How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

patio door lock repairs near me doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, but over time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that these issues are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be repaired by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40.

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

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a stunning addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly, it can be a gruelling experience. In many cases you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple instructions.

A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue, you should take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to prevent future problems.

It is also essential to inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors may be difficult to move and could require replacement.

Examine the tracks visually to find any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them by using a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, serious bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement.

If these easy fixes do not work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase a kit in most hardware stores that allow you to screw a new track to the old one. Track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

Lastly, it's an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing major signs of wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. In the majority of cases, experts will be able to determine the root of the issue and suggest a solution that is both secure and efficient.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In a majority of cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent they might require repair or replacement by a professional to function properly. There are steps you can take to identify the issue and repair it yourself.

First, inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by something other than rust or dust A thorough clean using the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure that they aren't catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and may cause damage to the track, that may require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

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

Another common cause for an unmovable or stuck patio repair near me door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel, and then from the jamb by using a screwdriver. Then you can pull the old strip out and install the new one in.

If the track is severely bent, let a professional patio contractor. They will be able to fix the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without any further damage or bends. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track by yourself, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to strike the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

Rollers can be the reason for noisy sliding patio door lock repair patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track, causing noise. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good moment to reconnect any clips or braces that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame.

Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's best to have a partner assist you in lifting the door up and tilt it towards you to release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum, this step is not mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Then, take out the screw for adjustment at each end of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them.

It is helpful to have a companion nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools like a screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by getting rid of the dust cap, and removing any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After the rollers have been cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door in the track, and then swinging in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at their highest points is essential. This will allow the doors to slide into place effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, which is why it drags. Inspect both sets of wheels and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing the block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with the Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.