How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, but over time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door backwards and forwards often. Then apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good thing is that in many instances, a few easy steps can assist your sliding door return to its normal operation. Dirt in the track channels can be a major cause of doors that are stuck or difficult to move. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid future issues. It's also crucial to examine 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 are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move and may require replacement. Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or dent. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers away or derail them. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional assistance for repair. If these fixes don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this situation, you can find kits at most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door. In the end, it's recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing major signs of wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt to the track could cause the patio door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they might require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. There are ways you can identify the issue and repair it yourself. The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by anything other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth motion. Then, examine 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 track damage that will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to solve the issue by applying lubrication. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track and make it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned roller can also make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To fix https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/weymouth-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track. Weather stripping that has worn out can also cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and then from the jamb by using a screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and install the new one. If the track is severely bent, you should let an experienced patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure that the track is in place without further damage or bending. If your track is only slightly bent or kinked, attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers are often the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track and create noise. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to reconnect any clips or braces that kept the door in place when it was removed from the frame. It is recommended to have a friend help you lift 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 solid flat surface like a sawhorses or table. Remove any removable grilles shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step might not be required on older aluminum doors but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw at each end of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them. It is beneficial to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a strong putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free and clean, you can wash them by removing the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel mechanism. Then, wash the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, and that's why it sags. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks also to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by holding an object of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels are still damaged, you can try a track sill cover. Installation is simple and takes less than 1 hour.