Five Patio Door Track Repair Lessons From The Pros
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues with time that make them difficult for you to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forward and backwards often. In the end apply a silicone-based oil to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a stunning 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 situations, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door return to smooth operation.
The main reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to remove the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. After the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future issues.
Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move and may require replacement.
Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dent. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or derail them. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, serious bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement.
If these fixes do not work, you may need to replace the track. In this situation you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track to the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
It's also a good idea to check if your track is bending or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. In most cases, experts will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a solution that is both secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In a majority of instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent, they may require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. There are steps you can take to determine the issue and fix it yourself.
Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement.
Next, inspect the rollers to ensure they aren't stuck or catching. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to become stuck and cause further damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to 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 could make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned properly with the track.
Weather stripping that is worn out can also cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can easily replace it by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip and sinking the new one.
If the track is severely bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure the track is securely in place, without more damage or bending. However, if patio doors repairs is only slightly bent or kinked, you can attempt to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it is completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
Rollers can be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track and make noise. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. This is the ideal time to reattach any clips or braces that helped to hold the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's best to have a partner assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it toward you and then release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface like tables or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise, they 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 pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to remove the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free they can be cleaned 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 are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly.
Install the door by putting the top portion of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom part of the door in. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels have worn out. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can use using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.