How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems with time that make them difficult for you to operate. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed using WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.
Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products and slide the door forward and backwards often. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant 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 without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. The good news is that in a lot of cases, a few simple steps can help your sliding door get back to smooth operation.
A major cause of 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 wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the more soiled dirt. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to stop future problems.
It is also essential to inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned the doors may be difficult to move and may require replacement.
Examine the tracks visually to look for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can bind 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 Try to straighten them with a set of tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.
If these easy solutions don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this situation, you can find kits in most hardware stores that permit you to put a new track over the old one and screw it in the correct position. Track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
In the end, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door repairman in the event that your track is showing significant wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In most cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they may require professional repair or replacement to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are ways you can diagnose the problem and repair it yourself.
Check the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Then, check the rollers to make sure they aren't catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to stick. It can also lead to further damage to the track that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able solve the issue by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.
Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel and also from the jamb with the screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip away and sink the new one.
If the track is severely bent, it's best to leave it to an experienced patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is securely 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 on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. They may become stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to slide against the track and becomes noisy. To solve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to keep the door in position after it was removed from its frame.
Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it is recommended to have a partner assist you in lifting the door up and tilt it towards you, which will let it go off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface, such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any removable grilles shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step might not be necessary on some older aluminum doors but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Then, remove patio door repairs for adjustment of the rollers on both ends of the door frame. This screw controls the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.
Having a friend available helps in this process as you will require tools, like an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free and clean, you can wash them by removing the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel mechanism. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them using a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.
Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors into the track, and then bringing the bottom portion in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly, so that they are at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Replace the wheels if needed. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent area using the Hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider an edging cover for the track. Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.