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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems over time that make them difficult for you to use. The majority of the time, the problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with the lubricant WD-40. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to remove any large particles of dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door backwards and forwards often. Finally apply a silicone-based oil to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door can be a gorgeous feature for any home, but when it isn't able to open or slide without a hitch, it can turn into an unpleasant experience. The good thing is that in many instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door to return to a smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels is the main reason behind doors that are stuck or is difficult to move. The best method to address this is to detach the door from the track and clean 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 prevent future issues. Inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and could require replacement. You should also visually inspect the tracks for bends or damage. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers away or hinder them. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them with pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repairs or replacement. If these easy fixes don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this situation you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track to the old one. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors. It's also a good idea to take note of if your track is deforming or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In most cases, the professionals will be able to determine the root of the issue and recommend an option that is safe and effective. 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 build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need professional repair or replacement. You can identify the issue yourself and fix it. First, examine the track to ensure it is not obstructed by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent will eliminate the obstructions and bring back the smoothness of the movement. Then, examine the rollers to ensure they are not catching or sticking. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to stick. It could also result in further damage to the track that will require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers are not damaged, you may be able to resolve the issue by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant will reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A roller that is not aligned properly can also cause your sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align in a proper way with the track. Weather stripping that has worn out can also cause patio doors to become stuck or hard to move. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip off and sinking the new one. If the track is severely bent, you should leave this to an experienced patio door contractor, who can correct the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place without further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you can straighten it by using a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track on your own, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue hitting the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers Rollers could be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can become dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to rub against the track, and then become noisy. To solve the issue clean the track on the bottom first and then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned and smooth, you can place the door back on its tracks. Reattach any braces or clips used to secure the door in place after it was removed from its frame. sliding patio door repair is recommended 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 door on a sturdy surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding 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, take off the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the door frame. The screw controls the rollers' height; turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them. It is helpful to have a companion in this process as you'll need tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by taking off the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Clean the roller surfaces with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them moving smoothly. Install the door by first inserting the top of the door in the track, then swinging the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest position inside the track frame. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without rubbing against the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, and that's why it sags. Replace the wheels if needed. Clean the tracks too to stop grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by striking the block of wood against the bent portion using a Hammer. If the tracks are worn, consider covering the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.