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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and convenient, but they can experience issues with time that make them difficult to operate. These issues are typically caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be fixed using WD-40 and a good cleaning. Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product as you move the door forward and backwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a beautiful feature for any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of instances, a few easy steps can assist your sliding door to return to its normal operation. Dirt in the track channels can be the main reason behind a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to prevent future issues. Also, check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and might require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to look for any bends or dent. Bends that are inward can pinch and make the door unusable, while outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, severe bends may require professional assistance for repair. If these easy solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this instance you can purchase a kit in most hardware stores that allow you to screw a new track onto the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door. It's also an excellent idea to call a professional Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing significant wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The professionals are able to spot the issue and offer a safe and effective solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. 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 steps you can take to diagnose the problem 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 dust or rust A thorough clean using a brush using mild detergent should remove obstructions and restore smooth motion. Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also cause further damage to the track that requires repair or replacement by a professional. You may be able solve the issue when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws for adjusting 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 become stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip and sunking the new one. If the track is severely bent, give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, attempt to straighten it using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track by yourself make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent section 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 could be due to your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track and make noise. To resolve the issue clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame. It is best to have a trusted friend help you lift up the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface like tables or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). This step might not be required on some older aluminum doors but is recommended in the event that you have it. Then, take out the roller adjustment screw at each end 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. A friend can be helpful during this process because you'll need tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or 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's mechanisms. Then, clean the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, then swinging it in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without hitting the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels Often, a patio door drags because the wheels wear out. Inspect the wheels of both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks with pliers, or by hitting blocks of wood against the bent area with a hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can use a track sill. Repair My Windows And Doors is easy and takes less than one hour.