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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and convenient, but they may develop issues over time that make them difficult for you to use. The majority of the time, these issues are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be repaired by cleaning them and spraying them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40. 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 backwards and forwards frequently. Then apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or don't open smoothly, it can be a stressful experience. In many cases, you can bring back smooth operation to your sliding door by following a few simple steps. Dirt in the track channels is the main reason behind doors that are stuck or difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to remove it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to avoid any future issues. Also, check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors could be difficult to move and could require replacement. Check the tracks visually to find any bends or dents. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends can throw the rollers away or derail them. If you notice any bent tracks You can try to straighten them with a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, Continue Reading will likely require professional repair or even replacement. If these solutions don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this instance, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track onto the existing one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors. It's also a good idea to contact an experienced Detroit sliding door repairman when your track is showing obvious wear or is breaking or bending in a certain way. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In a majority of instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if tracks are damaged or bent they might require professional repair or replacement to function properly. There are steps you can take to diagnose the problem and repair it yourself. Check the track first to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked by anything other than dust or rust A thorough clean using the use of a soft detergent can remove any obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, check the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to stick and cause further damage to the track that may require professional repair or replacement. It is possible to resolve the problem when the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A roller that is not aligned properly can make your sliding door stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip off and sunking the new one. If the track has been severely bent, leave it to an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure that the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. However, if the track is bent only a little or kinked, you may try to straighten it with pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is a bit noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track and make noise. To fix this problem first, clean the track's bottom and grease the rollers so that they make them smoother. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to keep the door in place after it was taken from its frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it is recommended to have a friend assist you in lifting the door up and tilt it towards you and then let it go off the bottom track. Place the door on a solid surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Next, back out the roller adjustment screw on each end of the frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them. It is helpful to have a companion in this process as you will need to use tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or a stiff putty knife to disconnect 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 mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door may be worn out, and that's why it sags. Inspect the wheels on both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to stop grit from grinding away the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by placing the block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a hammer. If the tracks are worn, consider a track sill cover. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.