How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues with time that make them difficult for you to operate. The majority of the time, these issues are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door forward and backwards periodically. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a stressful experience. The good news is that in a lot of cases, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door return to its normal operation. Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to prevent future issues. It is also essential to inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and assist to direct it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement. Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or dent. Bends that are inward can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional assistance for repair. If these simple solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this instance you can locate kits in most hardware stores that permit you to lay a brand new track over the old one, and then screw it in place. These track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to take note of if your track is deforming or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt to the track can cause the door to become stuck or difficult to open. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-caterham/ and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need professional repair or replacement. There are ways you can diagnose the problem and repair it yourself. Check the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by anything other than rust or dust A thorough clean using a brush using mild detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Then, check the rollers to make sure they aren't catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to stick and may cause damage to the track, which may require professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the problem in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating 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 door roller that isn't aligned correctly could cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping from 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 badly bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place without further damage or bending. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers could be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track and create noise. To solve the issue clean the track on the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to attach any braces or clips that kept the door in place when it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner assist you in lifting the door up and tilt it towards you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface, such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be required on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended to do it if you have it. Then, pull out the adjustment screw for the rollers at each end of the door frame. This screw regulates the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them. A friend can be helpful during this process since you will need to use tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife to remove the rollers from the tracks. 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 mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly. Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the doors on the track, and then bringing the bottom part of the door in. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels A patio door often drags because the wheels wear out. Replace the wheels as needed. Clean the tracks as well to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by placing an object of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try a track sill cover. Installation is simple and takes less than 1 hour.