How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they may develop issues in time, making them difficult for you to use. It's often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be addressed by cleaning and spraying with the lubricant WD-40.

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

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in many cases, a few simple steps can allow your sliding patio door repair service door get back to a smooth operation.

A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the more soiled dirt. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to prevent future problems.

Inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors might be difficult to move and could require replacement.

Also, you should check the tracks for bends or damage. Bends that are inward can pinch and bind a door, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or even derail them. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.

If these fixes do not work, you may have to replace the track. In this case, you can find kits at most hardware stores that allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and then screw it in the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

It's an excellent idea to get it checked out if you notice that your track is bent or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able determine the root of the issue and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt to the track can cause the door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged they may require professional repair or replacement to work properly. You can diagnose the problem yourself and correct it.

First, inspect the track to ensure it isn't blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.

Next, check the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause more track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly could cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.

Another common cause of an unmovable or stuck patio door repair near me door is the worn weather stripping. It is easy to 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 install the new one.

If your track is severely bent, give it to a professional patio contractor. They can fix the problem and ensure that the track is in place without any further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit could be due to your rollers. They can get stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to keep the door in place after it was taken from its frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's recommended to have a friend assist you in lifting the door up and tilt it towards you, which will release it from the bottom track. Place the door on a solid 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). This step isn't required on some older doors, but is a good idea if you have it. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

Having a friend available helps in this process as you will require tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or a stiff putty knife to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers have been cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and helps keep them moving smoothly.

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

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a patio screen door repair near me door drags because the wheels have worn out. Inspect the wheels of both sets and replace them if necessary. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing the block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are worn, consider covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.