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Say "Yes" To These 5 Patio Door Track Repair Tips
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are easy and attractive, but over time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any large particles of dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forwards and backwards periodically. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door can be a gorgeous feature for any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. The good news is that in many cases, a few simple steps can help your sliding door to return to its normal operation.

A major reason for stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to get rid of it. Once the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent further issues.

It's also important to check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends can bind and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice any bent tracks Try to straighten them using a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair.

If these easy fixes do not work, you may have to replace the track. In this situation you can find track replacement kits at most hardware stores that permit you to lay a brand new track over the old one and screw it in the correct position. These track replacement kits come in various lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door.


Lastly, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door repairman if your track is showing significant signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. The professionals can usually identify the problem and offer an effective and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In most 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 bent or damaged they may require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. You can identify the issue yourself and fix it.

Examine patio door repairs to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.

Next, inspect the rollers to ensure they aren't catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to stick. It can also lead to further track damage, which will require professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the rollers and the track, making it easier for the door to slide.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.

Another common cause of a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom panel 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.

If your track is severely bent, let an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you can attempt to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers are often the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can get dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its 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, which will lift it off 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). On some older aluminum doors, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Next, back out the roller adjustment screw on the opposite side of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.

Having a friend available helps during this process because you'll need tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or stiff putty knife to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free they can be cleaned by getting rid of the dust cap, and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate using a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Install the door by first placing the top of the door into the track, and then swinging in the bottom. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at the highest points is essential. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels wear out. Replace the wheels if needed. Also clean the tracks to stop the grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by hitting the block of wood against the bent area using a hammer. If the wheels are worn out, try a track sill cover. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.

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