How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair
Sliding patio doors are convenient and attractive, but with time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. It's often the case that the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying a lubricant like WD-40.
Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any heavy dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product as you move the door forwards and backwards often. Then apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a stunning addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. The good news is that in many situations, a few simple steps can help your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.
Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or difficult to move. The best way to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the dirt and grime that is deeper. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to avoid future issues.
Check the rollers as well for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors may be difficult to move and may require replacement.
Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends can bind and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repairs or replacement.
If these fixes don't work it could be necessary to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase a kit in most hardware stores that allow you to screw an entirely new track on the old one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door.
https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-epsom/ 's also a good idea if you notice that your track is bending, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, the professionals will be able determine the root cause of the issue and recommend a solution that is both safe and effective.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In a majority of cases the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged they may need professional repair or replacement. There are ways you can determine the issue and repair it yourself.
Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with the use of a soft detergent should remove obstructions and allow for smooth movement.
Then, inspect the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also cause more track damage that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to resolve the problem by oiling them. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A door roller that isn't aligned correctly can also cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To correct this issue, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.
Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip away and sunking the new one.
If your track is severely bent, you should give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without any further damage or bends. However, if the track is only slightly bent or kinked, attempt to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to pound 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 may be your rollers. They can become stiff and dirty over time, which causes the door to rub against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem clean the track at the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal moment to reconnect any clips or braces that kept the door in place after it was removed from the frame.
The sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's best to have a person help you lift the door and tilt it towards you to release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface, such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding 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 do if you have one. Remove the roller adjustment screws on both ends of the frame. This screw controls roller height. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.
It is helpful to have a companion in this process as you'll need tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or 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 using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication using a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.
Install the door by first putting the top of the door in the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly in order to place them at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, and that's why it sags. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels are worn, consider covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.