4 Common Issues with Retractable Screen Doors and How to Overcome Them

From single-entry screens to double doors, every type of retractable screen offers numerous benefits to homeowners. Retractable screens enhance the resale value of your home and add to its visual appeal. Additionally, they improve energy efficiency. Despite all these pros, retractable screens installed in your home can encounter various problems over time. This article highlights some of these issues and suggests some suitable methods to address them.

Common Screen Door Problems and Their Solutions

Here are some common screen door problems, along with a few effective solutions.

1. Ripped Retractable Screen

As retractable screen doors age, they become vulnerable to wear and tear. Unfortunately, the only option to fix a ripped retractable screen is to replace it with a new one. Retractable screens are tightly fixed in place and cannot be patched. A patched screen will worsen over time and affect your view.

Is the ripped screen door bothering you? Don’t worry—trained professionals can easily replace damaged screens.

2. The Retractable Screen Does Not Open or Close Properly

Have a stubborn screen door? Retractable screen doors sometimes do not open or close easily. In both cases, you need to look for the underlying reason. First, clean the door tracks to ensure debris is not blocking your door’s path. Second, check the track alignment. If you cannot identify the cause of the issue, call a screen door expert.

3. Latch Failure

Sometimes, the screen remains open or closed when it shouldn't. Homeowners encounter this problem mostly due to a malfunctioning latch mechanism. This problem can be fixed quite easily on your own. Just check the latch for debris and clean it properly if it is clogged. Make sure the door latch properly engages with the strike plate. Lubricate the door latch properly to ensure its smooth functioning. However, if the latch mechanism is worn out, it must be replaced with a new one.

4. Screen Coming Off Its Tracks

Sometimes,  doors can slip off their guiding track. This issue may arise due to problems with the wheels or occasional wear and tear. When this happens, the screen may hang loosely or get stuck. If you ever encounter such a situation, assess the wheels and make sure they move freely. Lubricate the axles to make them work smoothly. Seek professional assistance to repair the wheels or replace them with new ones if flattened or cracked.

Maintain Your Screen Door

A ripped, misaligned, or sticking door and a malfunctioning latch are common retractable screen problems that homeowners may encounter across. Small retractable screen problems can be easily resolved using DIY methods, but for major issues like ripped screens, you might need professional assistance. In some cases, you may need to replace your screen entirely, if that happens, call the experts now because it’s time for a Mirage retractable screen!