5 Patio Door Track Repair Leçons From The Professionals

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are easy and attractive, but in time, they may develop issues that make them difficult to operate. It's often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged rollers or tracks, 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 using a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forward and backwards periodically. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door get back to a smooth operation.

Dirt in the track channels is the main reason behind the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid future problems.

Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and help to guide it along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.

Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can squeeze and bind a door, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers away or derail them. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them by using the help of pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, more severe bends will likely require professional repairs or replacement.

If these simple fixes don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this situation, you can buy kits in most hardware stores that allow you to screw a new track onto the old one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the specific door.

It's an excellent idea to get it checked out if you notice that your track is bent or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In most cases, the experts will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt on the track could cause the patio door to get stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they may require repair or replacement by a professional to function properly. Fortunately, there are ways to identify the issue and fix it yourself.

First, check the track to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by something other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with a brush using mild detergent should remove obstructions and restore smooth motion.

Next, check the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to become stuck and may cause damage to the track which may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able to resolve the problem by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the track and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned in a proper way with the track.

Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and also from the jamb with a screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip out and sink the new one.

If the track is severely bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door installer who will fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place, without further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you can straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track on your own using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over Repair My Windows And Doors , they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub the track and make noise. To solve this issue start by cleaning the track's bottom and grease the rollers to smooth them back. Once the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's best to have a person help you lift the door up and then tilt it to your left and then release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be required on older doors made of aluminum, but it is a good idea in the event that you have it. Then, pull out the screw for adjustment on the opposite side of the frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

It is helpful to have a companion during this process since you'll need tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Clean the surface of the rollers with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.

Install the door by first placing the top of the door onto the track, then swinging in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest point is crucial. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is why it sags. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by striking blocks of wood against the bent area with a hammer. If the wheels are still damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.