How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, however with time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that these problems stem from damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning and spraying a lubricant like WD-40.

Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy 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 lubricant to lessen friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. In many cases you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple instructions.

The main reason for stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To remedy this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the deeper grime. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid any future issues.

Check the rollers as well for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If these 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 scratches. Inward bends can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends could cause damage to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with the help of pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or even replacement.

If these simple fixes don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this case you can locate kits in a majority of hardware stores that will allow you to put a new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.

Lastly, it's a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing major signs of wear or breaking or bending in any way. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able to determine the root cause of the issue and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt to the track could cause a patio door lock repair door to get stuck or difficult to open. 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 determine the problem yourself and correct it.

Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by something other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Next, inspect the rollers to make sure they aren't sticking or catching. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It can also lead to further track damage that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able solve the issue by applying lubrication. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.

Another reason that can cause a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel and also from the jamb with the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and sink the new one in.

If the track is seriously bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door installer, who can correct the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place without more damage or bending. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, you can attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be the rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good time to reattach any clips or braces that helped to hold the door in place while it was removed from the frame.

It is best to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door frame repair door on a solid, flat surface such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to take if you have one. Then, take out the screw for adjustment on the opposite side of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them.

It is beneficial to have someone nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools such as a screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade to do this. After the rollers have been removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wash the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. After the rollers have been cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, then swinging the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without hitting the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, which is the reason it sags. Replace the wheels if needed. Also, clean the tracks to keep grit from grinding away the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing an object of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.