How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can experience issues with time that make them difficult for you to operate. These issues are usually caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be repaired with WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product as you move the door forwards and backwards often. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door is a stunning addition to any home but when it isn't able to open or slide smoothly, it can become a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door return to smooth operation.
Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of the door becoming stuck or is difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to detach the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the more soiled dirt. When the track is clear, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent future problems.
Also, check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door and help to guide it along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement.
Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent tracks, you can try to straighten them by using a set of tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.
If these easy fixes do not work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance, you can buy kits at most hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track to the old one. Track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.
It's also an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman in the event that your track is showing major signs of wear or is breaking or bending in any way. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a solution that is both secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Damage or dirt to the track can cause the patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require professional repair or replacement. There are ways to identify the issue and fix it yourself.
First, inspect the track to make sure 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 will eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Then, examine the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to stick. It can also lead to further damage to the track that will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able to resolve the issue by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.
Weather stripping that has worn out can also 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 pull the old strip away and sink the new one in.
If the track has been severely bent, you should leave it to a professional patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. However, if your track is bent only a little or kinked, you can try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors, or difficulties in rolling. They can get dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to slide against the track and becomes noisy. To fix this problem first, clean the bottom track and then lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. Once next page are cleaned, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to reconnect any clips or braces that kept the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it is recommended to have a person assist you in lifting the door and tilt it towards you to lift it off the bottom track. Place the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws 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 roller adjustment screws on both ends of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.
It is helpful to have a companion in this process as you will need to use tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly 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 taking out any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.
Install the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom part in. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers properly in order to place them at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide into place effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
A patio door often is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if needed. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent part with a Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can try the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.