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8 Tips For Boosting Your Patio Door Track Repair Game
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, however with time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.

Take out any dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, while periodically sliding the door back and forward. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a stunning feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. In most cases, you can restore smooth operation to 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. The best solution to fix this is to remove the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. After the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future issues.

It is also essential to inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors might be difficult to move, and may require replacement.


Check the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Bends that are inward can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or a piece of wood. However, severe bends will require professional repairs or replacement.

If these easy fixes don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this situation you can find track replacement kits in most hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one and screw it in place. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door.

Lastly, it's an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing significant signs of wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. In most cases, professionals will be able identify the cause of the issue and recommend a solution that is both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent, they may require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure they are not stuck or catching. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause more track damage that requires repair or replacement by a professional. It is possible to resolve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.

Another common cause of an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip away and sinking the new one.

If the track is severely bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door installer who will fix the issue and ensure the track is secured safely in place, without further damage or bends. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can get dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to slide against the track and become noisy. To resolve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track and then grease the rollers to make them smoother. After the rollers have been cleaned and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to reconnect any braces or clips that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame.

It is recommended to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface like tables or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is a good idea in the event that you have it. Then, remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the door frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

It is beneficial to have a companion close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools such as a screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free, you can clean them by getting rid of the dust cap, and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, clean the surfaces of the rollers with alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.

Reinstall the door by putting the top portion of the doors into the track, and then bringing the bottom portion in. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner, so that they are at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is why it drags. Replace the wheels as needed. Clean patio doors repairs near me to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.

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