The Reasons Patio Door Track Repair Is Everywhere This Year
How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however over time they can develop problems that make them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door backwards and forwards often. In the end apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are an attractive addition to any home, but when they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in many situations, a few simple steps can allow your sliding door return to its normal operation.
A major cause of a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within 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 sliding patio door repair is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid any future issues.
It is also essential to inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they're damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors might be difficult to move and could require replacement.
Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends may squeeze and restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers away or derail them. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs.
If these simple solutions fail then you may need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can purchase kits in most hardware stores that allow you to screw a new track to the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door.
It's also an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor in the event that your track is showing major wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able determine the root of the problem and suggest an option that is safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Dirt or damage to the track could cause a 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 repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are ways to identify the issue and repair it yourself.
First, inspect the track to ensure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by anything other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement.
Then, check the rollers to make sure they are not catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track, which could require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you might be able to resolve the problem by oiling them. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the track and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide.
A misaligned door roller could cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned properly with the track.
Another common cause for an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip off and sunking the new one.
If the track is badly bent, let an experienced patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is bent or kinked, you could straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track on your own using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the culprit could be the rollers. They can get stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to rub against the track and becomes noisy. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to reconnect any clips or braces that kept the door in place after it was removed from the frame.
It is recommended to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy, flat surface such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Then, take off the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the door frame. The screw controls the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
Having a friend available helps during this process because you'll need tools, like a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife, to remove 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 mechanism. Then, wash the surface of the rollers using alcohol to eliminate any residue or dirt. 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 first placing the top of the door onto the track, then swinging in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers in the frame of the track at the highest points is essential. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without hitting the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels if needed. Also clean the tracks to stop the grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers or by hitting the block of wood against the bent portion using the hammer. If the wheels are worn, consider an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.