Screen doors take a lot of abuse, and pets and kids seem to be the worst offenders. Whether they’ve left holes and tears or loosened your screen beyond repair, it may be time to replace that worn-out screen.

Don’t worry! You don’t have to replace the door entirely, just the screen! Even better, this is a task you can do all on your own. Follow these four easy steps from All-Weather and you’ll have a new screen door in no time!

Tools & Materials

• • Scissors

• • Screen Spline Installation Tool

• • Utility Knife

• • Screen Material – (Typically need 1 roll)

• Screen Door Spline

Step 1: Ditch the Damaged Screen

Out with the old and in with the new! Remove the frame of your screen door and lay it down on a large, flat surface.

 Locate the spline on the outer edges of the frame, and pull it from the frame to release the damaged screen. Don’t worry about keeping the old spline or screen material, you will replace these altogether.

Now that you’ve gotten it down to just the frame, it’s time to measure for your new screen.

Step 2: Measure & Cut

Next, it’s time to make your screen like new. Take the roll of screen material and roll it out so it extends past the frame on all sides about two to three inches.

It is important to leave this extra screen on all sides because as you apply the spline, it will tighten the screen and you can trim away the extra, but if the screen doesn’t extend far enough it may not reach all the edges.

Related Read: Phantom Screens-Now You See Them, Now You Don’t

Step 3: Securing Your Screen

This is where the screen spline installation tool becomes your best friend. This tool makes wedging the spline into the frame easier because it has both convex and concave rollers on either side. 

First, you will cut the spline to measure the length around your frame, leaving a few extra inches on the edge just in case. Next, align it over the frame above the groove where it will be secured. Use the concave end of your installation tool and press the spline into position.

With one hand, slowly roll the spline into place, and hold the screen taut with the other hand to ensure the screen is tight and doesn’t bunch. As you reach the corners of the frame, bend the spline into a right angle, and use the other side of the roller (the convex side) to push it in.  

 Once you have done all those steps, go over the entire length of the frame with the convex side of your tool to ensure the spline is completely secured into the frame.

Step 4: Trim & Enjoy!

Last step is to take your utility knife and cut around the inside of the frame right above the spline. This will eliminate the excess screen and leave a nice clean look for your newly improved screen door!

Now all that’s left to do is put your screen door back on its tracks and enjoy!

For more helpful tips and tricks, check out All-Weather’s blog or contact us today to discuss what All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding can do for your home this Spring!

The only thing standing between an intruder and your home is your front door. With this frightening reality, it’s no surprise that homeowners want the best when it comes to their door locks. All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding wants to ensure that your home is fully protected, so today we are showing you the best options and what to look for in a quality door lock.

Time to Lock It Down

Homeowners have many brands and options to consider when securing their home, but first, they need to decide on the basics. Here are the basic types of locks you will choose from.

• Deadbolt locks are the king of locks. They provide the utmost security for your home and are, without a doubt, the most durable. For residential homes, these are often paired with another lock below for enhanced security.

• Locksets & Handlesets are medium security door locks, and they have two doorknobs, one on the outside and inside, that can be locked from either side. These aren’t quite the same caliber as a deadbolt, but these are great to pair with a deadbolt for maximum security.

• Keyless locks are becoming more and more popular amongst homeowners because of the convenience and advanced home security they offer. These have an anti-theft rolling code feature that makes sure the same code can’t be used twice. Certain models even sound an alarm after so many failed attempts.

Related Read: A Front Door Safety Feature So Good, It Changed Building Codes in Kansas City

 

Check the Grade Before You Pay

After deciding the basic type of lock you need, checking the grade of that lock should be your next priority. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) created grades for door locks to identify their quality and durability. Every lock that is ANSI graded is extensively tested to ensure maximum safety and is categorized into the three grades below:

• Grade 1: This is the highest grade security available. Typically this grade is used in commercial buildings, but residential customers can purchase a grade 1 deadbolt to meet this level of security in their home.

• Grade 2: This is a more common grade lock for residential purposes. A grade 2 lock exceeds standard residential security and is the next best option when choosing a door lock for your home.

• Grade 3: This grade only meets residential building requirements and provides minimal residential security. If you have grade 3 locks in your home it may be time for an update!

The type of lock you choose and the grade are crucial to the safety of your home. Next time you are replacing your locks, or even your door, make sure to consider these helpful tips.

Thinking it’s time to make security a priority? We’re here to help! Let the professionals at All-Weather guide you to the right choice in your entry doors.