Some Wisdom On Patio Door Repairs From The Age Of Five Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs

A functional tilt and slide patio door provides fresh air, light and easy movement between indoors and out. Modern aluminum doors offer strength and durability, thermal integrity and a variety of glass options to suit an array of styles.

One of the most frequent problems with sliding doors is dirty tracks and rollers. Regularly cleaning and lubricating moving parts can keep your sliding door in good order.

Track and Roller Replacement

The track and the rollers are vital for sliding doors to function. They are housed within the bottom of the aluminum door panel and rest on a raised track that guides them as they open and close. Over time, dirt in the tracks could cause them to get blocked. This can result in the rollers becoming damaged. Keep your patio door clean and lubricated to prevent these problems.

It is possible to fix your track and rollers, in the event that the track is badly bent. Recruit a friend and then tilt the panel towards you to lift it off of the track at the bottom (Photo 3). It might require some effort to lift the panel since they are quite heavy. Once the panel is removed place it flat on sawhorses, then examine the rollers. Replace patio door lock if damaged with a new roller set. You can adjust the height of the rollers by turning the adjustment screws which are usually located in slots on the edges of the panel.

If the rollers are in good working order they may require to be cleaned or lubricated. Use a screwdriver to remove the rollers and clean each one with denatured alcohol. This will get rid of any dirt and grime that has accumulated that could be causing resistance. After that, carefully place each roller back into its slot and fully retract it using the adjustment screw. Then, last but not least spray the rollers with silicone spray. This type of lubricant won't hold dirt like petroleum-based products and will help your door glide smoothly.


After cleaning and reinstalling the rollers you can install and test the door to ensure that the track is properly aligned with the rollers. Also, ensure that the doors slide smoothly. Contact a local dealer if you require assistance. Keep your doors clean and lubricated to extend their life and reduce the need for repair. We recommend a silicone-based lubricant because it doesn't draw dirt in the same way that WD-40 does. It is recommended to lubricate your rollers and tracks at least once every month.

Insect Screen Replacement

The sliding patio doors are a great way to maximize floor space, allow airflow, and provide stunning panoramic views. However, they can be problematic if their mechanism stops working or is not working correctly. Luckily, most problems with sliding screen doors can be easily resolved. Dirty rollers due to debris in the track or a wrinkly screen are common culprits however, you can fix them by following these easy steps.

If your screen is sliding, or wrinkled, put a 1x4 on each corner of the frame to create an unnatural bend in the middle. This will allow you to pull the screen tighter and straighten it.

Buy a screen that's at least 2 inches larger in both directions than the opening of the frame. You'll be able reduce any excess. Finally you can use a spline roll tool to push the rubber spline's end into the channel. Once you've done this, it's time to roll the remainder of the spline in.

Adjusting the Panel

In contrast to traditional sliding doors that open by turning the handle tilt and slide patio door mechanisms permit you to leave the doors wide open to let in air while keeping the kids or pets away from your home. The doors require more force to open than you think. As time passes this can result in increased friction and crooked tracks or misalignments that could cause the door not to work. Identifying these problems early and making small adjustments will often solve them, reducing the need for expensive replacement hardware.

The first step in adjusting the tilt and slide patio door is to take off the door and set it on a flat surface. After removing the panels employ a screwdriver to take the caps made of plastic from the holes of each adjuster. Once they are removed, the adjuster can be removed from its channel by using an extended shaft screwdriver. After removing the roller clean it using denatured or rubbing alcohol. This will remove any dirt that has caused the roller to resist and let it easily retract back into its channel after the process.

When reinstalling an movable panel align it with the frame and then use the drill to drive the screws into the flange. The flange must be securely secured to the door's edge while ensuring the flaps are properly positioned. After the movable panels are in place apply silicone-based lubricant onto the top track block for the arm connector, the lead Bogie wheels, and the slave Bogie wheels, and then replace the plastic hole cap.

Repeat the procedure on the two other moving panels to restore their slide function. Then, install the plastic flanges. Then, glue the jamb side strip to the corresponding fixed panel with a plastic adhesive. After the glue has dried reconnect the handle and test for smooth operation. If you find any issues, adjust the lead Bogie wheel again by getting it removed from its channel, cleaning and reinstalling it with a bead of silicone-based grease.

Charley Bar Installation

A patio door is an ideal way to let your pet inside and out of your home, however it can also be a point of easy entry for burglars. Install a pin lock on your patio door or a charley-bar to increase security. These locks provide a blend of security and convenience that is unparalleled by any other product available.

The bar charley is a fantastic option for your sliding glass door, and it can be installed easily at home. The charley bar can be installed in the center of your door and prevents the patio door from being jibbered open by tools or other objects like a hockey stick or broom handle. The charley bar is made of injection-molded polycarbonate and extruded RPVC tubes that telescoping, making it strong and durable.

To install the charley bar, first make sure that it is the correct length for your door by measuring horizontally from the edge of the track for sliding doors to the sliding glass patio door. Mark the locations with an eraser where the bars will be erected. Use a drill bit of 8 inches to drill holes into the wall jamb and the frame of the patio door, being careful not to penetrate the glass of the patio door. Finally, insert the screws provided with the charley bar and make sure they are tightened securely.

The Charley bar is an excellent choice for your sliding glass patio doors and sash windows. This simple security device will keep your sliding patio door safe and burglar-proof for many years to come. It is made of injection-molded polycarbonate that has been tested to withstand over 400 pounds of pressure by Intertek. Additionally the charley bar can be locked by using the key that is included with it. It's easy to install and stays out of the way when it's not in use. You can buy a charley bar from most hardware stores. However, if you wish to purchase one that is sure to work, you should consider buying a charley bar from an online retailer.