How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they may develop issues in time, making 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 thorough cleaning.
Clean up any heavy dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner, then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution, while periodically sliding the door back and forward. Finally, apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door is a stunning addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open without a hitch, it can turn into an unpleasant experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can assist your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.
A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To remedy this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid any future issues.
It's also important to check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.
Check the tracks visually to check for any bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can pinch and bind a door, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you spot bent sections of the track, you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional assistance for repair.
If these easy fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this situation you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to put a new track over the old one and then screw it in the correct position. These track replacement kits come in various lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door.
Lastly, it's an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing major signs of wear or is breaking or bending in any way. The professionals are able to spot the issue and offer an efficient and safe solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In most instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement. You can determine the problem yourself and then fix it.
Check the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by anything other than rust or dust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent should remove obstructions and restore smooth movement.
Then, examine the rollers to make sure they are not catching or sticking. A damaged or broken roller can cause the door to stick and cause further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to solve the issue by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A misaligned door roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.
Another reason that can cause a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with an screwdriver, then taking the old strip away and sinking the new one.
If the track is seriously bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door contractor, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place with no further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you could straighten it with 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 strike the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
Rollers could be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good time to reattach any clips or braces that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame.
The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and then tilt it toward you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Place the door on a solid surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any 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 is not mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Then, remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both sides of the frame. This screw controls the height of the rollers; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them.
A friend can be helpful during this process because you will require tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free they can be cleaned by taking off the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, wash patio doors repairs near me of the rollers with alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.
Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, then swinging it in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at their highest point is crucial. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
A patio door often is dragging because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks using pliers or by hitting the block of wood against the bent part with the Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, try a track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than one hour.