re-screen retractable screen doors?

by Eric
(Valley Village, CA)

Question:
How do you fix retractable screen doors?

My dog has torn a hole at the bottom of the screen along the bar that opens the screen. Clearly there is a spline in there holding the screening in place, but I can't figure out how to get it out so that I can move the screening over and fix the hole. How do you take the thing apart to get to the spline?

Answer:
You should be able to hook the spline out with a sharp awl or even a nail. Move the screen over and roll it back in. Only a few retractable screen companies provide repair service for their doors and even then they expect you to remove the door and bring it to them.