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

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, but with time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. They can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Take out any dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution, while moving the door back and forth. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a stunning addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a stressful experience. In many cases, you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple instructions. A major reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to stop future problems. Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement. Examine the tracks visually to look for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repair or replacement. If these simple fixes do not work, you may have to replace the track. In this case, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track onto the old one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door. It's also recommended to speak with a professional Detroit sliding door repairman in the event that your track is showing obvious signs of wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. fix patio door will usually be able to identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent they may require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. You can diagnose the problem yourself and fix it. First, inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than dust or rust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement. Then, check the rollers to ensure that they aren't stuck or catching. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to become stuck and cause further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to resolve the issue by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A roller that is not aligned properly can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Weather stripping that is worn out can also cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and from the jamb using the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and install the new one. If the track is severely bent, it's best to let an experienced patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place with no more damage or bending. However, if your track is bent only a little or kinked, you can try to straighten it with pliers that bend metal. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it is completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit could be the rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track, causing noise. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to reconnect any clips or braces that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame. It is best to ask a friend to assist you in lifting up 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 such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is an excellent idea if 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 will lower them. It is a good idea to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll require tools such as the screwdriver that has Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty blade for this. Once the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them using a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly. Install the door by first inserting the top of the door onto the track, and then swinging in the bottom. Installing the rollers in the track frame at their highest point is crucial. This will allow the door to slide easily into position without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, and that's why it drags. Examine the wheels on both sets and replace them if necessary. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent portion and pounding it with a hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider covering the track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than one hour.