A-StepByStep-Guide-For-Choosing-Your-Patio-Door-Track-Repair-z

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can experience issues over time that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that the problems are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be repaired by cleaning and spraying with a lubricant like WD-40.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any large particles of dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door forwards and backwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a stressful experience. In most cases it is possible to bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.

A major cause of a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To remedy this it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to prevent any future issues.

Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors could be difficult to move, and could require replacement.





You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or damage. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers off or even derail them. If you spot bent sections of the track, you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, patio door repairs may require professional assistance for repair.

If these easy solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this situation, you can find kits at most hardware stores that will allow you to put a new track over the old one and then screw it in place. Track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.

It's recommended to take note of this to check if your track is bent or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In most cases, the experts will be able to identify the cause of the issue and suggest solutions that are both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are ways to identify the issue and fix it yourself.

The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent will eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating the rollers. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio doors to become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip off and sunking the new one.

If the track is severely bent, it's best to leave this to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the issue and ensure the track is secured safely in place without further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you can straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to hit the bent portion 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 may be your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and create noise. To solve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track and then grease the rollers so that they smooth them back. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door back on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to hold the door in position after it was removed from its frame.

It is best to have a friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid 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 aluminum doors, this step is not necessary but it's good to do if you have one. Then, take off the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the door frame. This screw controls the height of the rollers by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

A friend can be helpful during this process because you will require tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife to remove the rollers from the tracks. When the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Clean the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.

Install the door by first placing the top of the door into the track, then swinging the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers or by hitting the block of wood against the bent part with the Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can try the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than 1 hour.