The Complete List Of Patio Door Track Repair Dos And Don'ts

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and convenient, but they can experience issues in time, making them difficult to use. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution while periodically sliding the door back and back. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are an attractive feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. In most cases it is possible to restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy instructions. Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent further problems. Check the rollers as well for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement. It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or damage. Bends that are inward can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can throw off the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using the help of pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs. If these simple fixes don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this situation you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the old one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door. It's also an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing obvious wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In many cases doors that are 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 damaged or bent they might require professional repair or replacement to perform as they should. You can diagnose the problem yourself and correct it. First, examine the track to make sure it's 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 smooth movement. Then, inspect the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to become stuck. It could also result in further damage to the track that will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned properly with the track. Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can replace it yourself by loosening the weather stripping from 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 severely bent, let a professional patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. However, if your track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. They can become stiff and dirty over time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track, and then become noisy. To solve the issue, clean the bottom track first, then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. This is the perfect time to reattach any clips or braces that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame. The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you and then release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be necessary on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended to do it if you have it. Then, take off the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is helpful to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a strong putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. 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 in the track, then swinging it in the bottom. patio door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly in order to place them at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without hitting the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Examine the wheels of both sets and replace them if needed. Also clean the tracks to prevent grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent area with a Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.