7 Things You've Never Known About Patio Door Track Repair

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, 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, which can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products as you move the door backwards and forwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a stunning feature for any home, but when it stops sliding patio doors repair or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into an unpleasant experience. In many cases you can restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy steps.

The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the build-up of dirt in the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future problems.

It’s also important to check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they’re damaged or misaligned the doors may be difficult to move, and may require replacement.

Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Bends that are inward can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them by using pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repairs.

If these fixes don’t work, you may have to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track to the existing one. These track replacement kits come in various lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door.

It’s also a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing significant signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. In most cases, the experts will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest an option that is secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of instances the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if your tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair patio door lock or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are ways to diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.

First, check the track to ensure that it isn’t blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by something other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to become stuck. It could also cause more track damage that will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able to resolve the problem by oiling them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding patio door repair service door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio glass door repair near me doors to be stuck or difficult to move. It is easy to 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 away and then install the new one in.

If the track is seriously bent, you should leave this to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked you can straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you can’t straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it’s completely straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

Rollers are often the reason for noisy sliding patio doors, or difficulties in rolling. They can become stiff and dirty over time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To resolve the issue, clean the bottom track first, then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to hold the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner help you lift the door and tilt it towards you, which 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 hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be necessary on some older doors, but is recommended in the event that you have it. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.

It is a good idea to have a friend nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You’ll require tools such as the screwdriver that has a Phillips head and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. Once the rollers are free, you can clean them by removing the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel’s mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. 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 it in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at the highest point is important. This will allow the doors to slide in effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Replace the wheels if needed. Clean the tracks also to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding the block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try a track sill cover. Installation is easy and takes less than 1 hour.