How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however over time they can have 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 them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door backwards and forwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home but when it isn't able to open or slide smoothly, it can become a frustrating experience. In many instances it is possible to restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps.
Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to get rid of it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to prevent any future issues.
Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors might be difficult to move, and could require replacement.
Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or scratches. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can bind a door, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off 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 piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.
If these fixes do not work, you may have to replace the track. In this instance, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to fix an entirely new track on the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
It's recommended to take note of this to take note of if your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In a majority of cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they might require professional repair or replacement to work properly. There are ways to determine the issue and fix it yourself.
First, inspect the track to make sure it's not blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is blocked and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Next, inspect the rollers to make sure they are not catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also result in further track damage that will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able solve the problem by applying lubrication. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.
A misaligned roller could make your sliding door stick or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.
Weather stripping that has damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip away and sunking the new one.
If the track has been badly bent, give it to a professional patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without any further damage or bends. If your track is bent only a little or kinked, you may try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to hit 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 problems in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to attach any braces or clips that held the door in place when it was removed from the frame.
Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it is recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and then tilt it to your left to lift it off the bottom track. Set the door on a sturdy surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors, this step is not necessary but it's good to do if you have one. Remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the door frame. This screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
It is a good idea to have someone nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools like a screwdriver with Phillips heads and pry-bars or a rigid putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them moving smoothly.
Install double glazed patio door repairs by first putting the top of the door in the track, then swinging the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at the highest point is important. This will allow 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. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent part with the hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.