How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio door are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues over time that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door backwards and forwards periodically. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

patio door track repair doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door get back to its normal operation.

A major reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is the build-up of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to stop any future issues.

Also, check the rollers for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they 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 dents. Bends that are inward can be a nuisance and can bind a door, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you spot bent sections of the track, you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repair.

If these solutions fail, you might need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can find track replacement kits at most hardware stores that allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and screw it into place. These track replacement kits come in various lengths and can also be cut to fit the particular door.

It's also a good idea if you notice that your track is deforming or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. In most cases, the professionals will be able to identify the cause of the problem and suggest an option that is safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt to the track could cause a patio repair near me 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 professional repair or replacement. You can determine the problem yourself and then fix it.

First, examine the track to make sure it is not obstructed by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is blocked and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to snag and may cause damage to the track which may require repair patio door or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not broken, you may be able to solve the problem by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

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

Another reason that can cause a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and from the jamb using a screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip away and then install the new one.

If the track is seriously bent, you should leave it to a professional patio door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place with no further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you could straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause may be your rollers. They can get stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To resolve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track, and then grease the rollers so that they smooth them back. After the rollers have been cleaned and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any braces or clips that kept the door in place after it was removed from the frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's recommended to have a partner assist you in lifting the door and then tilt it toward you to lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the door frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

Having a friend available helps in this process as you will need to use tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors on the track, and then bringing the bottom portion 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 effortlessly into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent part using the Hammer. If the tracks are worn out, try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.