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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, however in time, they may have issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, these problems stem from dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed by cleaning and spraying a lubricant like WD-40.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door backwards and forwards frequently. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can be an unsettling experience. In many instances you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple steps.

A major cause of a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to detach the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the more soiled dirt. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to stop any future issues.

Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement.

Check the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Inward bends can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice any bent tracks You can try to straighten them by using pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repair.

If these easy fixes do not work, you may need to replace the track. In this situation, you can find kits in a majority of hardware stores that permit you to lay a new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. These track replacement kits come in different lengths and can also be cut to fit the particular door.

In the end, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing major wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. The professionals can usually identify the problem and offer a safe and effective solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need repair or replacement by a professional. There are ways to identify the issue and repair it yourself.

First, examine the track to ensure it isn't blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Next, check the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to become stuck and may cause damage to the track, which may require professional repair or replacement. sliding patio door repair could be able to solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Another common cause for an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip off and sunking the new one.





If the track is badly bent, leave it to an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure the track is held in place without any further damage or bends. However, if your track is bent only a little or kinked, you may try to straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track yourself make use of 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 loud or difficult to roll, the reason may be your rollers. They can get dirty and stiff with time, which causes the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To resolve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to smooth them back. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to attach any braces or clips that kept the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's best to have a friend help you lift the door and tilt it towards you and then lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Then, take out the adjustment screw for the rollers on the opposite side of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

It is a good idea to have someone close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools such as the screwdriver that has Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade for this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by removing the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom portion in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly, so that they are at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels if needed. Also, clean the tracks to prevent the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting a block of wood against the bent part and pounding it with the hammer. If the wheels are worn out, try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.