How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can experience issues with time that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that these problems stem from dirty or damaged rollers or tracks, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying the lubricant WD-40. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forward and backwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open without a hitch, it can turn into an unpleasant experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can assist your sliding door return to a smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of a door that is stuck or difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid any future issues. Also, check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement. Check the tracks visually to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can pinch and restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repair. If these simple solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this case you can locate kits at most hardware stores that permit you to lay a brand new track over the old one and screw it in place. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to check if your track is bending or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The professionals are able to spot the problem and offer a safe and effective solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Dirt or damage to the track can cause the patio door to get stuck or difficult to open. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are ways you can determine the issue and fix it yourself. Check the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement. Then, inspect the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to become stuck. It can also lead to further damage to the track that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not broken, you may be able to solve the issue by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or be 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. Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip away and sinking the new one. If the track is seriously bent, it's best to leave it to an experienced patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is securely 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 by 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 If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit may be your rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub the track and create noise. To solve this issue, first clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers so that they make them smooth again. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to attach any clips or braces that kept the door in place after it was removed from the frame. It is recommended to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. ( https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-walsall/ ). On some older aluminum doors, this step is not necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Then, pull out the screw for adjustment on the opposite side of the frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them. A friend can be helpful in this process as you will need to use tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door onto the track, then swinging in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly, so that they are at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide in effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, and that's why it drags. Inspect the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Also, clean the tracks to stop the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding the block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, try a track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than 1 hour.