Patio Door Track Repair Tips From The Top In The Industry How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they may develop issues with time that make them difficult to use. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product as you move the door forward and backwards often. In the end apply a silicone-based oil to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a stunning addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good thing is that in many cases, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door get back to its normal operation.

The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid any future issues.

It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track You can try to straighten them by using a set of tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or even replacement.

If these easy fixes don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase kits in most hardware stores that allow you to screw an entirely new track on the old one. These track replacement kits come in various lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door.

It's recommended to take note of this if you notice that your track is deforming or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and offer a safe and effective solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks


In a majority of cases, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is the result of 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. Fortunately, there are ways you can diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.

First, examine the track to make sure it is not obstructed by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by something other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Next, check the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also result in further damage to the track that will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller can also make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Another reason that can cause a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip off and sinking the new one.

If the track has been severely bent, you should let a professional patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure that the track is held in place without further damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked you can straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track, causing noise. To solve the issue clean the track at the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers are cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's recommended to have a partner assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it to your left, which will release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to do if you've got one. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them.

A friend can be helpful during this process because you will need to use tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. When the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Clean the roller surfaces with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and helps keep them moving smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors into the track, and then bringing the bottom portion in. Reinstalling the rollers into the track frame at their highest points is essential. This will allow the doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks.

RepairMyWindowsAndDoors damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, and that's why it drags. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if necessary. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent part using the Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can use a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.