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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Patio doors that slide open are beautiful and practical, however they can develop problems in time, making them difficult for you to use. These issues are typically caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers, which can be repaired with WD-40 and a good cleaning. Clean up any heavy dirt or debris using your vacuum cleaner and then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning solution as you move the door back and forward. Then apply a silicone-based lubricant to lessen friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door can be a gorgeous addition to any home but when it stops sliding or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. In many instances you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy steps. A major cause of stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To fix this it is necessary to remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to get rid of it. Once the track is cleaned, a silicone-based grease can be applied to avoid future problems. Inspect the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the doors and help guide them along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned the doors could be difficult to move, and may need replacement. It is also important to check the tracks for any bends or scratches. Inward bends can bind and restrict the door, whereas outward bends can cause a jolt to the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track Try to straighten them using a set of pliers or a hammer and block of wood. However, more severe bends may require professional repairs. If these solutions don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this instance, you can buy kits at a variety of hardware stores to allow you to screw a new track onto the old one. These track replacement kits come in different lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door. It's also a good idea to check if your track is bent, breaking or showing signs of wear. In most cases, professionals will be able to determine the root of the issue and suggest an option that is secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks Damage or dirt 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 bent or damaged they may require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. There are steps you can take to identify the issue and repair it yourself. 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 should remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, check the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to stick and cause further damage to the track, which could require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't broken, you may be able solve the issue by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned door roller can also cause the sliding door to stick or become difficult to operate. To fix this issue find the adjustment screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they are aligned in a proper way with the track. Another common cause of an unmovable or stuck patio door is worn weather stripping. You can easily replace it by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb with the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip away and sunking the new one. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is seriously bent, you should leave this to an experienced patio door contractor who can fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place, without further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it using the help of pliers for metal bends. If you're unable to straighten the track by yourself using a mallet made of rubber and a piece of wood to hit the bent portion of the track until it's completely straight. Repairing damaged Rollers Rollers can be the reason for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. They may become stiff and dirty over time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To fix the problem, clean the bottom track first and then lubricate your rollers. Once the rollers have been cleaned, it is time to put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to secure the door in position after it was removed from its frame. It is recommended to ask a friend to assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the sliding patio door on a solid flat surface, such as a sawhorses or table. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that hold the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step isn't required on older doors made of aluminum, but it is an excellent idea in the event that you have it. Remove the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both ends of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. By turning it counterclockwise, you will raise the rollers and clockwise will lower them. A friend can be helpful during this process since you'll need tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or a pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disengage the rollers from the tracks. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by taking off the dust cap and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them moving effortlessly. Install the door by first placing the top of the door into the track, then swinging the bottom. It's important to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner to ensure that they are at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow doors to slide into place effortlessly, without rubbing the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels The wheels of a patio door can be worn out, and that's why it drags. Check the wheels on both sets and replace them if necessary. Clean the tracks too to stop grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by putting a block of wood against the bent area and hitting it with the Hammer. If the wheels are still damaged, you can try a track sill cover. Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.