How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however with time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. These problems are often caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door backwards and forwards periodically. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are an attractive addition to a home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. In many instances, you can restore smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few easy instructions.
A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is the build-up of dirt in the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to detach the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the dirt and grime that is deeper. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to stop future issues.
Inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If patio doors repairs are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement.
Also, you should check the tracks for any bends or damage. Inward bends can squeeze and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. 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, serious bends will likely require professional repair or replacement.
If these easy solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to 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 particular doors.
It's also an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door repairman in the event that your track is showing significant signs of wear or bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Dirt or damage to the track can cause the door to get stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged, they may require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are ways to identify the issue and repair it yourself.
Check the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Next, check the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause more track damage that requires repair or replacement by a professional. You could be able to solve the problem if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating the rollers. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers 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 become difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.
Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel, and from the jamb using the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and install the new one in.
If the track is severely bent, leave it to an experienced patio contractor. They can 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'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's completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit may be your rollers. They can become stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To fix this problem start by cleaning the track's bottom and grease the rollers so that they smooth them back. After the rollers have been cleaned and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame.
It is best to ask a friend to assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and then tilt it toward you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid, flat surface such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be required on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is an excellent idea in the event that you have it. Next, back out the screw for adjustment at each end of the frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise, they will lower them.
It is helpful to have a companion during this process since you'll need tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers have been cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.
Install the door by first putting the top of the door onto the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the frame of the track. This will allow doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, which is why it sags. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing an object of wood against the bent part and hitting it with a hammer. If the wheels are still worn, consider an edging cover for the track. Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.