How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they may develop issues in time, making them difficult for you to operate. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be repaired with WD-40 and a good cleaning. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forwards and backwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or does not open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. In most cases you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy steps. A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue problem, you must remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future issues. Inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and may require replacement. Also, you should check the tracks for bends or scratches. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or derail them. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repairs. If these solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this case you can purchase kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to screw an entirely new track on the existing one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door. It's also a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing major signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. In most cases, the professionals will be able to identify the cause of the issue and recommend a solution that is both secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt on the track could cause the door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. You can diagnose the problem yourself and then fix it. Check the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with a brush using mild detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Then, check the rollers to ensure they aren't sticking or catching. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and may cause damage to the track which may require professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned door roller can also cause the sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly with the track. Another reason that can cause a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and from the jamb using the screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip off and sink the new one in. If the track has been severely bent, you should let a professional patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked you can straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself 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 can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can become dirty and stiff with time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to reconnect any clips or braces that helped to hold the door in place when it was removed from the frame. It is recommended to have a friend assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and then tilt it toward you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older aluminum doors but is an excellent idea to do it if you have it. Then, remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the frame. This screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is a good idea to have a companion nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools such as a screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by taking off the dust cap and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel's mechanisms. Then, clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any residue or dirt. After the rollers have been cleaned, apply lubrication using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and helps keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by first inserting the top of the door onto the track, then swinging in the bottom. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at the highest points is essential. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels Most often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers, or by striking a block of wooden against the bent portion using the Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can try using a track sill. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/ashford-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ is easy and takes less than an hour.