How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however with time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Take out any dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, as you move the door back and back. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide smoothly, it can be an unsettling experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door to return to smooth operation. The main reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future issues. Inspect the rollers for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and assist to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors could be difficult to move and may need replacement. It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or dents. Bends that are inward can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can throw off the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice any bent tracks, you can try to straighten them with a set of tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair. If these solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that will allow you to lay a new track over the old one and then screw it in place. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can also 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 obvious wear or is 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 can cause the patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are ways you can identify the issue and repair it yourself. Check the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth motion. Next, inspect the rollers to make sure they are not catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to become stuck. It could also result in further damage to the track, which will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able to resolve the problem by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned door roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-cheltenham/ until they are aligned correctly with the track. Weather stripping that is worn out can also cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel and also from the jamb with a screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip out and install the new one in. If the track is seriously bent, you should leave this 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. If your track is bent or kinked you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track on your own make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and create noise. To fix this problem first, clean the bottom track and then lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to attach any braces or clips that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame. The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a person assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it toward you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a sturdy surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the door frame. This screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is beneficial to have a friend nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools such as an screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and helps keep them moving effortlessly. Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom part in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly, 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 hitting the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels have worn out. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent area using a Hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider covering the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.