How To Fix A Retractable Screen Door and Maintain It!

Better quality retractable screen doors are designed to be hassle-free and very durable. This article will examine common retractable screen door repair for systems that have a quality tracking system. This would include, of course, Apollo Screens, but also Phantom Screen Doors, Mirage Screen Doors, Wizard Screens (Same as Freedom Screens), and Clearview retractable screen doors. All of these brands have very similar tracking systems, and rarely need much help or maintenance. If you are looking for retractable screen door repair, and have a fuzzy looking bottom track, or an industrial looking one, I'm afraid there's not much to be done.

Retractable Screen Door Troubleshooting

The first step, of course, is to identify the problem with your screen door. It's a sliding or rolling screen door that needs repair. Simple right? It actually is, there aren't that many things that could go wrong. What's wrong with your retractable screen: The most comon problems have very little to do with the function of the door or normal wear and tear. They are invisible screens, so at some point they usually have someone walk into them. Apollo Screens and those mentioned above don't typically break with moderate impact, it really takes someon hitting or running into the screen pretty hard. Unless your screen door keeps coming off track, it's likely not from regular use, but it can still be fixed. This is maybe the most common repair over time with retractable screen doors. The video at the top of the page deals with this specifically. It's a very easy fix, you just have to apply slight pressure to "pop" it back in.

Screen Door Doesn't Close All the Way

If your retractable screen door is not closing completely look at the magent as the door closes. On a french door set there will 2 magnets that meet and link up with one another. On a single door there will be a magnet that attaches to a strike plate. Likely one or the other is rusted, in which case you will need a new magnet from the manufacturer. It could also be that they are not making good contact. You might dirt or debris in the way of the contact point, or something might have come loose and now the magnet is not "striking well". As far as retractractable screen door repair goes, this is an easy fix.

Retractable Screen Won't Retract

If you're door won't retract at all, or just not all the way, start with the simplest fixes. First try cleaning and lubricating the tracks:

1. With a clean rag wipe well the upper and low track systems
2. With a brush and/or a vaccuum inspect and remove debris from the track channel, especially the bottom one. 
3. Spray a light coat of silicone spray, preferably dry silicone
4. NEVER use WD40- its leaves a residue and will make tons of screen issues

Most of the time those steps fix the problem. If not, you likely have a bad spring or the installation has been forced out of the original shape. If this is the case it' best to contct the company that installed your retractable screen door.

Fixing a Tear on A Retractable Screen Door

This is usually best left to a factory trained professional. There are several parts to this that aren't too difficult for a professional, it's not a recommend DIY project: Unfortunately, you can't realy patch the screen mesh, you will need a screen replacement for a retractable screen door.

1. You have to take down the retractble screen door
2. You need a special mesh, it's not a standard fiberglass mesh you can buy at home depot or lowes, it's coated with a PVC to be more "stiff".
3. You would have to rewind the spring as part of the retractable screen repair
4. You may void your warranty

Here is how we actually fit a new screen, as shown in the video below.

How to Maintain Your Retractable Screen Door

The next generation of retractable screens should out-live your home! They really require little to no maintenace, but if you want to give your screens a little TLC:

1. Clean and wipe down the tracks, top and bottom
2. You can clean the screen mesh with a soft sponge or a product like screen wipes
3. Especially in coastal areas, wipe the magents and strike plates to keep them free of rust
4. If your door is moving a little too slow, try some silicone spray, just a dab will do you!

How to Make Invisible Screens More Visible

I know right? How can someone just walk into the door like that? It's actually really easy. In the sunlight, the screens really do just disappear, and the Apollo retractable screen blends so well that you most guests (and your kids) won't stop to think to open the screen door before walking right through it. The next thing you know you are googleing "how to fix retractable screen door". The solution is to be just a little less invisible, like Drax eating a chip in Gaurdians of the Galaxy. A reputable installation company like phantom screen or apollo will have decals that you can use. While not entirely invisbile, they are cute!

2% Of Our Installations Need Screen Door Repair

We've been doing this for over 2 decades. We have literally installed tens of the thousands of retractable screen doors. We've done the math, this is how many doors need repair every year. With a little common sense,and some mild preventantive maintenance you should completely take your screen doors for granted. A bug free breeze, and no issues. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Author: Sam Steinberg