This Is The History Of Patio Door Track Repair In 10 Milestones
How to Fix Sliding www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk
Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues over time that make them difficult for you to operate. These issues are usually caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed using 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 using brushes and cleaning products as you move the door forward and backwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a beautiful feature to any home, but if they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of cases, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door return to a smooth operation.
Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. To fix this, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the deeper grime. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future problems.
Inspect the rollers for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement.
You should also visually inspect the tracks for bends or damage. Inward bends may squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or even derail them. If you notice any bent tracks, you can try to straighten them with pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or even replacement.
If these fixes don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this instance you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one, and then screw it in place. These track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.
It's also a good idea to take note of if your track is bent, breaking or showing signs of wear. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to determine 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 and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.
Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It can also lead to further track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able to resolve the problem by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.
Another common cause of a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel and then from the jamb by using the screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip off and install the new one.
If your track is badly bent, let an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure that the track is in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it with pliers that bend metal. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and create noise. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first, then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to keep the door in position after it was removed from its frame.
It is recommended 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. Place the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors, this step is not necessary but it's good to do if you have one. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw at each end 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'll need tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly pry bar or a stiff putty knife to remove the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers have been cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and helps keep them moving smoothly.
Reinstall the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom portion in. Reinstalling the rollers into the track frame at their highest points is essential. This will allow doors to slide in effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks too to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.