metal or plastic guards over the bottom portion.

Sliding Screen Doors

Doors That Stick or Drag

Step 1: Clean the track

  • Vacuum debris from the track
  • Wipe with damp cloth
  • Apply silicone spray to the track

Step 2: Check the rollers

  • Look for debris wrapped around rollers
  • Look for damaged or worn rollers
  • Most doors have adjustment screws to raise/lower rollers

Step 3: Adjust the rollers

  • Find adjustment screws (usually on bottom edge or face of door)
  • Turn to raise the door off the track
  • Test slide
  • Adjust until smooth

Door Comes Off Track

Immediate fix:

  1. Lift door up into upper track
  2. Swing bottom in
  3. Lower into bottom track

Prevent recurrence:

  • Check if guide at bottom is missing/damaged
  • Verify anti-lift tabs are in place
  • Adjust rollers for proper fit

Broken or Missing Handle

Screen door handles break constantly.

Replacement:

  1. Check your handle style (they vary)
  2. Buy a compatible replacement (hardware store or online)
  3. Remove screws holding old handle
  4. Install new handle

Most are universal or come in a few standard configurations.

Storm/Screen Door Closers

Closer Won't Hold Door Open

Most closers have a "hold open" feature:

Pneumatic closers: Look for a button or clip to engage Hydraulic closers: May have a bracket that catches

If the feature doesn't engage:

  • Check if the clip/bracket is present and undamaged
  • May need adjustment or replacement

Door Slams

The closer isn't providing enough resistance:

Pneumatic/hydraulic closers:

  1. Find the adjustment screw (usually at the end)
  2. Turn clockwise to slow down the close
  3. Test and readjust

Chain closers: Not adjustable. May need replacement with a better type.

Door Won't Close Fully

The closer may be:

  • Out of adjustment (turn counter-clockwise to increase force)
  • Damaged internally
  • Wrong size for the door

Sometimes the door is binding elsewhere — check hinges and frame alignment first.

Replacing a Door Closer

Closers wear out. Replacement is usually simple:

  1. Note the mounting style and hole spacing
  2. Buy a compatible closer
  3. Remove old closer (save the brackets if reusable)
  4. Install new closer per instructions
  5. Adjust closing speed

Storm Door Issues

Door Doesn't Latch

Check alignment:

  • Is the latch meeting the strike plate?
  • Adjust strike plate if needed
  • May need to adjust hinges

Check the latch mechanism:

  • Clean and lubricate
  • May be worn and need replacement

Loose or Sagging Door

Tighten hinges:

  • Check all hinge screws
  • Replace stripped screws with longer ones
  • May need to reposition hinge

Adjust the door closer:

  • Some closers also support the door
  • Proper adjustment takes weight off hinges

Glass/Screen Won't Slide

Storm door inserts (interchangeable glass/screen panels):

  • Clean the tracks
  • Check for bent or damaged tracks
  • Lubricate with silicone
  • Verify panel is properly seated

Hinged Screen Doors

Door Rubs on Frame

Check hinges:

  • Tighten all screws
  • Replace stripped screws
  • Shim hinges if needed

Check frame:

  • Is the frame square?
  • Wood frames can warp
  • May need to plane or sand edges

Door Won't Stay Closed

Check the latch:

  • Is it engaging the strike?
  • Adjust strike plate position
  • Replace worn latch hardware

Check for warping:

  • Lay a straightedge along the door
  • Warped doors may not seal properly
  • Severe warps require door replacement

Closer Issues

Same as storm doors — adjust or replace the closer.

DIY Screen Replacement

What You'll Need

  • New screen material (fiberglass is easier than aluminum)
  • Spline (rubber gasket) — measure existing
  • Spline roller
  • Utility knife
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Clamps or an extra set of hands
  • Flat work surface

The Process

1. Remove the old screen

  • Lay door flat
  • Pry out old spline from one corner
  • Pull spline out all the way around
  • Remove old screen

2. Cut new screen

  • Cut 2-3 inches larger than the frame all around
  • You'll trim the excess later

3. Position new screen

  • Lay screen over frame
  • Ensure mesh is aligned (not at an angle)
  • Clamp or tape one edge to hold

4. Install spline

  • Starting at one corner, press spline into channel
  • Use the convex (round) wheel of the spline roller
  • Work around the frame, keeping screen taut
  • Pull screen tight as you go

5. Trim excess

  • Use utility knife against the outer edge of the spline channel
  • Trim all the way around
  • Check for any loose spots

Tips for Success

Keep it tight: The key is maintaining tension as you install the spline.

Work sequentially: Do opposite sides (top, then bottom, then sides) or work around in order.

Watch the mesh angle: Keep the grid pattern straight for best appearance.

Don't overstretch: Pulling too hard can distort the mesh pattern.

When to Replace vs. Repair

Repair Makes Sense When

  • Frame is solid
  • Damage is isolated
  • Hardware is available
  • Door is relatively new

Replacement Makes Sense When

  • Frame is bent, rusted, or rotted
  • Multiple issues compound
  • Door is very old
  • Repair costs approach replacement cost

A Note on Full Door Replacement

Replacing a complete screen door or storm door is a bigger project:

  • Involves measuring the opening accurately
  • Removing old door and hardware
  • Installing new frame, door, and hardware
  • Adjusting for proper fit and operation

Not impossible DIY, but more involved than repairs.

What We Can Help With

At Finally Fixed Home Services, screen repair is part of our Home Repair Services. We can help with:

  • Rescreening doors and windows
  • Adjusting sliding screen doors
  • Replacing broken hardware
  • Door closer adjustment and replacement
  • Diagnosing and fixing sticky doors

The Bottom Line

Most screen door problems come down to: torn screens, dirty tracks, worn rollers, or failing closers. All are fixable with basic tools and a little patience.

The key is diagnosing the actual problem — a door that sticks might be dirty tracks, damaged rollers, OR a misaligned frame. Fix the right thing.

Need Screen Repair?

We repair and rescreen doors throughout Colorado. From a simple rescreen to a full hardware replacement.

Check out our full Home Repair Services or see our Minor Repairs service for details.

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