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10 Books To Read On Patio Door Track Repair
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they may develop issues with time that make them difficult to use. These issues are typically caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning.


Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using a vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, as you move the door back and forward. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good thing is that in many instances, a few easy steps can allow your sliding door to return to its normal operation.

A major cause of a stuck or difficult to move door is the build-up of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to prevent future issues.

It's also important to check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement.

It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends can throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.

If these simple solutions fail, you might need to replace the entire track. In this case, you can buy kits in most hardware stores that allow you to screw a new track onto the old one. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door.

It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to take note of if your track is deforming, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, experts will be able to determine the root of the issue and recommend an option that is secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt on the track could cause the patio door to get stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent they might require repair or replacement by a professional to function properly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify the issue and fix it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by anything other than dust or rust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure they are not catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to become stuck. It could also result in more track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the problem if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating the rollers. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly with the track.

Another reason that can cause an unmovable or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip off and sinking 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 that the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is bent or kinked you can straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the cause may be your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track, causing noise. To fix this problem, first clean the track's bottom and grease the rollers so that they make them smooth again. When the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a person assist you in lifting the door and then tilt it toward you to let it go off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface, such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step isn't necessary on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is a good idea if you have it. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the frame. The screw controls 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 a companion close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools like a screwdriver with Phillips heads and pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. After the rollers have been removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them using a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, and then swinging it in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly in order to place them at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without hitting the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if necessary. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing a block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.

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