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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however with time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Make use of your vacuum cleaner to get rid of any heavy dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products, while sliding the door forwards and backwards frequently. Apply a silicone-based grease to decrease friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door is a stunning feature for any home, but when it stops sliding or doesn't open smoothly, it can become an unsettling experience. The good thing is that in many situations, a few simple steps can help your sliding door to return to a smooth operation. Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of a door that is stuck or difficult to move. To remedy this it is necessary to take the door off the track. Clean it thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush to remove the deeper grime. After the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to prevent further problems. Also, check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door, and they help to direct it along the track. If these are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and might require replacement. Visually inspect the tracks to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and make a door unusable, whereas outward bends could knock the rollers off or even cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent areas of the track you can straighten them by using the help of pliers, a hammer or a piece of wood. However, more severe bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement. If these simple fixes don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this situation, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to fix a new track onto the existing one. Track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your particular doors. It's also a good idea if you notice that your track is bent or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The professionals can usually identify the issue and provide an efficient and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks In most instances doors that are stuck or difficult to move is caused by dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris accumulate over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they may need repair or replacement by a professional. Fortunately, there are ways you can determine the issue and repair it yourself. The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it isn't blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by anything other than rust or dust, a thorough clean with a brush using mild detergent should remove obstructions and restore smooth motion. Next, check the rollers for any issues with catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to snag and may cause damage to the track which could require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to solve the problem by applying lubrication. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant could help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers, making it easier for the door to slide. A misaligned door roller could cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult for you to operate. To fix this, locate the screws for adjusting the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track. Another common cause for a difficult-to-move or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can replace it yourself by loosening the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using a screwdriver, then pulling the old strip and sinking the new one. If the track has been badly bent, give it to an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you may attempt to straighten it using pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a block of wood to pound the bent section of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing Damaged Rollers Rollers are often the cause of noisy sliding patio doors, or difficulties in rolling. Over time, they can become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub on the track and create noise. To resolve this issue first, clean the bottom track and then grease the rollers to make them smoother. Once the rollers are cleaned, you can place the door on its tracks. Attach any braces or clips used to hold the door in place after it was taken from its frame. It is best to have a friend assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will lift 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 hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). On some older aluminum doors this step isn't mandatory, but it's something you should do if you've got one. Next, back out patio door glass replacement www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk for adjustment at each end of the frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. It is helpful to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You'll need tools like the screwdriver that has Phillips head, and possibly pry-bars or a rigid putty knife to accomplish this. When the rollers are free, remove the dust cap from the wheel mechanism and scrub them. Then, wipe the roller surfaces with alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. Once the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them moving smoothly. Reinstall the door by placing the top portion of the door into the track, and then bringing the bottom part in. It's important to reinstall the new rollers correctly in order to place them at their highest point within the track frame. 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 the reason it sags. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by putting an object of wood against the bent part and pounding it with a Hammer. If the tracks are worn, consider an edging cover for the track. (See Photo 5) Installation is easy and takes less than a half hour.