It's The Good And Bad About Patio Door Track Repair

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, however over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, these problems stem from damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed by cleaning and spraying with a lubricant like WD-40.

Clean up any heavy dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution while periodically sliding the door back and forward. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a stunning addition to any home, but when it stops sliding or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. In many instances it is possible to restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.

A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to stop future issues.

Also, check the rollers for any damages or misalignments.  repair patio door lock  are at the bottom of the door and help to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or scratches. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers off or even hinder them. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs.

If these fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance, you can find kits in most hardware stores that permit you to put a new track over the old one and screw it into place. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door.

It's an excellent idea to get it checked out if you notice that your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In most cases, experts will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt on the track could cause a patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need repair or replacement by a professional. There are ways you can determine the issue and fix it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to stick. It could also cause further damage to the track that will require repair or replacement by a professional. You could be able to solve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned door roller could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this issue, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned properly with the track.

Another common cause for an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and then from the jamb by using a screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip out and sink the new one in.

If the track has been severely bent, give it to a professional patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure the track is in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, you may try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause may be your rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and make noise. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal time to reattach any braces or clips that helped to hold the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's recommended to have a partner assist you in lifting the door and tilt it towards you to let it go off the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold 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, pull out the adjustment screw for the rollers on the opposite side of the door frame. This screw controls the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them.

It is helpful to have a companion in this process as you will require tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife to remove the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Then, wash the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers in the frame of the track at the highest point is crucial. This will allow doors to slide in effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is why it sags. Replace the wheels as needed. Clean the tracks as well to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent portion and pounding it with a Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can try the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.