How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they may develop issues with time that make them difficult for you to use. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.

Suck up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution as you move the door back and forward. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good thing is that in many situations, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door get back to smooth operation.

Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to remove the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent further problems.

Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement.

Examine the tracks visually to look for any bends or scratches. Inward bends may squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or hinder them. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.

If these fixes don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase kits in most hardware stores that enable you to attach a new track to 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 deforming, breaking or showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases the patio door that is 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 may need professional repair or replacement. You can determine the problem yourself and fix it.

First, check the track to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cd, it is time to put the door on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to hold the door in position after it was removed from its frame.

It is recommended to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door glass repair door on a solid, flat surface such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

It is beneficial to have someone nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll require tools such as the screwdriver that has Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade to do this. Once you have the rollers free, you can clean them by taking off the dust cap and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanisms. Then, clean the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. After the rollers have been cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors on the track, and then bringing the bottom part of the door in. It is crucial to install the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels wear out. Replace the wheels as needed. Also clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting a block of wood against the bent part and pounding it with a Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can use the track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.