Screen Doors 101: Simple Fixes and Upgrades to Keep Bugs Out and Breezes In
Is there anything better than the feel of a warm summer breeze wafting through your home? A good screen door makes that possible—letting fresh air in while keeping pests and pollen out. But if your screen is torn or the door doesn’t latch properly, it might be time for some routine maintenance.
Luckily, some simple screen door care can make a big impact. Get in the habit of doing a screen inspection every July—it only takes a few minutes to check for signs of wear and make any needed repairs. We’ve got seven easy fixes that will help you stay ahead of issues so you’ll have fewer bugs in the house, better airflow, and a more enjoyable summer at home.
1. Inspect Your Screen for Tears, Holes, or Sagging
Start by checking the screen. Small tears can quickly turn into bigger rips that don’t just look sloppy, they can let in bugs like mosquitoes, gnats, or flies. Fix small tears with a screen patch kit. These precut patches easily stick on with adhesive for an easy repair.
2. Replace Damaged Screens
If your screen is sagging or riddled with holes, it’s time to replace it—and luckily, rescreening is a task that sounds a whole lot harder than it actually is. All you need is a roll of screen, a spline roller, and new spline (the rubber cord that holds the screening in place). Here’s how it’s done:
• Remove the screen door from its frame and lay it flat.
• Pry out the old spline and remove the damaged screening.
• Cut your new screen slightly larger than the frame—you want about a 2” overlap on all sides.
• Press the new screening into the frame channel using the spline roller and push in the new spline to secure it.
• Trim away any excess screening and reinstall the screen.
3. Clean the Screen and Frame
Screens can be a magnet for dust, pollen, pet hair, and more, so even if it’s intact, it could probably use a good cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush or the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the screens. For stubborn stains, gently wipe screens with a soft cloth or toothbrush dipped in a bucketful of warm water and mild soap. In between cleanings, run a lint roller over the screen to pick up dust and pollen.
4. Check the Hinges, Handles, and Latches
If your screen door squeaks, sticks, or won’t stay shut, it can’t do its job of keeping out bugs. To get it back into working order:
• Check for rust, loose screws, or misalignment.
• Lubricate the hinges with silicone spray or WD-40.
• Tighten or replace screws if the door feels loose or shifts in the frame.
• Adjust the latch plate so the door closes securely and stays shut.
• Adjust or replace the screen door closer (the small cylinder mounted at the top or bottom of the door that automatically pulls it shut) if it slams or doesn’t close all the way.
5. Upgrade to a Magnetic or Retractable Screen Door
If your screen door is beyond help—or you want a more modern, seamless look—consider upgrading to a style that offers great airflow, easy entry, and a clean look.
• Magnetic screen doors attach to your doorframe with hook-and-loop tape and seal automatically with magnets as you walk through. They’re a great choice for high-traffic areas and homes with kids or pets.
• Retractable screen doors roll up into a slim side housing when not in use so they’re nearly invisible. They’re a great choice for front entries where you don’t want to obscure the look of the main door or for French doors where traditional screens don’t work.
6. Add a Door Sweep
While screen doors are great at blocking flying insects, ants, spiders, and other pests can sneak through gaps at the bottom. Adding a door sweep is a quick way to stop creepy-crawlies from getting in.
Frost King offers a variety of door sweeps that are easy to install—including some that slide onto the bottom or stick on with adhesive so they don’t even require any tools. Watch this video for easy installation tips:
7. Boost Curb Appeal with a Quick Refresh
Your screen door is one of the first things visitors see. A few small cosmetic upgrades can make a big difference:
• Paint or touch up the frame for a fresh, clean look.
• Swap out old hardware like the handle or hinges for updated finishes.
• Hang a summer wreath or seasonal decor to tie everything together.
Find more great ways to update your entryway here.
