How to Fix a Sagging Screen Door in 5 Steps
Get a sagging screen door hanging straight in no time
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Turnbuckle
- Pliers
- Tape measure
- Screws
Screen doors protect our homes from bugs and weather, so a sagging screen door shouldn't be ignored. While a sagging screen door seems like a major cause for concern, it can be a relatively easy fix. Follow these simple steps to learn how to fix a sagging screen door.
Select the Right Turnbuckle
Photo: Ozgur Coskun / Adobe StockFirst, measure your screen door to select an appropriate turnbuckle. Turnbuckles are available in a 42-inch size for doors less than 36 inches wide and a 50-inch size for doors wider than 36 inches. A turnbuckle is a simple piece of rigging hardware you can use to adjust your door's tension. Each turnbuckle consists of a threaded body with two end fittings.
Assemble the Turnbuckle
To assemble your turnbuckle, thread the rods into each end of your coupling nut. You'll feel the nut tighten or loosen both ends simultaneously with your movement. It's ideal to leave threads showing to allow room for more tightening as you fix a sagging screen door.
Get the Turnbuckle in Place
To get the turnbuckle into position, place it 2 inches above the bottom corner of the door on whichever side your handle is placed. Next, hold the turnbuckle against the hinge side of your door at a slight upward slant. The turnbuckle should be as flush against the door as possible to prevent interference with opening and closing the door. Once you're confident about its placement, mark screw holes in the door.
Create Pilot Holes
Use the spots you marked in step 3 to drill holes. Next, install your turnbuckle using screws and appropriately sized drill bits. Once the turnbuckle is in place, tighten the screws to make sure the turnbuckle is securely in place.
Do the Final Tightening
It's now time to turn the turnbuckle's coupling nut. This will accomplish the goal of tightening the rod so that you'll see the sagging portion of your screen door become taut. To do this, adjust the turnbuckle until you know the door becomes level. You may meet resistance from the coupling nut. In this case, pliers are used to manage the final turns. You should now be looking at a sag-free door!
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Learning how to fix a sagging aluminum screen door is reasonable for most homeowners. With this job requiring tools most of us have in our garages already, the cost of how to fix a sagging screen door is often negligible. Whether you have questions about why your screen door is sagging or you prefer to get the repair done by a professional, this is a fairly easy and inexpensive task when you hire a local screen door contractor near you. If your door has extensive wear and tear, a quote for the cost of a new screen door from a pro will range between $100 and $1,500 on average.
If your hinges are rusted, a lack of support may be why your screen door is sagging. A misaligned latch and striker may cause a slight sag. For an easy way to make the screen door more secure, purchase replacement hinges if you see noticeable rust or deterioration. To replace hinges, unscrew each leaf on your existing hinges, swap in your new hinges, and tightly screw the new hinges into place.
While the telltale signs can vary for different types of screen doors, it may be time to learn how to install a screen door if you're noticing rotting, warping, or splintering accompanying the sagging. If you’re unsure whether to replace a sagging screen door, consult a local screen door pro for an inspection and final decision.
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