15 Shocking Facts About Patio Door Track Repair You've Never Known How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they may develop issues over time that make them difficult for you to use. It's often the case that these problems stem from dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be repaired by cleaning and spraying with the lubricant WD-40.


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

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door can be a gorgeous feature for any home, but when it stops sliding or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. The good news is that in a lot of cases, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door get back to a smooth operation.

Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. To fix this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid future problems.

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

Check the tracks visually to find any bends or dent. Bends that are inward can squeeze and restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent tracks Try to straighten them with pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.

If these easy solutions don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can locate kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one, and then screw it into place. These track replacement kits come in various lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door.

In patio door repairs , it's recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing significant signs of wear or breaking or bending in a certain way. The experts will usually be able to identify the problem and offer an efficient and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt to the track could cause the patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need professional repair or replacement. You can diagnose the problem yourself and then fix it.

First, examine the track to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust A thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track that may require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to resolve the issue by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn out can also cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and then from the jamb by using the screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip away and then install the new one in.

If the track is seriously bent, it's best to let an experienced patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place, without further damage or bends. However, if the track is bent only a little or kinked, attempt to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers are often the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track, causing noise. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first and then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to reconnect any braces or clips that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame.

Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it is recommended to have a person help you lift the door and then tilt it toward you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a sturdy surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be required on older doors made of aluminum, but it is a good idea if you have it. Next, back out the adjustment screw for the rollers on the opposite side of the frame. This screw controls the rollers' height and turning it clockwise 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 the screwdriver that has Phillips heads and pry-bars or a rigid putty knife to accomplish this. When the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wash the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, then swinging it in the bottom. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at the highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

Often, a patio door drags because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Also, clean the tracks to prevent grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent area using a hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can use the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.