How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, but over time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.
Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution while moving the door back and forth. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. In most cases it is possible to restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy instructions.
Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to remove the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid future issues.
patio door repair near me 's also important to check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are 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 may require replacement.
Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends may pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers away or hinder them. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or a piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repairs.
If these solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this instance you can purchase a kit at a variety of hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track onto the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door.
It's also a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing obvious wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In most cases, experts will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Damage or dirt on the track could cause a patio door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if your tracks are damaged or bent they may require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. Fortunately, there are ways to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.
First, check the track to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Next, check the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to become stuck and could result in further damage to the track, which may require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause the sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track.
Another common cause for a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and then from the jamb by using the screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip out and sink the new one.
If the track is severely bent, you should let a professional patio door installer who can fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place without more damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked, you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track 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 can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. They may become stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to rub against the track and becomes noisy. To solve this issue first, clean the bottom track, and then lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. When the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame.
The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner help you lift the door and then tilt it to your left to lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface, such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older doors, but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.
It is beneficial to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools such as a screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by getting rid of the dust cap, and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers have been cleaned, apply lubrication using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.
Install the door by first placing the top of the door in the track, then swinging in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without hitting the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Examine the wheels on both sets and replace them if necessary. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing an object of wood against the bent part and pounding 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.
