Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, but in time, they may develop issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying a lubricant like WD-40.
Use your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product, while sliding the door forward and backwards periodically. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a stressful experience. In most cases it is possible to bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple steps.
A major reason for stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt within the track channels. The best solution to fix this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the more soiled dirt. When the track is clear and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent future issues.
Check the rollers as well for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors might be difficult to move, and could require replacement.
It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or damage. Inward bends may pinch and bind a door, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or even hinder them. If you spot bent sections of the track, you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer or a block of wood. However, severe bends will require professional repair or replacement.
If these simple fixes do not work, you might need to replace the track. In this situation, you can buy kits at most hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track onto the old one. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the specific door.
It's also recommended to speak with an experienced Detroit sliding patio door repair near me door repairman in the event that your track is showing significant signs of wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and offer an effective and safe solution.
Repairing Broken Tracks
In many cases doors that are stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if tracks are bent or damaged they may require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. You can identify the issue yourself and correct it.
Examine the track first to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement.
Next, check the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller can cause the door to stick and may cause damage to the track, that may require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not broken, you may be able solve the problem by oiling them. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the rollers and the track which makes it easier for the door to slide.
A roller that is not aligned properly can also cause the sliding patio door repair service near me door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this problem find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align correctly with the track.
Weather stripping that has worn-out can cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can easily replace the weather stripping by taking it from the bottom of the fixed panel and also from the jamb with a screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip away and install the new one in.
If the track is seriously bent, it's best to leave it to an experienced patio door contractor who will fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place with no further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, try to straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own using a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight.
Repairing damaged Rollers
Rollers can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. They can get stiff and dirty over time, causing the door to slide against the track and become noisy. To resolve this issue first, clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers so that they make them smooth again. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is a good time to reattach any clips or braces that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame.
Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a person assist you in lifting the door up and then tilt and slide patio door repairs it to your left to let it go off the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum this step isn't required, but it's a good thing to do if you have one. Then, remove the roller adjustment screws on both sides of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them.
It is a good idea to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools like an screwdriver with a Phillips head and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty knife to accomplish this. Once the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wash the roller surfaces with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.
Install the door by putting the top portion of the door into the track and then moving the bottom part of the door in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly to ensure that they are at their highest point inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without rubbing against the tracks.
Repairing Damaged Wheels
Most often, a patio door lock repairs door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks as well to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding a block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with a Hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.
Repairing Dented Tracks
