How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio doors are convenient and attractive, but over time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Clean up any heavy 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 forth. Finally apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease 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 stressful experience. The good thing is that in many instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door to return to smooth operation.
Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind doors that are stuck or is difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to remove the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the dirt and grime that is deeper. When the track is clear, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future issues.
Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement.
You should also visually inspect the tracks for bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers away or derail them. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, severe bends will require professional repair or replacement.
If these solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this instance you can find track replacement kits at most hardware stores that will allow you to put a new track over the old one, and then screw it in the correct position. patio doors repairs are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
It's also recommended to speak with a professional Detroit sliding door repairman if your track is showing major signs of wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The professionals can usually identify the problem and offer an efficient and safe solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In a majority of cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and fix it.
First, inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.
Then, check the rollers to ensure they aren't sticking or catching. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to become stuck and could result in further damage to the track, which may require repair or replacement by a professional. You could be able to solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track, making it easier for the door to slide.
A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.
Weather stripping that is worn out can also cause patio doors to become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with an screwdriver, then taking the old strip and sunking the new one.
If the track is badly bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door installer who can fix the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place with no further damage or bends. However, if the track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to strike the bent section 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 cause could be the rollers. They can become dirty and stiff with time, which causes the door to slide against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any clips or braces that kept the door in place when it was removed from the frame.
The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door and tilt it towards you, which will let it go off the bottom track. Place the door on a sturdy surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles 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 an excellent idea if you have it. Then, take out the screw for adjustment on the opposite side of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.
It is helpful to have a companion during this process since you will need to use tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After the rollers have been cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.
Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the door into the track, and then bringing the bottom part of the door in. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at the highest point is crucial. This will allow the doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is the reason it sags. Replace the wheels if needed. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent portion with the Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use a track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than 1 hour.