How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors repairs near me doors are easy and beautiful, however with time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying the lubricant WD-40.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forward and backwards frequently. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. In many cases you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy instructions.

Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of doors that are stuck or difficult to move. To remedy this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. Once the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent further problems.

Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.

Check the tracks visually to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends can throw off the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.

If these solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this situation you can locate kits in most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and screw it in the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.

It's recommended to take note of this if you notice that your track is bending, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, the professionals will be able to identify the cause of the problem and suggest a solution that is both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Dirt or damage to the track could cause the patio door repair door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. You can determine the problem yourself and correct it.

First, examine the track to make sure it is not obstructed by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause further damage to the track that will require repair or replacement by a professional. You may be able solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the track and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide.

A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio door lock repair near me doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip and sinking the new one.

If the track is badly bent, let a professional patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to pound the bent section of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

Rollers can be the reason behind noisy sliding patio door frame repair doors or problems in rolling. They can get stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to rub against the track and becomes noisy. To solve this issue start by cleaning the track's bottom and grease the rollers so that they smooth them back. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to keep the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

It is best to have a friend assist you in lifting 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 sturdy, flat surface such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum this step isn't mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the door frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

Having a friend available helps during this process because you will need to use tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by removing the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and helps keep them moving smoothly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door onto the track, and then swinging the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

A patio door often is dragging because the wheels wear out. Inspect the wheels of both sets and replace them if needed. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting the block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use the track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than 1 hour.