How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
The sliding patio doors are gorgeous and practical, however they can develop problems in time, making them difficult for you to use. It is often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed by cleaning and spraying with the lubricant WD-40.
Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door forward and backwards periodically. Finally, apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. In many instances you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple steps.
Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for doors that are stuck or difficult to move. To get rid of this issue, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to prevent any future issues.
Check the rollers as well for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.
You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends can throw off the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent tracks, you can try to straighten them by using pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, severe bends will require professional repair or replacement.
If these easy solutions fail it could be necessary 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 onto the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.
It's recommended to take note of this to take note of if your track is bending, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the issue and recommend an option that is secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In a majority of cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if your tracks are damaged or bent, they may require professional repair or replacement to work properly. There are ways to diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.
Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than dust or rust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement.
Next, check the rollers for any catching or sticking. patio door lock repair damaged or broken door roller could cause it to stick. It can also lead to further damage to the track, which will require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the track and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide.
A misaligned door roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To correct this issue, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly with the track.
Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip off and sunking the new one.
If your track is severely bent, let an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure the track is in place without further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, try to straighten it with the help of pliers for metal bends. If you can't straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track and make noise. To resolve this issue start by cleaning the track's bottom and lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to attach any braces or clips that kept the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
It is recommended to have a friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable, flat surface such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step might not be required on older doors made of aluminum, but it is a good idea if you have it. Then, pull out the screw for adjustment on the opposite side of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
It is helpful to have a friend nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools like a screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a strong putty blade for this. When the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, clean the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.
Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors on the track and then moving the bottom portion in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly, so that they are at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow doors to slide in effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
A patio door often drags because the wheels have worn out. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Also clean the tracks to stop the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by placing the block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try a track sill cover. Installation is easy and takes less than 1 hour.