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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however over time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, the problems are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be fixed by cleaning and spraying the lubricant WD-40. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product as you move the door backwards and forwards periodically. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce 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 become an unpleasant experience. In most cases, you can 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 build-up of dirt in the track channels. To remedy this problem, you must take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to prevent future issues. It's also important to check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors could be difficult to move, and may require replacement. You should also visually inspect the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends may be a nuisance and can restrict a door, while outward bends could knock the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional repair. If these solutions don't work, you might need to replace the entire track. In this case you can find track replacement kits at most hardware stores that allow you to lay a new track over the old one and screw it in the correct position. These track replacement kits come in different lengths and can also be cut to fit the particular door. It's an excellent idea to get it checked out to check if your track is deforming or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able determine the root cause of the issue and suggest solutions that are both secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks In most instances the patio door that is stuck or difficult to move is due to dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris build up over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need repair or replacement by a professional. You can diagnose the problem yourself and then fix it. First, check the track to ensure it is not blocked by anything other than rust or dust. If the track is blocked by anything other than dust or rust cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild detergent will remove any obstructions and allow for smooth movement. Then, inspect the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to become stuck. It could also result in further damage to the track, which will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able to resolve the problem by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant may help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers which makes it easier for the door to slide. A roller that is not aligned properly can also cause your sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To solve this issue, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or hard to move. You can easily replace it by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip away and sinking the new one. If the track is severely bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door installer, who can correct the problem and make sure the track is secured safely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you could straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you can't straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers can be the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can get stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to slide against the track, and then become noisy. To resolve the issue, clean the bottom track first, then lubricate your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect time to reattach any clips or braces that kept the door in place after it was removed from the frame. sliding patio door repair near me sliding patio doors are typically heavy, so it's best to have a person assist you in lifting the door and then tilt it toward you to release it from the bottom track. Set the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step may not be necessary on some older doors, but is recommended to do it if you have it. Remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both ends of the door frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. It is helpful to have a companion in this process as you will require tools, such as a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly a pry bar or stiff putty knife to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free and removed, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wipe the surfaces with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone-based oil to ensure that they continue to move smoothly. Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors into the track, and then bringing the bottom part in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly in order to place them at their highest position inside the frame of the track. 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 are worn out. Replace the wheels as needed. Also clean the tracks to keep grit from grinding away the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by striking a block of wooden against the bent part using the hammer. If the wheels still wear out, try the track sill. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.