How to Fix Sliding https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, but in time, they may develop problems that make them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning. Clean 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. In the end apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a stressful experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door get back to its normal operation. Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind doors that are stuck or is difficult to move. To remedy this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future issues. Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and help to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors might be difficult to move and may need replacement. Also, you should check the tracks for bends or damage. Bends that are inward can squeeze and restrict a door, while outward bends can throw the rollers away or derail them. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them using the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repairs. If these simple solutions fail it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this situation, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track onto the existing one. These track replacement kits come in different lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door. It's recommended to take note of this to take note of if your track is deforming, breaking or showing signs of wear. The professionals are able to spot the issue and provide an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt 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 professional repair or replacement. You can determine the problem yourself and then fix it. First, inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement. Then, check the rollers to make sure they aren't sticking or catching. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to become stuck and could result in further damage to the track, which could require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to resolve the issue by applying lubrication. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track and make it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned roller could make your sliding door stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Another common cause of a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip away and sinking the new one. If the track is severely bent, you should let an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place with no further damage or bending. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, you can attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber hammer 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 reason may be your rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track and make noise. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to hold the door in place after it was removed from its frame. Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it is recommended to have a person help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface like a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be required on older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended in the event that you have it. Then, take out the adjustment screw for the rollers on the opposite side of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them. Having a friend available helps during this process since you will need to use tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wash the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly. Reinstall the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track and then swinging the bottom part in. Reinstalling the rollers in the track frame at their highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels A patio door often is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Inspect both sets of wheels and replace them if necessary. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers, or by striking the block of wood against the bent portion using a Hammer. If the tracks are damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.