Sliding screen does not fit

by John
(Syracuse NY)


I am trying to help someone install a sliding screen door…. A slider was already in this frame but not rolling well so he attempted to remove it, it would not come out by loosening all rollers, the door was a 1/2 inch too big. He literally bent the door in order to pull it out. He was given a door the exact same size to replace it and asked me to help. I have experience doing this but have never seen situation where the door will not go in,, assuming the correct size. He says the new door is the same size as the one he pulled out…. I have included pics of the frame but probably not enough …if anyone can assist even with the manufacturer based on the glass door handle that might send me in the right direction for more help. Thanks!

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Jun 02, 2025
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by: Adrian

A common problem with patio doors is that they sag, either the concrete step underneath the frame cracks in in the middle and pushes everything up, or, the wooden house frame settles and pushes down on the patio door frame.

When then happens the screen door wont have enough of a gap to slide easily. The glass doors might not slide well either. In really bad situations the glass can shatter in the middle of the night from the pressure bearing down on it.

Check the height from top track to bottom track on the left, right and in the center. If the door is sagging the center dimension could be 1/4" to 1/2" shorter than the left or right.

If the sagging is not too severe you might just have to cut the screen door a little shorter. Hopefully thats all that is needed. If the sagging is worse even shortening the door wont work because one side will fall out the track when you try to close it.

If the patio door is still straight with the same height all the way across then cutting the screen door shorter will work fine

If the screen door is mitered together with 45 degree miters it should be easy to shorten it 1/8" or so. But if the screen door is notched together you will just have to get a new one.

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