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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems in time, making them difficult for you to use. These issues are usually caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door forward and backwards frequently. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful feature to any home, but when they stop sliding or don't open smoothly, it can be a gruelling experience. In most cases it is possible to bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy steps. A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to detach 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 sealant can be applied to avoid future problems. Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement. Check the tracks visually to check for any bends or dent. Bends that are inward can pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even derail them. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repair. If these easy solutions don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase kits at most hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track onto the old one. These track replacement kits come in different lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door. In the end, it's a good idea to contact a professional Detroit sliding door contractor if your track is showing significant signs of wear or bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, the professionals will be able to identify the cause of the issue and recommend solutions that are both secure and efficient. Repairing RepairMyWindowsAndDoors Damage or dirt to the track could cause the patio door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they may require repair or replacement by a professional to function properly. There are steps you can take to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself. Examine the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Then, check the rollers to ensure that they aren't stuck or catching. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to become stuck and could result in further damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. You may be able solve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A roller that is not aligned properly could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track. Another reason that can cause a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. 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 out and then install the new one in. If the track is seriously bent, you should leave this to a professional patio door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place with no more damage or bending. If your track is only slightly bent or kinked, you can attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you are unable straighten the track yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They may become dirty and stiff with time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and become noisy. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal time to reattach any braces or clips that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and tilt it towards you to lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface, such as tables or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to take if you have one. Then, take off the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them. It is helpful to have a friend nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You will need tools like the screwdriver that has Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty blade for this. When the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by putting the top portion of the doors on the track and then moving the bottom part in. It is crucial to install the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them 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 the reason it drags. Replace the wheels if needed. Also, clean the tracks to keep grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent area using a hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, you can use using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.