What Is Patio Door Track Repair? And How To Make Use Of It

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

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

Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door forward and backwards often. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a stunning addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or don't open properly, it can be a gruelling experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door return to its normal operation.

The main reason for stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to stop any future issues.

It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors may be difficult to move and may require replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for bends or dents. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can bind a door, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers away or cause them to be unable to move. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or even replacement.

If these easy fixes do not work, you may need to replace the track. In this case you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track onto the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the specific door.

It's recommended to take note of this to check if your track is deforming or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. In most cases, the professionals will be able to determine the root cause of the issue and suggest an option that is secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt on the track could cause the patio door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and fix it.

First, check the track to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.

Then, inspect the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and could result in further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able solve the issue by applying lubrication. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the track and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.

A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.

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

If the track is severely bent, you should let an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you can attempt to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it's completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers could be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors, or difficulties in rolling. They can get stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to be pushed against the track and become noisy. To solve the issue, clean the bottom track first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner help you lift the door and tilt it towards you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't required on older aluminum doors but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Then, take off the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.

A friend can be helpful during this process since you'll need tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.

Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the doors into the track and then swinging the bottom part of the door in. It is crucial to install the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, and that's why it sags. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers, or by striking the block of wood against the bent area with a hammer. If the tracks are worn out, try a track sill cover.  sliding balcony and patio door repairs  is easy and takes less than an hour.