Patching Holes
No matter how you decide to repair holes in your screens, the patch will show. If your wife is a fussy homeowner like mine, continue to the next section. The patch, however, can keep out insects. If the holes you want to cover are small, you can buy precut aluminum screen patches that have their side wires bent back as fish hooks to catch the screen. Using these patches make sure you are level before inserting, you do not get a second chance to adjust it.

Using extra screening to repairing holes can be done as follows: Cut a piece of screening which will cover the hole at least 1″ on all sides. Unravel a long piece of screen wire or several pieces and lace it through the patch and screen to keep the patch in place.

You may also cut a patch large enough to cover the hole with about 1-1/2″ around all sides and unravel all sides of the patch about 1/2″. Bend the ends of the wire 90 degrees to the patch and push them through the screen covering the hole. Then bend over the wires projecting through on the back side to hold the patch.

Replacing Screens
Replacing a damaged section or an entire screen can be done with tools usually found around the home and by do-it-yourselfers. Several different materials are available for screening including aluminum, used today mostly on wood frames and plastic or fiberglass for plastic and metal frames, all 3 of which are nearly permanent against weather. Galvanized iron and copper screen were used in the past but these materials corrode over a period of times and should be replaced before they discolor the window frames and walls.

Screen fabric comes in many different widths so choose the width that will cover your frame with the least waste. Sketching a layout of the pieces you need on paper before buying the wrong width and before cutting will reduce waste.

1. Remove the aluminum or plastic retainer strip from around the frame that holds the screen fabric. Be careful not to tear the plastic or break the aluminum strip. An awl, ice pick or other sharp pointed object works well to remove either type of retainer.

2. Using the torn screening as a pattern, cut the new screening. Plastic screening is usually used today with aluminum frames. Cut the screen at least 1/2″ wider than the pattern to be sure there is enough to hold when you replace the retainer strip. Cutting the screen even with the outside of the frame is a good size.

3. Spread the screening over the frame and press the retainer strip into the groove. Temporarily fastening the screen with masking tape keeps it in place on the frame.

4. You may need a hammer to force the retainer strip into the groove. Do not strike the metal strip directly with the hammer but use a wood block about 3″ or 4″ long between the hammer and the strip. If a plastic strip is used it can be forced into the groove by hand pressure on a wooden block 3 to 4 inches long.

5. Trim off excess screening with a kitchen scissors or a knife or razor blade.

Making a Replacement Frame
Occasionally a metal screen will fall out, be blown out or otherwise damaged beyond repair. Then there are windows, especially in older houses that are odd sizes for which a screen is desired. Materials to make a replacement screen or odd-sized screen can be purchased at many building material, home centers and hardware stores. The framing material usually comes in lengths of 6 or 8 feet so measure the opening into which the frame must fit before you buy the material. Buy enough material to make all four sides. In addition buy a package of four corner braces. Then proceed as follows:

1. Mark off a 45 degree angle near one end of the material.

2. Mark off a distance equal to one side of the opening being sure to mark on the long side.

3. Cut another 45 degree angle so the piece looks like the side of a picture frame.

4. Insert a corner brace into each end of one of the pieces and attach two more sides so you have a “U” shape.

5. Insert the remaining 2 corner braces into the last side and attach to the frame.

6. Install the screen fabric as described in the section above.

Enhance your bathroom with a new shower door, you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes – the entire style of a bathroom can be changed with that door. There is quite a choice of doors on the market right now. Some of them come with ornate frames – others have some really attractive glass patterns. You can even get frame-less frame less doors if you want a more streamlined look. Shower doors come in a range of sizes so you should be able to find one for your bathroom improvement job.

Different Door Styles
Decide whether you want a framed or a frame-less shower door. Framing on a shower door shows all around the edges of the glass. Frame-less doors leave the glass to speak for itself. Next, you should decide the most convenient way of getting in and out of your shower.

A by-pass for instance is where two doors slide past one another. Pivot points located at the top and bottom of the shower connect pivot doors. Hinged doors are usually narrower, up to 36 inches they offer more room for getting in and out of the shower. In-fold and bi-fold doors fold into or away from the shower area. If these don’t suit then there are other options. You can get a custom made shower door if that’s what you want. These will include an array of different frame finishes and glass styles.

Options for Glass and Frame
There are plenty of different glass styles and frame finishes choosing from if you are buying a new shower door. Most stores have a variety of different colored glass. They may have a frosted appearance or come with custom sandblasting. Classic crystal clear options are also available – what this means is that no tint is applied to the glass. Run your fingers across the surface of showroom glass selections. There are plenty of different patterns to choose from. Popular options include rain, glacier and steam mist themes. Reed patterns have an interesting visual texture, and a textured feel to them.

There are a variety of frames on offer; some have a solid brass trim with a variety of plated finishes. Polished brass and satin brass are popular choices. You may find polished brass frames paired with colored glass. Combination shower door options come in chrome on brass, as well as polished nickel on brass. As home designcontinues to evolve, there will be more shower door options on offer. Popular trends in specialized doors include easy-to-clean trackless doors.

Installing the Door
There are two ways to approach installing a new shower door – either do it yourself or get a professional.

The first option, a do-it-yourself project, is generally more cost efficient – providing you know what you are doing. Some doors are easier to install than others as they have easy to follow directions. Installation manuals are usually provided with do-it-yourself door kits. If there is no manual available, they can be found on the Internet, but check before you buy.

If you have no interest in getting involved in the installation process, then hire someone to complete the job. Professional installation services are sometimes offered by the store where you purchased your doors. This is not always the case though and that means that you need to find someone who is trained in shower door installation. A nice place to start is to search the Yellow Pages. Call a few places and ask them how much they charge. Another way to find a reputable professional is to ask your friends and family. You never know when you might find a competent handy-person in your social circle.

Summary:
When you are ready for a change in your bathroom, consider installing a shower door. You can complete this project on your own or hire a professional. Before installing, you will have to choose from a wide range of available options. Some aspects of choosing a shower door include glass designs and frame styles.