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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems with time that make them difficult for you to use. It is often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be addressed by cleaning them and spraying them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door backwards and forwards often. In the end apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a beautiful addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open without a hitch, it can turn into a frustrating experience. In most cases you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple instructions. The main reason for stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To remedy this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future problems. Check the rollers as well for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly, the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Bends that are inward can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends can throw off the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, patio door repairs near me will require professional repair or replacement. If these simple solutions fail then you may need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can purchase kits at most hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track onto the existing one. These track replacement kits come in different lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door. It's also a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing major wear or is breaking or bending in any way. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional. You can identify the issue yourself and then fix it. Check the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, check the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to become stuck and may cause damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned door roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult for you to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Another common cause for a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb with an screwdriver, then taking the old strip and sunking the new one. If the track is badly bent, you should leave it to an experienced patio door contractor who will fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place with no further damage or bending. If your track is only slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you can't straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track and make noise. To solve the issue clean the track at the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to attach any clips or braces that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame. It is recommended to have a friend assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface like a sawhorses or table. 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 have one. Then, take off the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both ends 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 companion nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools such as a screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. When the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and clean them. Clean the surface of the rollers using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them using a silicone-based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly. Install the door by putting the top part of the door into the track, and then bringing the bottom part in. It is crucial to install the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels wear out. Replace the wheels as needed. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by striking a block of wooden against the bent part with a hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can try a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.