how to repair patio door lock to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

patio glass repair doors that slide open are practical and beautiful, however with time they can have issues that make them difficult to operate. It's often the case that these problems stem from damaged or dirty tracks or rollers, which can be repaired by cleaning and spraying with a lubricant like WD-40.

Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forward and backwards frequently. In the end, apply a silicone-based lubricant to decrease friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are an attractive addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or don't open smoothly it can be a frustrating experience. The good news is that in a lot of situations, a few simple steps can help your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.

A major reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is a accumulation of dirt within the track channels. To remedy this, you should remove the door from the track. Clean it thoroughly. To get to the deep dirt, you can employ a toothbrush or similar tool to dislodge it. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based sealant can be applied to stop any future issues.

Also, check the rollers for any damages or misalignments. The rollers are at the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If they're damaged or misaligned, the doors could be difficult to move and may need replacement.

Visually inspect the tracks to look for any bends or scratches. Bends that are inward can be a nuisance and can bind a door, whereas outward bends could throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you spot bent sections of the track you can straighten them using pliers, a hammer, or an oversized piece of wood. However, more severe bends will require professional repairs or replacement.

If these easy solutions don't work, you might need to replace the track. In this instance you can find track replacement kits in a majority of hardware stores that allow you to lay a new track over the old one and then screw it in place. These track replacement kits are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit your specific doors.

In the end, it's an excellent idea to call an experienced Detroit sliding door contractor when your track is showing major signs of wear or is bending or breaking in some way. The experts will usually be able to identify the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.

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. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. 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 rust or dust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent will remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Then, examine the rollers for any signs of catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also result in more track damage that requires professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you might be able to solve the problem by applying lubrication. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.

A roller that is not aligned properly can cause your sliding door to become stuck or be difficult for you to operate. To correct this issue find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track.

Weather stripping that is worn-out can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using an screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip out and then install the new one in.

If the track has been badly bent, leave it to a professional patio contractor. They can correct the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. However, if your track is just slightly bent or kinked, you may try to straighten it with a pair of metal-bending pliers. If you are unable to straighten the track yourself, use a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

If your sliding patio door is loud or difficult to roll, the cause may be your rollers. Over time, they may become stiff and dirty. This causes the door to rub against the track and create noise. To solve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track and then lubricate the rollers to make them smoother. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. This is a good time to reattach any clips or braces that held the door in place while it was removed from the frame.

It is best to ask a friend to assist you in lifting up the sliding patio door lock repair door and tilt it toward you. This will release it from the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles shades, drapes, or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be required on some older aluminum doors but is an excellent idea if you have it. Then, take out the screw for adjustment on each end of the door frame. This screw regulates the height of the rollers and turning it clockwise lowers the rollers while turning it counterclockwise raises them.

It is helpful to have a friend nearby to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a strong putty blade to do this. Once the rollers are free and clean, you can wash them by getting rid of the dust cap, and taking out any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. After the rollers are cleaned, apply lubrication using an lubricant made of silicone that smothers dirt and keeps them sliding smoothly.

Install the door by first inserting the top of the door into the track, and then swinging it in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers correctly to ensure that they are at their highest point within the track frame. This will allow the doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

The wheels of a patio door could be worn out, which is why it sags. Inspect both sets of wheels and replace them if they are damaged. Clean the tracks too to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing the block of wood against the bent area and pounding it with the hammer. If the wheels continue to wear out, you can try using a track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than a half hour.