How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can develop problems in time, making them difficult for you to operate. It is often the case that the problems are caused by dirty or damaged rollers or tracks, which can be fixed by cleaning and spraying with the lubricant WD-40.

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

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. The good news is that in a lot of cases, a few simple steps can help your sliding door return to its normal operation.

Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for doors that are stuck or difficult to move. To get rid of this issue, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future problems.

It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors may be difficult to move, and may require replacement.

Examine the tracks visually to look for any bends or dent. Inward bends may squeeze and restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers off or even hinder them. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them by using the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repair.

If these simple fixes don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can purchase kits at most hardware stores to enable you to attach an entirely new track on the old one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door.

In the end, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding patio door repairs door repairman if your track is showing obvious wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by 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 determine the problem yourself and fix it.

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

Next, inspect the rollers to ensure they are not catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It can also lead to further damage to the track that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to solve the problem by oiling them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the rollers and the track which makes it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding patio door repair door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.

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

If the track is severely bent, you should let a professional patio screen door repair contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is in place without any further damage or bending. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio doors repair patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track and create noise. To resolve the issue clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

It is recommended to ask a friend to help you lift up the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable, flat surface such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be required on some older aluminum doors but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Next, back out the adjustment screw for the rollers at 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.

Having a friend available helps during this process since you will require tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, clean the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them moving smoothly.

Install the door by first putting 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 doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

Often, a patio door drags because the wheels have worn out. Inspect the wheels on both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks as well to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent part and pounding it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.