8 Tips to Keep Your Patio and Door Screens in Great Shape

Patio and door screens play a crucial role in the enjoyment of the outdoors during more temperate months. Not only do they provide much-needed shade and protection from pests, but a quality screen enclosure can also increase the value of your home.

With warmer months approaching, it’s time to take note of the condition of your patio and door screens. Over time, wear and tear from the elements can make your screens look tired and worn. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take that will help keep them in top shape for years to come! Here are 8 tips to help keep your patio and door screens looking good as new.

Clean Screens Regularly 

You must clean your patio and door screens regularly to prevent dirt, debris, insects, and other environmental factors from damaging them. A mild dish soap mixed with warm water is usually all you need to get the job done. Ensure you rinse off all the soap residue with clean water before drying with an absorbent cloth or towel. 

Repair or Replace Damaged Screens

Over time, the fabric of your screen will become worn out or damaged due to exposure to the elements. If this happens, it is important that you repair the patio screen soon as possible to keep pests from entering your home through any holes or tears in the fabric. If repairing isn’t an option due to extensive damage, then replacing is probably best for long-term protection against bugs and other outdoor annoyances. 

Apply UV Protection

The sun’s UV rays can cause fading over time, so you should regularly apply a UV protectant spray to maintain its original coloration. This will help protect against sun damage while also making it easier to clean since dirt won’t stick as easily on treated surfaces. 

Check Screens for Leaks

In order for doors and patios to be completely sealed off from outside elements like wind and rain, there must be no gaps between frames or walls where air could escape into your home. Check for leaks regularly so that any problems can be addressed before more severe damage occurs, such as mold growth or wood rot caused by trapped moisture. 

Trim Shrubbery & Trees 

Bushes and trees should always be trimmed away from any windows or doors equipped with screens, as this will help keep debris from accumulating on them over time which can lead to premature wear and tear if left unchecked for too long. This step also eliminates the chances of a stray branch ripping or tearing into your screens, and might also prevent small animals, such as squirrels, from climbing them. 

Keep Pets Away from Screen Doors 

Pets can wreak havoc on delicate mesh fabric if allowed access inside without supervision, so it is always best practice not to let them near any screened areas in general – especially during high activity times like mealtimes where food may accidentally spill onto the screen! Make sure you have designated pet gates outside leading up into screened areas, too, for optimal protection against potential damage caused by curious paws (or claws!). 

Use Window Film to Reduce Glare 

Glare from direct sunlight can make seeing through window screens difficult when necessary, such as during nighttime hours when natural light is lacking inside homes. However, visibility is still needed outdoors (i.e.-security purposes). Applying tinted window films onto glass surfaces facing southwardly directions helps reduce glare while still allowing enough light transmission into rooms – making them perfect solutions for both daytime privacy needs as well as nighttime security concerns! 

Look For Signs of Wear and Tear

Lastly, don’t forget to check regularly for signs of wear and tear, like fraying threads around the hems/edges of mesh fabrics. This indicates weakened structural integrity, which could lead to breaks occurring without warning if left un-repaired sooner rather than later!  

Expert Patio Repair at Clarks Ace Hardware

Screens are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about bugs getting inside your home. And keeping your patio and door screens looking great involves more than just cleaning them now and again; there are many steps involved if you want them to last longer than expected!

Of course, if you run into any big problems or don’t have the time to do the work yourself, we at Clarks Ace Hardware can help. We provide top-quality patio screen repair services so you can enjoy your outdoor living space all year round. If you enjoyed this article, check out our tips for pressure washing your home the right way.