15 Interesting Facts About Patio Door Track Repair You've Never Known

How to Fix Sliding patio door repairs near me sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can develop problems in time, making them difficult to use. It is often the case that these issues are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40. Take out any 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 a silicone-based grease to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. In many instances you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy steps. The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To fix this it is necessary to take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to stop future issues. It is also essential to inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to find any bends or dent. Inward bends may pinch and restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers off or derail them. If you notice bent tracks, you can try to straighten them with tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, serious bends will likely require professional repair or replacement. If these fixes don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case you can locate kits in most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and then screw it into place. These track replacement kits come in different lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door. It's also a good idea to take note of if your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and offer an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt to the track could cause a patio door to become stuck 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. You can diagnose the problem yourself and correct it. Examine the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement. Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also cause more track damage that requires professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the problem in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly with the track. Weather stripping that has worn out can also cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip and sunking the new one. If the track is badly bent, it's best to leave this to an experienced patio door contractor who will fix the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place, without more damage or bending. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can become stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to slide against the track and become noisy. To solve this issue first, clean the track's bottom and lubricate the rollers to make them smooth again. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to secure the door in place after it was taken from its frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's best to have a partner help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you and then release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface, such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles that are removable or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to do if you've got one. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise 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 an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Then, wash the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. After the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and helps keep them moving effortlessly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, and then swinging in the bottom. Installing the rollers in the track frame at their highest point is important. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels A patio door often is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with the Hammer. If the tracks are damaged, you can try covering the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.