How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

upvc patio door repairs near me doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however in time, they may have issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, the problems are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door forward and backwards periodically. Then apply a silicone-based oil to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door is a beautiful feature for any home, but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become an unpleasant experience. In most cases, you can restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy steps.

Dirt in the track channels is one of the major causes for the door becoming stuck or difficult to move. The best method to address this is to remove the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to stop future problems.

It's also important to check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned the doors might be difficult to move and could require replacement.

You should also visually inspect the tracks for bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can pinch and restrict the door, whereas outward bends could cause damage to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or a piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair.

If these simple fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this situation, you can buy kits at most hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track onto the existing one. These track replacement kits are available in several 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 significant wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide an effective and safe solution.

repairing patio doors Broken Tracks

In many cases the glass patio door repair door that is stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they might require repair or replacement by a professional to function properly. There are ways to diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.

Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement.

Then, check the rollers to make sure they aren't catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to snag and cause further damage to the track which could require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the rollers and the track and make it easier for the door to slide.

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

Another common cause of an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip off and sunking the new one.

If the track is severely bent, you should leave it to a professional patio door contractor who repairs sliding patio doors can fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place with no more damage or bending. However, if your track is only slightly bent or kinked, try to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door track repair door is noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit may be your rollers. They may become dirty and stiff over time, which causes the door to rub against the track and become noisy. To solve the issue clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. Once the rollers are cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to secure the door in position after it was removed from its frame.

Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's best to have a partner assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt it to your left to let it go off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid 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). This step may not be necessary on some older doors, but is recommended to do it if you have it. Next, back 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, they will lower them.

It is helpful to have a companion nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You will need tools like the screwdriver that has Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a strong putty blade for this. Once you have the rollers free they can be cleaned by getting rid of the dust cap, and removing any debris from the wheel mechanism. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door onto the track, then swinging the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers in the track frame at their highest point is important. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without hitting the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting the block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with a Hammer. If the tracks are damaged, you can try covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.