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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they may develop issues over time that make them difficult for you to operate. It is often the case that these issues are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be fixed by cleaning and spraying with a lubricant like WD-40. Take out any dirt or debris with your vacuum cleaner Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution, while periodically sliding the door back and forward. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a beautiful feature to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a gruelling experience. In many instances you can restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple instructions. A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deeper dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. When the track is clear, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future issues. It's also important to check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If these are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will become more difficult to move and may require replacement. Check the tracks visually to look for any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them with the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair. If these simple fixes do not work, you might need to replace the track. In this instance you can purchase kits at a variety of hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the old one. The track replacement kits are available in different lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the specific door. It's also a good idea to check if your track is bent, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, professionals will be able to identify the cause of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks Dirt or damage to the track can cause a patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if your tracks are bent or damaged, they may require professional repair or replacement to perform as they should. Fortunately, there are ways you can identify the issue and repair it yourself. Examine the track first to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent should eliminate the obstructions and bring back smooth movement. Then, inspect the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller could cause it to stick. It can also lead to further track damage that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers are not broken, you may be able to resolve the issue by oiling them. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the track and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned roller could make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To fix sites find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track. Another reason that can cause an unmovable or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel and then from the jamb by using the screwdriver. Then, you can pull the old strip off and install the new one in. If your track is badly bent, leave it to an experienced patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure that the track is in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you could straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track on your own using a hammer made of rubber and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause could be the rollers. As time passes, the rollers become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track, causing noise. To resolve the issue clean the track on the bottom first, then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the ideal time to reattach any braces or clips that kept the door in place while it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's recommended to have a person help you lift the door up and then tilt it toward you to let it go off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable flat surface like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors, this step is not mandatory, but it's something you should take if you have one. Then, pull out the roller adjustment screw on each end of the frame. This screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them. It is helpful to have a companion during this process because you will require tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or a pry bar or stiff putty knife to remove the rollers from the tracks. When the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanisms and clean them. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. Once the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant based on silicone that repels dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door into the track, then swinging it in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly, so that they are at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow the doors to slide into place easily without rubbing on the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels A patio door often drags because the wheels wear out. Replace the wheels if necessary. Also, clean the tracks to keep the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting a block of wood against the bent part and hitting it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try a track sill cover. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.