helensuede72

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio door are beautiful and practical, however they may develop issues over time that make them difficult for you to use. These issues are typically caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be repaired with WD-40 and a thorough cleaning. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any heavy dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forward and backwards frequently. Finally, apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks Patio doors are a stunning addition to a home, but if they stop sliding or do not open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. In many cases, you can restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy instructions. Dirt in the track channels can be one of the major causes for the door becoming stuck or difficult to move. The best solution to fix this is to remove the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. To get to the deeper grime, you can use a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. Once the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to avoid future problems. Inspect the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers sit at the bottom of the doors and direct them along the track. If they are damaged or are not aligned properly, the doors could be difficult to move and may require replacement. It is also important to check the tracks for bends or damage. Inward bends can be a nuisance and can make a door unusable, whereas outward bends can throw the rollers off or hinder them. If you notice any bent sections of the track Try to straighten them with pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, serious bends will require professional repair or even replacement. If these simple solutions fail then you may need to replace the entire track. In this instance you can locate kits in most hardware stores that permit you to put a new track over the old one, and then screw it into place. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths, and they can also be cut to fit the particular door. It's recommended to take note of this if you notice that your track is bending or breaking, or is showing signs of wear. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide an effective and safe solution. Repairing Broken Tracks Dirt or damage to the track can cause a patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. Dirt and debris build up over time, and if the tracks are damaged or bent, they may require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. There are ways you can identify the issue and fix it yourself. First, inspect the track to ensure it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is blocked, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore the smoothness of the movement. Then, check the rollers to ensure that they are not stuck or catching. A damaged or broken roller could cause the door to snag and may cause damage to the track, which may require professional repair or replacement. You could be able to solve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating them. 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 be difficult to operate. To fix this issue, find the adjusting screws for the rollers and adjust them until they are aligned with the track. Weather stripping that has worn out can also cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can replace it yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip and sunking the new one. If the track is severely bent, you should leave it to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the problem and make sure that the track is secure in place with no further damage or bends. If your track is bent or kinked, you can straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to pound the bent section until it is straight. Repairing damaged Rollers Rollers could be the cause of noisy sliding patio doors or problems in rolling. They can become stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to slide against the track and becomes noisy. To solve the issue clean the track at 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. This is the perfect moment to attach any braces or clips that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame. Sliding patio doors are generally heavy, so it's best to have a friend help you lift the door up and tilt it towards you, which will lift it off the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a stable, flat surface such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding. (Photo 2). On older doors made of aluminum, this step is not required, but it's a good thing to take if you have one. Then, remove the screws that adjust the height of rollers at both sides of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers, and clockwise will lower them. It is helpful to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will need tools like a screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a stiff putty blade for this. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by getting rid of the dust cap, and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel mechanisms. Then, wash the surface of the rollers with alcohol to get rid of any dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate with a silicone based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Install the door by first putting the top of the door onto the track, and then swinging in the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers properly to ensure that they are at their highest point within the frame of the track. This will allow the door to slide smoothly into place without hitting the tracks. Repairing damaged wheels The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is why it sags. Replace the wheels if necessary. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from damaging the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers or by hitting the block of wood against the bent part using the hammer. If the wheels are damaged, you can try an edging cover for the track. Installation is simple and takes less than one hour.