5 Must-Know Practices For Patio Door Track Repair In 2023

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, but in time, they may develop issues that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40. Take out any dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution as you move the door back and forth. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a stunning feature for any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide without a hitch, it can turn into an unpleasant experience. The good news is that in many cases, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door to return to its normal operation. Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To fix this problem, you must remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid any future issues. It's also crucial to examine the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they're damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors could be difficult to move and could require replacement. Check the tracks visually to find any bends or dent. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can bind a door, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repair. If these fixes do not work, you may have to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase a kit in most hardware stores that enable you to attach an entirely new track on the existing one. Track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. It's recommended to take note of this if you notice that your track is deforming or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The professionals are able to spot the issue and offer an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In most instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent, they may require professional repair or replacement to work properly. You can diagnose the problem yourself and fix it. First, check the track to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement. Then, examine the rollers to ensure that they aren't stuck or catching. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to become stuck and could result in further damage to the track, which may require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to solve the problem by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide. A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and then from the jamb by using a screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip out and install the new one. If the track is severely bent, you should give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you could straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. patio door repair may become stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to slide against the track and becomes noisy. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a friend help you lift the door and then tilt it to your left, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the frame. This screw controls the rollers' height and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is a good idea to have a friend nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll require tools like the screwdriver that has Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wash the roller surfaces 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. Install the door by first putting the top of the door onto the track, then swinging in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at their highest points is essential. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Inspect both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Also clean the tracks to stop the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding an object of wood against the bent area and pounding it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.