How To Find Out If You're Are Ready To Patio Door Track Repair
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can develop problems over time that make them difficult to use. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using a vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution, while moving the door back and back. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become a frustrating experience. In most cases you can restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple instructions.
A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To fix this problem, you must remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future problems.
It's also important to check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors might be difficult to move and could require replacement.
Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or dents. Bends that are inward can pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair.
If these easy solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the existing one. Track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.
In the end, it's a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing obvious wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In most cases, the professionals will be able determine the root cause of the issue and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In most instances the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need repair or replacement by a professional. You can diagnose the problem yourself and fix it.
Examine the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent will eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Then, examine the rollers to ensure they are not sticking or catching. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to become stuck and may cause damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the rollers and the track which makes it easier for the door to slide.
A misaligned roller can also make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track.
Another reason that can cause a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and also from the jamb with the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and install the new one.
If the track is severely bent, you should leave this to an experienced patio door contractor who will fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place without further damage or bending. If patio door repair is bent only a little or kinked, you can 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 block of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. They can become stiff and dirty over time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and become noisy. To fix this problem, first clean the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to smooth them back. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect time to reattach any braces or clips that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
It is recommended to ask a friend to assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface like tables or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is an excellent idea to do it if you have it. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw 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 will lower them.
It is helpful to have a companion during this process since you will require tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free, you can clean them by getting rid of the dust cap, and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanism. Then, wipe the surfaces with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.
Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom portion in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly, so that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
Often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Check the wheels of both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding an object of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can use a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.