How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they may develop issues with time that make them difficult to use. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Suck up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner 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 beautiful addition to any home, but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door get back to a smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for the door becoming stuck or difficult to move. To remedy this it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to stop future problems. Check the rollers as well 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 might require replacement. Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Inward bends can bind and bind the door, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice any bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them with a set of tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, severe bends will require professional repair or even replacement. If these fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance you can locate kits in a majority of hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and then screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the specific door. It's also a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door repairman if your track is showing major signs of wear or breaking or bending in any way. The professionals are able to spot the issue and offer an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In many cases, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and then fix it. First, examine the track to ensure it is not obstructed by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement. Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track, which may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able to resolve the problem by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To solve this issue, locate the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Another common cause of a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and from the jamb using a screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and install the new one. If the track is badly bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers Rollers can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub the track and create noise. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers are cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to keep the door in place after it was removed from its frame. It is best to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding 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, take out the roller adjustment screw on each end of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. It is helpful to have a companion during this process since you will require tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or a pry bar or stiff putty knife, to remove the rollers from the tracks. When the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, then swinging it in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at the highest point is important. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is the reason it sags. Replace the wheels as needed. Clean https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting the block of wood against the bent part and pounding it with a hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.