7 Things You've Never Known About Patio Door Track Repair How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio door are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues with time that make them difficult for you to use. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door backwards and forwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a stunning addition to any home, but when it stops sliding or does not open smoothly, it can be an unpleasant experience. In many instances you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy instructions.

A major cause of a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. The best method to address this is to remove the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. patio door repair can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the deeper grime. After the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future problems.


It is also essential to inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors could be difficult to move, and could require replacement.

Also, you should check the tracks for bends or damage. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice any bent tracks Try to straighten them using tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.

If these easy fixes don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one and screw it into the correct position. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door.

In the end, it's an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing major wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In most cases, the professionals will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In most instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to determine the issue and fix it yourself.

First, check the track to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by anything other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with the use of a soft detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Next, check the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate 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 worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip off and sunking the new one.

If the track is severely bent, you should leave it to an experienced patio door contractor who will fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place with no further damage or bending. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you can try to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

Rollers are often the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub against the track and make noise. To resolve the issue clean the track at the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to reconnect any braces or clips that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame.

It is best to ask a friend to assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface, such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step isn't required on some older doors, but is recommended if you have it. Next, back out the roller adjustment screw at each end of the door frame. The screw controls the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.

It is a good idea to have someone nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools like the screwdriver that has Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade for this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by taking off the dust cap and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanism. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate using a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom part in. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide in effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, which is why it drags. Examine both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Also clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting the block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.