How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio door are beautiful and convenient, but they can develop problems in time, making them difficult to use. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. They can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forward and backwards frequently. Then apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are an attractive addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good thing is that in many cases, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door return to a smooth operation.
A major cause of a jammed or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best method to address this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to prevent any future issues.
It's also crucial to examine the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and help to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned, the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement.
You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends can pinch and bind a door, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or even derail them. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repair or even replacement.
If these easy fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the old one. Track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.
It's also a good idea to check if your track is bent or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the issue and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Damage or dirt to the track can cause the patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to determine the issue and repair it yourself.
First, examine the track to ensure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by anything other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth motion.
Then, check the rollers to ensure they are not sticking or catching. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also result in further track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.
A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned 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 from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip away and sunking the new one.
If the track is severely bent, you should leave it to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place without further damage or bending. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it with pliers that bend metal. If you're 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's completely straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the culprit could be the rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and make noise. To resolve this issue, first clean the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to make them smoother. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame.
It is recommended to have a friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. 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 mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise, they will lower them.
A friend can be helpful during this process because you will need to use tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or a pry bar or stiff putty knife to remove the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free they can be cleaned by taking off the dust cap and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.
Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom portion in. Reinstalling the rollers into the track frame at their highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without hitting the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Also, clean the tracks to prevent the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a hammer. If sliding patio door repair are still worn out, try covering the track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than one hour.