How to Fix Sliding
Patio Door Track RepairSliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems with time that make them difficult for you to use. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door backwards and forwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are an attractive feature to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. In most cases you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.
Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To get rid of this issue, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to dislodge it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid future problems.
Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned the doors may be difficult to move, and may require replacement.
Check the tracks visually to find any bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers away or hinder them. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them using the help of pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.
If these solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this instance you can find track replacement kits in most hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one, and then screw it in the correct position. Track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.
It's also recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing obvious signs of wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In most cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of 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 work properly. You can diagnose the problem yourself and fix it.
First, check the track to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent will eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement.
Then, examine the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track, that may require professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track which makes it easier for the door to slide.
A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly with the track.
Weather stripping that is damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult 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 a screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip out and install the new one in.
If the track has been severely bent, you should let an experienced
emergency patio door repair contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without any further damage or bending. However, if your track is only slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you can't straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it is completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
If your sliding
patio door repair company near me door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. They can become stiff and dirty over time, which causes the door to slide against the track and become noisy. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame.
It is best to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be necessary on some older aluminum doors but is recommended to do it if you have it. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw on the opposite side of the door frame. This screw regulates the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.
It is helpful to have a companion during this process because you will need to use tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free, you can clean them by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.
Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, then swinging in the bottom. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner, so that they are at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into position without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, and that's why it drags. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent part and hitting it with the hammer. If the tracks are damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.
