How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues in time, making them difficult for you to use. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.
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 forwards and backwards frequently. In the end apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can be an unsettling experience. The good news is that in a lot of instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door get back to its normal operation.
A major reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can employ 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.
It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned the doors might be difficult to move and may require replacement.
Examine the tracks visually to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can bind and restrict the door, whereas outward bends could cause damage to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice any bent sections of the track Try to straighten them by using pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repairs or replacement.
If these simple fixes don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can locate kits at most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a new track over the old one and then screw it into place. These track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
Lastly, it's an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing significant wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able determine the root cause of the issue and suggest solutions that are both safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In many cases 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 may require professional repair or replacement to function properly. You can identify the issue yourself and correct it.
Check the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.
Next, check the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track which may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws for adjusting 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 hard to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip out and then install the new one in.
If the track is severely bent, you should give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can fix the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. However, if sliding patio door repair is only slightly bent or kinked, try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are 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
Rollers can be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. Over time, they may become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track and make noise. To fix this problem, first clean the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to make them smooth again. Once the rollers are cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame.
It is best to have a friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface, such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't required on older doors, but is recommended if you have it. Next, back out the screw for adjustment on each end of the door frame. This screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
It is beneficial to have someone close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools like the screwdriver that has a Phillips head and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any residue or dirt. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.
Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the door into the track and then swinging the bottom part of the door in. Reinstalling the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest points is essential. 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 are worn out. Replace the wheels as needed. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent part with a hammer. If the wheels still wear out, try a track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.