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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio door are beautiful and convenient, but they can develop problems with time that make them difficult for you to operate. It is often the case that these issues are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be addressed by cleaning and spraying an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40.

Take out any dirt or debris using a vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, while moving the door back and forth. 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 become an unpleasant experience. In many instances it is possible to restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple steps.

Dirt in the track channels can be a major cause of a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To remedy this it is necessary to take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future problems.

It's also important to 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're damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors might be difficult to move and may need replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.

If these simple solutions fail, you might need to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase kits at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

Lastly, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing major signs of wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, the experts will be able to identify the cause of the issue and recommend solutions that are both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of instances the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they might require professional repair or replacement to function properly. Fortunately, there are ways you can diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to stick. It could also result in more track damage, which will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to solve the issue by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.





A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip and sinking the new one.

If the track is badly bent, you should leave it to a professional patio door installer who can fix the problem and make sure the track is securely in place, without further damage or bends. However, if the 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 to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track, causing noise. To solve the issue clean the track at the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to attach any clips or braces that helped to hold the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

It is recommended to have a trusted friend help you lift up 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 solid, flat surface such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw on the opposite side of the frame. This screw regulates the rollers' height and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them.

It is a good idea to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You will need tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade for this. Once you have the rollers free, you can clean them by removing the dust cap and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanism. Then, wash the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.

Install the door by putting the top portion of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom part in. 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 door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Replace patio door repairs if necessary. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting the block of wood against the bent area with the hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.