Five Patio Door Track Repair Lessons From The Pros How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are convenient and attractive, but in time, they may develop issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with a lubricant like WD-40.

Suck up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution while periodically sliding the door back and forward. In the end apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. The good thing is that in many situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door to return to smooth operation.

The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid future problems.

Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or damage. Inward bends can squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent tracks, you can try to straighten them using a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement.

If these solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this case you can find track replacement kits at most hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one and then screw it in place. 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 is showing signs of wear. The professionals are able to spot the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In most instances the patio door that is 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 repair or replacement by a professional. There are steps you can take to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.

First, inspect the track to ensure it is not obstructed by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush using mild detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure that they aren't sticking or catching. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track, that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able solve the issue by lubricating them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the rollers and the track, making it easier for the door to slide.

A roller that is not aligned properly can 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.

Another common cause of a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and then from the jamb by using a screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip out and sink the new one in.

If the track is severely bent, you should let a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place, without further damage or bending. If patio door repair near me is bent or kinked, you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. They can get dirty and stiff over time, which causes the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To solve this issue, first clean the track's bottom and grease the rollers to make them smoother. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place 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 generally heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable, flat surface such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended if you have it. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw on the opposite side of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

It is helpful to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools like an screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. Once the rollers are free and clean, you can wash them by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Clean the surface of the rollers using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly.

Install the door by first placing the top of the door onto the track, then swinging in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly, so that they are at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide easily into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, and that's why it sags. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing an object of wood against the bent part and pounding 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.