How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are convenient and attractive, but with time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying the lubricant WD-40. Clean up https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-croydon/ or debris using a vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, while moving the door back and forth. Finally apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a gruelling experience. In many cases you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy instructions. A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To remedy this it is necessary to take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to prevent future problems. It's also crucial to examine the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement. You should also visually inspect the tracks for bends or scratches. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or derail them. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them with the help of pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, serious bends may require professional repair or replacement. If these fixes don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this instance, you can buy kits in most hardware stores that allow you to screw a new track to the old one. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. Lastly, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing significant wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In most cases, the professionals will be able to identify the cause of the problem and suggest solutions that are both safe and effective. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of cases, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are ways you can diagnose the problem and repair it yourself. Examine the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Then, examine the rollers to ensure that they aren't sticking or catching. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track which could require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not broken, you may be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned roller can also make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb with an screwdriver, then taking the old strip off and sunking the new one. If the track is severely bent, it's best to let a professional patio door installer who can fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place, without more damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked, you could straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit may be your rollers. They can get stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and become noisy. To resolve this issue, first clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers to smooth them back. Once the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to attach any clips or braces that helped to hold the door in place when it was removed from the frame. The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and tilt it towards you and then release it from the bottom track. Place the door on a solid 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). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Then, take out the roller adjustment screw on each end of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them. It is beneficial to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools such as a screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free and clean, you can wash them by getting rid of 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 have been cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly. Install the door by putting the top portion of the doors on the track and then moving the bottom part in. It is crucial to install the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Replace the wheels as needed. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting the block of wood against the bent part and pounding it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can use a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.