How to Fix Sliding
Patio Door Track RepairSliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues in time, making them difficult for you to use. It is often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning them and spraying them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door forward and backwards often. Then apply a silicone-based oil to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door is a stunning addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become an unpleasant experience. The good news is that in many cases, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door return to a smooth operation.
The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent further issues.
It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors may be difficult to move and may require replacement.
It is also important to check the tracks 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 pliers, a hammer, or a piece of
wood patio door repair. However, extreme bends might require professional repairs.
If these fixes don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to lay a new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. Track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
Lastly, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing major wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, professionals will be able identify the cause of the issue and suggest solutions that are both safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In most cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. There are ways to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.
Examine the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by dirt, a thorough clean using 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 broken or faulty roller can cause the door to stick and may cause damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track and make it easier for the door to slide.
A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this issue, find 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 become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and also from the jamb with a screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip off and install the new one.
If the track is seriously bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door installer who will fix the problem and make sure the track is securely in place, without further damage or bends. However, if your track is only slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber hammer 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 cause may be your rollers. They can become dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to rub against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to hold the door in position after it was removed from its frame.
It is recommended to have a trusted friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid, flat surface such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes 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 required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Then, take off the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.
A friend can be helpful during this process because you will require tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife, to remove the rollers from the tracks. When the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.
Install the door by putting the top part of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom portion in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow doors to slide in effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
Often, a
patio door lock repair door drags because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels as needed. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding the block of wood against the bent portion and pounding it with a Hammer. If the wheels are damaged, you can try a track sill cover. Installation is simple and takes less than 1 hour.