How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however with time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be addressed by cleaning them and spraying them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40.

Suck up any heavy dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution while periodically sliding the door back and forth. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good news is that in a lot of instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.

Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the deeper grime. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to prevent any future issues.

Check the rollers as well for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move and may need replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can bind and make the door unusable, while outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent tracks, you can try to straighten them with a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.

If these simple fixes don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this instance, you can find kits in most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and then screw it in place. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

Lastly, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding patio door repair near me door contractor if your track is showing obvious wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, the experts will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and suggest an option that is safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. You can identify the issue yourself and fix it.

The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent will eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure that they aren't sticking or catching. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to stick. It could also result in more track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able solve the problem by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn out can also cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and also from the jamb with a screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip off and install the new one in.

If the track is severely bent, you should leave it to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bends. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

Rollers can be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track and create noise. To fix this problem start by cleaning the bottom track and then grease the rollers so that they make them smooth again. After the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any braces or clips that helped to hold the door in place after it was removed from the frame.

The sliding patio door lock repair patio doors are typically heavy, so it's best to have a partner help you lift the door up and tilt it towards you and then lift it off the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to do if you've got one. Then, pull out the screw for adjustment on each end of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

It is helpful to have a companion during this process because you will need to use tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or a pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by removing the dust cap and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanism. Then, clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any residue or dirt. Once the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging the bottom. Installing the rollers in the track frame at their highest point is crucial. This will allow the door to slide easily into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Most often, a patio repair near me door is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers, or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent part with the hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can use using a track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than one hour.