How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues over time that make them difficult to use. The majority of the time, these issues are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed by cleaning and spraying with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40.

Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using a vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution, as you move the door back and forward. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a stressful experience. The good news is that in many cases, a few simple steps can help your sliding door return to its normal operation.

Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for doors that are stuck or is difficult to move. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future issues.

Inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or damage. Bends that are inward can be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, more severe bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement.

If these solutions fail then you may need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that permit you to lay a brand new track over the old one, and then screw it into place. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors.

In the end, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing obvious wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In the majority of cases, experts will be able to determine the root cause of the issue and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

Damage or dirt on the track could cause a patio door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they might require professional repair or replacement to function properly. You can diagnose the problem yourself and then fix it.

The first step is to inspect the track to ensure it is not obstructed by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by something other than dust or rust A thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to stick and may cause damage to the track, that may require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned door roller can also cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.

Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip off and sunking the new one.

If your track is badly bent, let a professional patio contractor. They will be able to fix the problem and ensure that the track is in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked, you could straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to pound the bent section of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To solve the issue, clean the bottom track first, then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to keep the door in place after it was removed from its frame.

Sliding patio door repair company doors are usually heavy, so it's recommended to have a person assist you in lifting the door and then tilt it toward you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't necessary on some older aluminum doors but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Next, back out the adjustment screw for the rollers on each end of the door frame. The screw controls the rollers' height and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them.

It is beneficial to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools such as an screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free and clean, you can wash them by getting rid of the dust cap, and removing any debris from the wheel mechanism. Then, wipe the roller surfaces with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. After the rollers have been cleaned, lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, then swinging it in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly in order to place them at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels if needed. Also clean the tracks to prevent grit from grinding away the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.