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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however 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, which can be fixed by cleaning and spraying an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40. Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track using a brush and cleaning solution as you move the door back and forward. Finally apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become an unsettling experience. The good news is that in many cases, a few simple steps can help your sliding door get back to its normal operation. A major cause of a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. To get rid of this issue 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 deeper grime. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent further issues. It's also crucial to examine the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and guide them along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and might require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dents. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you notice any bent sections of the track You can try to straighten them by using a set of pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repairs. If these simple fixes do not work, you may have to replace the track. In this case you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that will allow you to lay a brand new track over the old one and then screw it in the correct position. These track replacement kits come in various lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door. It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to take note of if your track is bending or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt to the track could cause a patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement 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 by something other than dust or rust A thorough clean using the use of a soft detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Next, inspect the rollers to make sure they are not stuck or catching. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to become stuck. It could also result in more track damage that will require professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned door roller can cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem, locate the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned correctly 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 then from the jamb by using the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip away and then install the new one. If your track is severely bent, you should leave it to an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is held in place without further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, try to straighten it with the help of pliers for metal bends. If you are unable straighten the track yourself using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is loud 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 the track, causing noise. To solve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track and then lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. When the rollers are clean, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect time to reattach any clips or braces that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are usually heavy, so it's best to have a person assist you in lifting the door up and tilt it towards you, which will let it go off the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). sliding patio door lock repair may not be required on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended to do it if you have it. Then, take out the roller adjustment screw on each end of the door frame. This screw regulates the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is a good idea to have someone nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools such as the screwdriver that has Phillips heads and pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. Once you have the rollers free, you can clean them by getting rid of the dust cap, and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanisms. Then, clean the roller surfaces using alcohol to eliminate any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, apply lubrication with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Reinstall the door by putting the top part of the door into the track, and then bringing the bottom portion in. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest point is important. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels A patio door often drags because the wheels are worn out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by placing a block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with a hammer. If the wheels are still wearing out, try the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.