What Is Patio Door Track Repair And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can experience issues with time that make them difficult for you to use. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

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

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can help your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.

Dirt in the track channels can be a major cause of the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent further issues.

Also, check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors might be difficult to move and may need replacement.

Examine the tracks visually to check for any bends or dents. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even hinder them. If you notice bent sections of the track Try to straighten them using a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs.

If these fixes don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this case, you can find kits in most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

It's also recommended to speak with a professional Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing significant signs of wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. The professionals are able to spot the issue and provide an effective and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Dirt or damage to the track can cause the patio door to get stuck or difficult to open. 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 ways to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.

First, examine 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 remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It can also lead to further damage to the track that will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to solve the problem by oiling them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

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

Another common cause for a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel, and also from the jamb with an screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and then install the new one.

If your track is severely bent, leave it to an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you can straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to pound the bent section of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. They may become dirty and stiff over time, which causes the door to slide against the track and become noisy. To solve the issue clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers are cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any braces or clips that kept the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's recommended to have a friend assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it to your left 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  content  that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step isn't required on older doors, but is a good idea in the event that you have it. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.

Having a friend available helps during this process because you'll need tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free, you can clean them by removing the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate using a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Reinstall the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom part in. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner to ensure that they are at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without hitting the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, and that's why it sags. Examine the wheels on both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to keep the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent portion and pounding it with a hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use using a track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.