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 to use. It's often the case that these issues are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed by cleaning and spraying with a lubricant like WD-40.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forward and backwards periodically. In the end apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door can be a gorgeous feature for any home, but when it stops Sliding patio door repair service near Me or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into a frustrating experience. In many cases you can restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.

A major reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is a build-up of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the deeper grime. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid future problems.

Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors could be difficult to move and may need replacement.

It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or damage. Inward bends can bind and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repair or replacement.

If these simple fixes don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this situation you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that permit you to lay a new track over the old one, and then screw it in place. These track replacement kits come in various lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door.

Lastly, it's recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman if your track is showing significant signs of wear or breaking or bending in any way. The professionals can usually identify the problem and offer a safe and effective solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of instances the patio door repairs door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require 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 is not obstructed by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent should remove obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers to ensure that they aren't stuck or catching. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the rollers and the track which makes it easier for the door to slide.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.

Weather stripping that has damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and then from the jamb by using an screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip out and sink the new one in.

If the track is badly bent, you should leave this to an experienced patio door repairs door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure the track is securely in place, without more damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked, you could straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from 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 doors repair door is noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit may be your rollers. They may become dirty and stiff with time, which causes the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers are cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to hold the door in position after it was removed from its frame.

Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you to lift it off the bottom track. Place the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable shades, drapes, or shades 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. Then, take out the adjustment screw for the rollers at each end of the door frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

It is helpful to have a companion during this process because you will need to use tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Clean the surface of the rollers with alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, then swinging in the bottom. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest points is essential. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a glass patio door repair door drags because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels as needed. Also, clean the tracks to prevent the grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by striking blocks of wood against the bent portion with the hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can use a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.