This Is The Complete Listing Of Patio Door Track Repair Dos And Don'ts

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are practical and attractive, but over time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, these problems stem from dirty or damaged rollers or tracks, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying a lubricant like WD-40.

Take out any dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, while periodically sliding the door back and forward. Then apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.

Dirt in the track channels is the main reason behind a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. To remedy this it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to dislodge it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to stop future issues.

Also, check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors might be difficult to move, and may require replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or damage. Bends that are inward can pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or hinder them. If you spot bent sections of the track, you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs or replacement.

If these easy fixes don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this instance, you can find kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one and then screw it in the correct position. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can also be cut to fit the particular door.

Lastly, it's recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing significant signs of wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and suggest an option that is safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt on the track could cause the patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need professional repair or replacement. There are steps you can take to determine the issue and repair it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush using mild detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth motion.

Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking.  patio door lock repairs near me  damaged or broken roller can cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track, that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to resolve the issue by oiling them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Another common cause of a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using the screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip away and sink the new one in.

If the track is severely bent, it's best to leave this to a professional patio door contractor who will fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place with no more damage or bending. However, if the track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track 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 reason for noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To fix this problem first, clean the bottom track, and then lubricate the rollers to make them smooth again. Once the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect time to reattach any clips or braces that kept the door in place while it was removed from the frame.

It is recommended to have a friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't required on older doors, but is recommended in the event that you have it. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

Having a friend available helps during this process because you will require tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, clean the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and helps keep them moving effortlessly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the door into the track and then swinging the bottom part in. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at their highest point is important. This will allow the doors to slide into place effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks also to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by striking a block of wooden against the bent area using the hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider a track sill cover. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.