How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio door lock repairs doors are convenient and beautiful, but over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.

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

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio sliding doors repair door is a stunning addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become an unpleasant experience. In many cases it is possible to bring back the smooth operation of your sliding patio door repair near me door by following a few simple instructions.

Dirt in the track channels can be a major cause of a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To fix this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the dirt and grime that is deeper. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent future issues.

Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move, and may need replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends can pinch and restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them with the help of pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs or replacement.

If these easy solutions don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance, you can find kits in a majority of hardware stores that will allow you to put a new track over the old one and then screw it into the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door.

It's an excellent idea to get it checked out if you notice that your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able to identify the cause of the issue and suggest an option that is safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they might require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. You can diagnose the problem yourself and then fix it.

The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Next, inspect the rollers to ensure that they are not sticking or catching. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and cause further damage to the track that may require repair or replacement by a professional. You may be able solve the issue in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.

Another common cause of a stuck or hard-to-move patio door repair company near me door is worn weather stripping. You can replace this 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 sunking the new one.

If the track has been severely bent, you should let a professional patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure that the track is held in place without further damage or bending. However, if the track is bent only a little or kinked, you can try to straighten it with the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit could be the rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track, causing noise. To resolve the issue clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. 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 trusted friend assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door repair service near me door and then tilt it toward you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Set the door on a sturdy surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Then, take off the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both ends of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

It is a good idea to have someone nearby 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 blade to do this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by removing the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanism. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly.

Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the doors on the track and then moving the bottom part of the door in. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers correctly, so that they are at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without hitting the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

A patio door often is dragging because the wheels wear out. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.