How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems with time that make them difficult for you to use. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any heavy dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product and slide the door backwards and forwards often. In the end apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce 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 frustrating experience. In many cases it is possible to restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple instructions. Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. To remedy this it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to stop future problems. It is also essential to 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 are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move and could require replacement. Check the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Bends that are inward can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them using the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repair. If these solutions fail then you may need to replace the entire track. In this instance, you can find kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and then screw it in place. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit the particular door. Lastly, it's a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing significant signs of wear or bending or breaking in some way. The professionals are able to spot the problem and offer an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. You can determine the problem yourself and then fix it. First, examine the track to make sure it is not obstructed by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by something other than dust or rust, a thorough clean with a brush using mild detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Then, examine the rollers to ensure they aren't stuck or catching. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-cheltenham/ broken or faulty door roller can cause it to stick. It could also cause further damage to the track that requires professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the problem if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to become stuck 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. Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily 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. If the track is seriously bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door installer, who can correct the issue and ensure the track is secured safely in place, without more damage or bending. However, if your track is only slightly bent or kinked, you may attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you can't 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 is completely straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub the track, causing noise. To fix this problem, first clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers to make them smooth again. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to keep the door in position after it was removed from its frame. Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and then tilt it to your left, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable, flat surface such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step may not be required on some older aluminum doors but is a good idea if you have it. Then, take out the screw for adjustment at each end of the door frame. This screw regulates the rollers' height and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them. It is helpful to have a friend nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips heads and pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. When the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly. Install the door by first inserting the top of the door in the track, and then swinging the bottom. It is crucial to install the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Examine the wheels of both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks also to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by striking a block of wooden against the bent portion using a Hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.