How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and practical, however they may develop issues over time that make them difficult for you to use. It's often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be repaired by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door forward and backwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good thing is that in many situations, a few simple steps can help your sliding door to return to its normal operation. A major reason for stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best method to address this is to remove the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. Once the track is clean it is possible to apply a silicone-based lubricant. be applied to avoid future problems. Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and may require replacement. Check the tracks visually to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or hinder them. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them with a set of tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repair or replacement. If these simple solutions don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase a kit in most hardware stores that allow you to fix a new track to the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. In the end, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing major signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. In the majority of cases, experts will be able to determine the root cause of the issue and suggest a solution that is both secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt on the track could cause the patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and fix it. First, inspect the track to ensure it is not obstructed by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust A thorough clean using the use of a soft detergent should remove obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Then, inspect the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also result in further damage to the track that will require repair or replacement by a professional. You may be able solve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the track and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide. A roller that is not aligned properly could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Weather stripping that has damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip away and sunking the new one. If your track is severely bent, let an experienced patio contractor. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ can fix the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the reason may be your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub the track and make noise. To solve the issue, clean the bottom track first, then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its frame. It is best to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and 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 removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to do if you've got one. Then, remove the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. A friend can be helpful during this process because you will require tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife to disengage the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wash the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and helps keep them moving effortlessly. Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, then swinging in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Check the wheels of both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to prevent grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by striking the block of wood against the bent portion using a hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, try a track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than one hour.