How To Create Successful Patio Door Track Repair Strategies From Home

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are practical and attractive, but over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. It's often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning and spraying a lubricant like WD-40. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products as you move the door backwards and forwards periodically. Finally apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a stressful experience. In many instances you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy instructions. The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To fix this, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to stop future issues. It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move, and may need replacement. Also, you should check the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends may squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even derail them. If you notice any bent sections of the track You can try to straighten them with a set of pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement. If these solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase a kit at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track onto the existing one. These track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. It's recommended to take note of this to check if your track is deforming or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The professionals are able to spot the problem and offer an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In many instances the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if your tracks are damaged or bent, they may require professional repair or replacement to function properly. There are ways you can determine the issue and repair it yourself. First, examine the track to ensure it is not obstructed by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, inspect the rollers to ensure that they are not catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to stick. It could also cause further damage to the track that requires repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to resolve the problem by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide. A roller that is not aligned properly can also cause the sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Another common cause for an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb with an screwdriver, then taking the old strip off and sinking the new one. If the track has been severely bent, give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can fix the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track yourself, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the cause may be your rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track, causing noise. To resolve this issue first, clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers to smooth them back. Once the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to reconnect any clips or braces that helped to hold the door in place when it was removed from the frame. The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's best to have a person help you lift the door up and tilt it towards you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid, flat surface such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step isn't required on some older doors, but is recommended in the event that you have it. Then, take out the roller adjustment screw on the opposite side of the frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. It is beneficial to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools like a screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a strong putty blade to do this. After glass sliding door maintenance have been removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Clean the surface of the rollers using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by first placing the top of the door in the track, then swinging it in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly in order to place them 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 could be worn out, and that's why it drags. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding the block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.