5 Must-Know Patio Door Track Repair Practices For 2023

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems in time, making them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed with 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, while sliding the door forward and backwards frequently. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can assist your sliding door return to smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of doors that are stuck or is difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the more soiled dirt. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid any future issues. Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door and assist to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move and may need replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to find any bends or dent. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can bind a door, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or 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 with a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repairs. If these easy fixes don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this instance you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that will allow you to lay a new track over the old one and screw it in the correct position. These track replacement kits come in different lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door. It's also a good idea if you notice that your track is bent or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The professionals can usually identify the problem and offer an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if your tracks are damaged or bent they may require professional repair or replacement to function properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify the issue and fix it yourself. The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement. Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause further damage to the track that will require repair or replacement by a professional. You could be able to solve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using patio door repairs -based lubricant can help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned door roller could cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Weather stripping that has damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip off and sunking the new one. If your track is severely bent, you should give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is in place without further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it with the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be due to your rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track and create noise. To solve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to make them smoother. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to keep the door in place after it was taken from its frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's best to have a partner help you lift the door and then tilt it to your left and then release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum this step isn't necessary but it's good to take if you have one. Then, take out the adjustment screw for the rollers at each end of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. It is a good idea to have someone close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools such as an screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. When the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without hitting the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is why it drags. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks also to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent area using a hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try an edging cover for the track. Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.