10 Patio Door Track Repair Hacks All Experts Recommend How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.

Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forwards and backwards periodically. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive feature to any home, but if they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. In many instances it is possible to restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy steps.

A major reason for a jammed or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent further issues.

It is also essential to inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and might require replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to find 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 patio door repair near me notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them using the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair.

If these solutions don't work, you may have to replace the track. In this situation you can purchase kits in most hardware stores that allow you to fix a new track onto the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

It's also a good idea to take note of if your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The professionals can usually identify the problem and offer a safe and effective solution.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement to work properly. You can identify the issue yourself and then fix it.

The first step is to inspect the track to ensure it's not blocked by any other factor than rust or dust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent will eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It can also lead to further damage to the track that will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the rollers and the track, making it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.

Weather stripping that is damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can replace it yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip off and sunking the new one.

If your track is severely bent, give it to an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure that the track is held in place without any 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 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 problems in rolling. They may become dirty and stiff over time, which causes the door to slide against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door back on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to keep the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

It is best to have a trusted friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will free it from the bottom track. Place the door on a sturdy surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to do if you've got one. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the door frame. This screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

It is a good idea to have a companion close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools like an screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade to do this. After the rollers have been removed and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Then, clean the roller surfaces with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and helps keep them moving effortlessly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, then swinging it in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner, so that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is why it sags. Examine the wheels on both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to keep grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent area using the hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, try a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.