How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio doors are easy and attractive, but over time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.
Suck up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution while moving the door back and back. In Repair My Windows And Doors apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a beautiful feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a stressful experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door to return to smooth operation.
A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the build-up of dirt in the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to get rid of it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid any future issues.
Inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door and help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors may be difficult to move and could require replacement.
Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice any bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them using pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, more severe bends will require professional repair or even replacement.
If these easy solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case, you can find kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one, and then screw it in the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door.
It's also recommended to speak with a professional Detroit sliding door repairman if your track is showing significant signs of wear or bending or breaking in some way. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Dirt or damage to the track could cause the door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement to work properly. Fortunately, there are ways you can diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.
First, check the track to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent should remove obstructions and allow for smooth movement.
Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and cause further damage to the track which could require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to solve the problem by oiling them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen 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, locate the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.
Another reason that can cause an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip away and sunking the new one.
If your track is severely bent, let a professional patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you may attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
Rollers are often the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They may become stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To solve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to smooth them back. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
It is best to have a friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Place the door on a solid surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum this step isn't necessary but it's good to take if you have one. Next, back 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, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
A friend can be helpful in this process as you'll need tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by getting rid of 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 the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.
Install the door by putting the top portion of the doors into the track, and then bringing the bottom portion in. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
Often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent part and pounding it with a hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.