How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, but over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Suck up any heavy dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, while moving the door back and forward. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. In many cases, you can restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple steps. A major reason for stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To fix this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the deeper grime. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid any future issues. Inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors could be difficult to move and could require replacement. Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Inward bends may squeeze and bind a door, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers away or derail them. If you notice bent tracks, you can try to straighten them by using a set of pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, severe bends will require professional repair or replacement. If these easy solutions fail it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this situation you can purchase a kit at a variety of hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the existing one. These track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. It's also a good idea to check if your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and offer an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt to the track can cause a patio door to get stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged, 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, examine the track to ensure it is not obstructed by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by something other than dust or rust, a thorough clean with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, check the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to stick. It could also cause further track damage that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A roller that is not aligned properly could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this issue, find the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and then from the jamb by using the screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip away and then install the new one in. If the track is seriously bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door installer who will fix the problem and make sure the track is secured safely 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 are unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it is completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit could be due to your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track, causing noise. To fix this problem start by cleaning the bottom track and then grease the rollers to make them smooth again. Once the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its frame. It is best to have a trusted friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ will free it from the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be required on older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended to do it if you have it. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw on each end of the frame. This screw controls the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is a good idea to have a companion close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools like a screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty knife to accomplish this. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly. Install the door by first placing the top of the door in the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is why it drags. Inspect the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Also, clean the tracks to keep grit from grinding away the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can use the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.