How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues over time that make them difficult for you to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door forward and backwards frequently. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a stressful experience. In many cases it is possible to restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.

Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To fix this, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. When the track is clear and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent further issues.

Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement.

It is also important to check the tracks for bends or damage. Inward bends can bind and restrict the door, whereas outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair.

If these simple solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this case you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that permit you to lay a brand new track over the old one, and then screw it in place. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the specific door.

In the end, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing significant signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. In most cases, the professionals will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In most instances, a patio door repairs near me door that's 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 professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and correct it.

First, examine the track to make sure it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than rust or dust A thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth motion.

Next, check the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A roller that is not aligned properly can make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Weather stripping that is damaged can cause patio doors repairs doors to become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with an screwdriver, then taking the old strip and sinking the new one.

If the track is seriously bent, it's best to let an experienced patio door repairs near me door contractor who will fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without more damage or bending. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, attempt to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable straighten the track by yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio screen door repair door is noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. They can get dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to be pushed against the track and become noisy. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. This is a good moment to reconnect any braces or clips that kept the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's best to have a person assist you in lifting the door and then tilt it toward you and then release it from the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides 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 beneficial to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools like the screwdriver that has a Phillips head and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. When the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, clean the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It is crucial to install the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels wear out. Examine the wheels of both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also, clean the tracks to prevent grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers or by hitting the block of wood against the bent area using a hammer. If the tracks are worn out, try covering the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than 1 hour.