how to repair tilt and slide patio door to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, but in time, they may have issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, these problems stem from dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. These can be repaired by cleaning and spraying with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40.

Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products and slide the door backwards and forwards frequently. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to lessen friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

A patio door can be a gorgeous feature for any home, but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become an unpleasant experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door return to a smooth operation.

The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a build-up of dirt in the track channels. To fix this it is necessary to take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid future problems.

Also, check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors might be difficult to move and may need replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to find any bends or scratches. Inward bends can squeeze and bind a door, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers away or hinder them. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them by using the help of pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, severe bends may require professional repairs.

If these solutions don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase a kit in most hardware stores that allow you to fix an entirely new track on the old one. The track replacement kits are available in several lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

Lastly, it's recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman in the event that your track is showing obvious wear or is bending or breaking in some way. In most cases, the experts will be able to identify the cause of the issue and recommend solutions that are both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks

In many instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need repair or replacement by a professional. You can determine the problem yourself and correct it.

The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent is recommended to eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure they are not sticking or catching. A broken or faulty door roller can cause it to stick. It could also result in more track damage that will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide.

A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track.

Another common cause for a stuck or hard-to-move patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and also from the jamb with a screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip away and sink the new one.

If the track is badly bent, give it to a professional patio contractor. They can fix the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without any further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you could straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to strike the bent section of the track until it is completely straight.

Repairing Damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the culprit may be your rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub the track, causing noise. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate 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 secure the door in place after it was taken from its frame.

Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it is recommended to have a friend help you lift the door and tilt it towards you to let it go off the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, such as a table 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). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to take if you have one. Next, back out the screw for adjustment on each end of the frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them.

Having a friend available helps in this process as you will need to use tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. After the rollers have been removed from the dust cap, take them away from the wheel mechanisms and scrub them. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication using a silicone-based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly.

Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the doors on the track and then moving the bottom portion in. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide easily into place without hitting the tracks.

Repairing damaged wheels

The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, which is the reason it drags. Replace the wheels if needed. Also, clean the tracks to stop grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by hitting a block of wooden against the bent area using a hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.