How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however over time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed with WD-40 and a thorough 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. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or does not open smoothly, it can become a frustrating experience. In many instances you can restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy instructions. The main reason for stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. When the track is clear it is possible to apply a silicone-based lubricant. be applied to prevent future issues. Inspect 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 these are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement. It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends can bind and bind the door, while outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repairs. If these easy solutions don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this case you can find track replacement kits in most hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors. It's also a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman in the event that your track is showing significant signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. In most cases, professionals will be able to identify the cause of the problem and suggest an option that is safe and effective. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. You can diagnose the problem yourself and correct it. First, inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause more track damage, which will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To correct 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 the worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip away and sinking the new one. If patio door repairs is severely bent, it's best to leave this to a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place, without further damage or bends. However, if the track is just slightly bent or kinked, attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you can't straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the culprit could be due to your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To solve this issue first, clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers to make them smoother. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame. The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a friend help you lift the door up and then tilt it to your left, which will let it go off the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum this step isn't mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the door frame. This screw controls the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them. It is helpful to have a companion nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools like an screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty knife to accomplish this. Once you have the rollers free, you can clean them by getting rid of the dust cap, and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly. Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors on the track and then moving the bottom part of the door in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner, so that they are at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Check the wheels of both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent portion and pounding it with the hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.
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