A Handbook For Patio Door Track Repair From Start To Finish

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, but over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, the problems are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be repaired by cleaning them and spraying them with a lubricant like WD-40. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product and slide the door backwards and forwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home, but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can be an unsettling experience. In many instances you can restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy instructions. The main reason for stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best way to fix this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar tool to get rid of it. After the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent future issues. Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers sit 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 may require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to look for any bends or dents. Inward bends can bind and make the door unusable, while outward bends can throw off the rollers or even derail them completely. If you spot bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with the help of pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair. If these easy fixes don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this instance you can locate kits at most hardware stores that allow you to lay a 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 particular doors. It's recommended to take note of this to take note of if your track is bending, breaking or showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the problem and offer a safe and effective solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are ways to identify the issue and fix it yourself. First, examine the track to make sure it's not blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by something other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Then, examine the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to stick. It could also result in more track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able solve the problem by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide. A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Another common cause of a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip and sinking the new one. If patio door repairs is severely bent, you should leave it to a professional patio contractor. They will be able to fix the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without any further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track and make noise. To solve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to reconnect any braces or clips that helped to hold the door in place when it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's best to have a partner help you lift the door and tilt it towards you, which will let it go off the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't required on some older aluminum doors but is an excellent idea if you have it. Next, back out the adjustment screw for the rollers at each end of the 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 will need tools such as the screwdriver that has Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty knife to accomplish this. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly. Reinstall the door by putting the top portion of the doors into the track and then swinging the bottom portion in. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at the highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels A patio door often is dragging because the wheels wear out. Inspect the wheels of both sets and replace them if necessary. Clean the tracks too 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 portion and hitting it with the hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can try a track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.