How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues over time that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired with WD-40 and a good cleaning. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door forward and backwards frequently. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a stunning addition to any home, but when it stops sliding or does not open smoothly, it can become an unsettling experience. The good thing is that in many instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door get back to smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. To fix this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to dislodge it. When the track is clear and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent further issues. Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and may require replacement. Also, you should check the tracks for 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 bent areas of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends will likely require professional repairs or replacement. If these simple solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this instance you can purchase kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track to the old one. These track replacement kits come in various lengths and can also be cut to fit the particular door. It's also an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing obvious signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. In most cases, the experts will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and suggest solutions that are both safe and effective. Repairing Broken Tracks Dirt or damage to the track can cause a patio 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. There are ways you can determine the issue and repair it yourself. Check the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent should remove obstructions and restore smooth movement. Then, inspect the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to resolve the issue by oiling them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track which makes it easier for the door to slide. A roller that is not aligned properly could cause the sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Another common cause of a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/altrincham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip and sinking the new one. If the track is severely bent, you should let an experienced patio door contractor who will fix the issue and ensure the track is secured safely in place with no further damage or bending. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, try to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They may become stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and become noisy. To resolve the issue clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers are cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in position after it was removed from its frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's best to have a friend help you lift the door up and then tilt it to your left and then release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum this step isn't necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them. It is beneficial to have someone nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools like a screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. When the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly. Install the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track, and then bringing the bottom part in. Reinstalling the rollers into the track frame at their highest points is essential. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if necessary. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers or by hitting the block of wood against the bent area using the hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can use a track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.