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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues over time that make them difficult for you to operate. It's often the case that these issues are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be addressed by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40.

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

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a stunning feature for any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide without a hitch, it can turn into a frustrating experience. The good thing is that in many situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door get back to smooth operation.

A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the build-up of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue 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. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future issues.

It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors may be difficult to move, and could require replacement.

It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can pinch and bind a door, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers away or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them using pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.

If these fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase kits in most hardware stores that allow you to screw an entirely new track on the existing one. Track replacement kits are available in a variety of 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 signs of wear or is breaking or bending in any way. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In many cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if your tracks are bent or damaged, they may require professional repair or replacement to function properly. There are ways to diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.

First, examine the track to make sure it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by something other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.





Next, inspect the rollers to make sure they aren't stuck or catching. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also cause more track damage, which will require repair or replacement by a professional. You may be able solve the problem if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A misaligned roller could make your sliding door stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track.

Another reason that can cause an unmovable or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip and sinking the new one.

If sliding patio door repair is severely bent, it's best to let a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place, without further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. 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 strike the bent portion of the track until it is 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, causing the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To fix this problem, first clean the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to make them smooth again. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to secure the door in place after it was taken from its frame.

It is best to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface like a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum this step isn't necessary but it's good to do if you have one. Then, take out the adjustment screw for the rollers on each end of the door frame. This screw controls the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

Having a friend available helps during this process because you will need to use tools, such as 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 and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication using a silicone-based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, and then swinging the bottom. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the doors to slide in effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

A patio door often is dragging because the wheels wear out. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with the hammer. If the wheels are still damaged, you can try covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.