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Why Is There All This Fuss About Patio Door Track Repair?
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues in time, making them difficult to use. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. They can be repaired with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forwards and backwards frequently. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a stunning addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a stressful experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door return to a smooth operation.

A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a build-up of dirt in the track channels. The best way to fix this is to detach the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent future problems.

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 not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement.


Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends may pinch and restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers off or hinder them. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them with the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or even replacement.

If these simple solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this situation, you can find kits in a majority of hardware stores that permit you to lay a new track over the old one, and then screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.

Lastly, it's recommended to speak with a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing major signs of wear or is breaking or bending in any way. The professionals are able to spot the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and then fix it.

First, check the track to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush using mild detergent should remove obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to become stuck. It can also lead to further damage to the track, which will require repair or replacement by a professional. It is possible to resolve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.

Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can replace it yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip away and sunking the new one.

If the track is severely bent, it's best to leave this to a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, try to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers can be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can get stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to slide against the track, and then become noisy. To solve this issue start by cleaning the track's bottom and lubricate the rollers to smooth them back. Once the rollers are clean then you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to keep the door in place after it was taken from its frame.

Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's best to have a person help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you and then let it go off the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the door frame. This screw regulates 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'll require tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty knife to accomplish this. When the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom part of the door in. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly to ensure that they are at their highest point within the frame of the track. patio door repairs near me will allow the door to slide easily into place without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, and that's why it drags. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to stop grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent portion using the hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.

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