How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are easy and attractive, but over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Take out any dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, as you move the door back and forth. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a beautiful feature for any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. In many cases, you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding patio door lock repair door by following a few easy steps.

Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To remedy this, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future problems.

It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and help to direct it along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned, the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to look for any bends or dents. Inward bends can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can throw off the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them using the help of pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs.

If these simple solutions don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this situation, you can buy kits in most hardware stores that enable you to attach an entirely new track on the old one. Track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.

It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to take note of if your track is bending or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In most instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and correct it.

First, inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by anything other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to become stuck. It could also result in further track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able solve the issue 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 become stuck or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track.

Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and from the jamb using a screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and then install the new one in.

If your track is badly bent, give it to a professional patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure that the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door repair near me patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track and make noise. To solve the issue, clean the bottom track first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, 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 after it was removed from the frame.

The sliding patio doors repairs near me doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner assist you in lifting the door and tilt and slide patio door repairs it towards you to let it go off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid, flat surface such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades 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 necessary but it's good to take if you have one. Then, remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both ends of the frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

A friend can be helpful in this process as you'll need tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Install the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track and then swinging the bottom portion in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner, so that they are at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow doors to slide in effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels if needed. Clean the tracks as well to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent portion with a hammer. If the tracks are worn, consider a track sill cover. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.