Why Patio Door Track Repair Is A Lot More Dangerous Than You Thought How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however in time, they may develop issues that make them difficult to operate. It's often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged rollers or tracks, which can be addressed by cleaning and spraying with a lubricant like WD-40.

Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forwards and backwards frequently. Apply an oil-based silicone 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 a frustrating experience. In many instances you can restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy steps.

Dirt in the track channels can be a major cause of the door becoming stuck or difficult to move. To remedy this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid future problems.

Also, check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and might require replacement.

Examine the tracks visually to look for any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or even hinder them. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them using pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or replacement.

If these easy solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this situation, you can find kits at most 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 different lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door.

In the end, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing significant wear or is breaking or bending in any way. The experts will usually be able to identify the problem and offer an efficient and safe solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In many instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement. There are ways you can determine the issue and repair it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by something other than dust or rust A thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure they are not sticking or catching. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to become stuck and may cause damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.

A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Another common cause for an unmovable or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace it by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb with a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip off and sunking the new one.

If the track is severely bent, you should leave it to a professional patio door installer who will fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place with no further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you could straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to pound the bent section of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers


If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause could be due to your rollers. They can get dirty and stiff over time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

Sliding patio doors repairs are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and tilt it towards you and then lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the door frame. The screw controls the rollers' height and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

Having a friend available helps in this process as you'll need tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife, to remove the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication using a silicone-based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.

Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the door into the track and then swinging the bottom part in. Reinstalling the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide easily into position without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Replace the wheels if needed. Clean the tracks too to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent part with a Hammer. If the tracks are worn, consider a track sill cover. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.

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