If you have an older front door, replacing the screen is easy and affordable. There are a few things to consider when doing it, including the cost, installation, trimming, and removing. Keep reading for tips and tricks to make your screen installation go as smoothly as possible. This article will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Cost
A professional can install a new front door screen for anywhere from $50 to $75 per door. The price depends on the type of screen and the complexity of the installation. The installation process may take as little as twenty minutes or as long as an hour. It is also possible to repair your existing screen door for around $25. A professional may charge a flat fee or charge per hour for the job.
The mesh of a new screen door usually measures about 18 inches by 16 inches and is crafted from wood, aluminum, or vinyl. These are available in different colors, but the most common is black or charcoal. Bronze-colored screens are aesthetically pleasing and cost less than $100 per square foot. Silver-colored screens are also available. The latter will be more expensive, but they will help block out more sunlight without restricting visibility. Copper and brass-colored screens are also available, and they are both durable. Copper mesh is best suited for humid areas as it does not rust.
Installation
Before installing the front door screen, it is important to measure the width and height of the opening. The screen’s width should be approximately 3/16 inches smaller than the door’s width. If this is not the case, you can use shims to ensure the proper fit. You can also use a straight edge to trim any overlapping material. Finally, you can use a sanding block to smooth the edges.
Installing the screen door is a relatively simple process, and the installation process is similar to that for the front door. First, remove the old door screen. Then, use a power drill to place the screws. The screws should be inserted into the jamb in the same manner as the exterior door hinges. Afterwards, attach the hinges to the frame. You may want to cover exposed screws with hinge caps.
Trimming
The first step to trimming the front door screen is to measure the width of the screen. To do this, take your measurement from the inside edge of the front door screen’s trim A and from its bottom edge on the trim B. Be sure to be as accurate as possible. Next, measure the middle area and record that measurement as Measurement 2. Record the largest measurement as Actual Width.
You can find screen door materials at home centers. You may also want to purchase clamps for the bow door during installation. This will help keep the screen in place and ensure a tight fit.
Repairing
If your front door screen is damaged, it might be easy to replace it. First, you need to remove the spline holding the screen to the frame. You can reuse this spline if it is in good condition. It should have the right diameter for the frame. It also helps to buy extra screen material to replace it with.
Once you have removed the old screen, you can use a flat screwdriver to remove the spline. You can also use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the spline. Make sure you do not bend the metal groove edges as this will make the new screen not seat properly. Also, you should wipe the frame with a damp cloth or a mild cleanser to remove any grime. Then, you can install a new screen. Be sure to overlap each edge of the new screen to prevent it from tearing.