How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are practical and attractive, but over time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, these issues are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with a lubricant like WD-40.
Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forward and backwards periodically. Then apply a silicone-based oil to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are an attractive addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. In most cases, you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.
Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for doors that are stuck or difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. Once the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent future issues.
It's also important to check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement.
Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers away or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs.
If these easy fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track to the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
It's also a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing significant wear or is breaking or bending in any way. The professionals can usually identify the issue and offer an effective and safe solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In many cases, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. There are ways to identify the issue and repair it yourself.
Check the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by anything other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush using mild detergent should remove obstructions and allow for smooth movement.
Then, examine the rollers to make sure they are not sticking or catching. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to stick and may cause damage to the track which may require repair or replacement by a professional. It is possible to resolve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track.
Another reason that can cause a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel, and from the jamb using the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip out and then install the new one.
If the track is badly bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door installer, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place, without further damage or bending. However, if the track is just slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it with the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
Rollers can be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. Over time, they may become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track, causing noise. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame.
Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a person assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it toward you and then lift it off the bottom track. Place the door on a sturdy surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove repair patio door lock that are removable shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the frame. The screw controls the rollers' height and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
It is beneficial to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by getting rid of the dust cap, and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Clean the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.
Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom part of the door in. It is crucial to install the new rollers properly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without hitting the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Also clean the tracks to stop the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting the block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can use a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.