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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, but with time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are usually caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door forwards and backwards frequently. Then, apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a stunning addition to any home but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in many instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door get back to a smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to remove the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can employ a toothbrush to clean the deeper grime. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to stop future issues. It is also essential to inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and help to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned, the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to look for any bends or dents. Inward bends can pinch and bind the door, while outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can try to straighten them by using tools like pliers or a hammer along with a block of wood. However, serious bends will likely require professional repairs or replacement. If these fixes don't work, you may need to replace the track. In this situation, you can buy kits in most hardware stores that allow you to fix a new track onto the existing one. These track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors. It's also a good idea to take note of if your track is deforming, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, professionals will be able determine the root cause of the problem and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks Dirt or damage to the track could cause a patio door to get stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent, they may require repair or replacement by a professional to perform as they should. You can identify the issue yourself and then fix it. First, check the track to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, inspect the rollers to ensure they are not stuck or catching. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to stick and could result in further damage to the track, which could require repair or replacement by a professional. You may be able solve the problem in the event that the rollers aren't damaged by lubricating the rollers. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned roller could make your sliding door stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. 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 out and sink the new one in. If the track has been severely bent, you should let a professional patio contractor. They will be able to fix the issue and ensure the track is in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track on your own, use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to hit the bent section of the track until it is completely straight. Repairing damaged Rollers Rollers could be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and filthy. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To fix the problem clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. When the rollers are clean and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in place after it was removed from its frame. It is best to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and then tilt it towards you. This will release it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a sturdy flat surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any removable grilles, shades, or drapes from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't necessary but it's good to do if you've got one. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the frame. This screw regulates the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers and counterclockwise raises them. It is a good idea to have someone nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll need tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips head, and possibly a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free, you can clean them by getting rid of the dust cap, and taking out any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, wash the surface of the rollers with alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. After the rollers have been cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly. Reinstall patio door repairs by putting the top portion of the doors on the track, and then bringing the bottom portion in. Installing the rollers in the track frame at their highest points is essential. This will allow the door to slide easily into position without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is why it drags. Check both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks as well to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding an object of wood against the bent portion and pounding it with a hammer. If the wheels still wear out, try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.