How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues over time that make them difficult for you 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.
Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door forwards and backwards frequently. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good thing is that in many situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door get back to its normal operation.
Dirt in the track channels can be 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 wash it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. When the track is clear and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future problems.
Inspect the rollers for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors may be difficult to move and could require replacement.
Visually inspect the tracks to find any bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even destroy them completely. If patio door lock repair notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them by using pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repair or even replacement.
If these solutions fail it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this instance, you can buy kits at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the old one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door.
It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to check if your track is deforming or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. In most cases, professionals will be able determine the root of the issue and suggest solutions that are both safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In many cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if your tracks are bent or damaged they may require professional repair or replacement to perform as they should. There are steps you can take to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.
Examine the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than dust or rust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.
Then, examine the rollers to make sure they aren't sticking or catching. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track that may require repair or replacement by a professional. You could be able to solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A misaligned door roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be 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 stuck or hard-to-move patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip away and sinking the new one.
If your track is severely bent, you should give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it with the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the reason could be the rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and make noise. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to reconnect any braces or clips that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
It is recommended to ask a friend to assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and then tilt it toward you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Place the door on a solid surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't required on older doors, but is an excellent idea to do it if you have it. Then, pull out the adjustment screw for the rollers on the opposite side of the frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.
It is a good idea to have a companion close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools like the screwdriver that has a Phillips head and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. Once you have the rollers free they can be cleaned by getting rid of the dust cap, and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, wash the surfaces of the rollers 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 helps keep them moving smoothly.
Install the door by first inserting the top of the door in the track, then swinging in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into position without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, and that's why it drags. Replace the wheels if needed. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent part using the Hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider covering the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.