How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they can develop problems with time that make them difficult for you to use. The majority of the time, these problems stem from dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forward and backwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a beautiful addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good thing is that in many cases, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door return 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. The best way to fix this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future issues.
Inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned the doors may be difficult to move and may need replacement.
Visually inspect the tracks to look for any bends or dent. Bends that are inward can squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track You can try to straighten them using pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, serious bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement.
If these solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this situation, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing obvious signs of wear or bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest an option that is secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In most cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if your tracks are bent or damaged they may require professional repair or replacement to function properly. There are ways you can identify the issue and fix it yourself.
First, inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Next, check the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to become stuck and could result in further damage to the track, that may require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able to solve the issue by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.
A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.
Weather stripping that is damaged can cause patio doors to become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip off and sinking the new one.
If the track is badly bent, it's best to leave this to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place, without further damage or bends. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be the rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors causes the door to rub the track, causing noise. To solve this issue, first clean the track's bottom and lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to reconnect any clips or braces that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame.
Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a friend assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it toward you, which will release it from the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to take if you have one. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.
It is a good idea to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll require tools like an screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty knife to accomplish this. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wash the surface of the rollers using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.
Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the door into the track and then swinging the bottom part in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
Often, a patio door drags because the wheels wear out. Inspect the wheels of both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks also to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by striking blocks of wood against the bent part using the Hammer. If the wheels are still damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.