A Step-By-Step Guide To Patio Door Track Repair From Start To Finish

A Step-By-Step Guide To Patio Door Track Repair From Start To Finish

How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair

Sliding patio doors are easy and beautiful, however in time, they may have issues that make them difficult to operate. It is often the case that these issues are caused by damaged or dirty rollers or tracks, which can be fixed by cleaning them and spraying them with a lubricant like WD-40.

Make use of your vacuum cleaner to clean any large particles of dirt and debris. Then, scrub the track using brushes and cleaning products and slide the door forwards and backwards often. In the end apply a silicone-based oil to reduce friction.

Repairing Dented Tracks

Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but if they stop sliding or do not open properly, it can be a stressful experience. In most cases you can bring back the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few easy steps.

Dirt in the track channels is a major cause of a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best method to address this is to disconnect the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the more soiled dirt. Once the track is clean and dry, a silicone-based lubricant may be applied to avoid future issues.

It's also important to check the rollers for any damage or misalignment. The rollers are situated on the bottom of the door, and they help to guide it along the track. If  patio doors repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors  are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and could require replacement.

Check the tracks visually to check for any bends or dent. Inward bends can pinch and restrict a door, while outward bends could throw the rollers off or cause them to be unable to move. If you notice bent sections of the track Try to straighten them with a set of pliers or a hammer with a block of wood. However, extreme bends might require professional assistance for repair.

If these simple solutions don't work then you may need to replace the entire track. In this case you can purchase kits at a variety of hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track onto the old one. The track replacement kits are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to fit the specific door.

It's also a good idea to take note of if your track is bending or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In most cases, professionals will be able identify the cause of the issue and suggest a solution that is both safe and effective.

Repairing Broken Tracks


Damage or dirt to the track could cause a patio door to become blocked or difficult to open. The accumulation of dirt and debris over time. If your tracks are bent or damaged, they might require repair or replacement by a professional. You can diagnose the problem yourself and fix it.

First, check the track to ensure that it isn't blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed and needs to be cleaned thoroughly, a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement.

Then, check the rollers to ensure that they are not stuck or catching. A broken or faulty door roller could cause it to stick. It can also lead to further track damage, which will require repair or replacement by a professional. It is possible to resolve the issue if the rollers are not damaged by lubricating the rollers. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction between the tracks and the rollers and make it easier for the door to slide.

A roller that is not aligned properly can also cause the sliding door to stick or be difficult to operate. To fix this issue, locate 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 become stuck or difficult to move. It is easy to replace the weather stripping by removing it from the bottom panel of the fixed panel and from the jamb using an screwdriver. Then, you can take the old strip out and install the new one in.

If your track is severely bent, you should let an experienced patio contractor. They can correct the problem and ensure that the track is securely in place without any further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked, you could straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you are unable straighten the track yourself make use of a rubber hammer and a piece of wood. Continue to hit the bent section until it is straight.

Repairing damaged Rollers

Rollers are often the reason behind noisy sliding patio doors, or difficulties in rolling. They may become dirty and stiff over time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track, and then become noisy. To resolve the issue clean the track at the bottom first before lubricating your rollers. After the rollers have been cleaned, you can put the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect moment to attach any braces or clips that kept the door in place while it was removed from the frame.

It is recommended to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting up 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 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 required on some older doors made of aluminum, but it is recommended if you have it. Then, take off the screws for adjustment of the rollers on both ends of the door frame. The screw controls the height of the rollers. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.

It is a good idea to have someone close by to assist you in disengaging the rollers. You'll require tools such as an screwdriver with Phillips heads and pry-bars or a rigid putty blade to do this. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by removing the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel's mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces down with alcohol to get rid of any remaining dirt or residue. After cleaning the rollers, you can lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them moving smoothly.

Install the door by first putting the top of the door onto the track, then swinging it in the bottom. Reinstalling the rollers into the frame of the track at the highest point is important. This will allow doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.

Repairing Damaged Wheels

A patio door often is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Examine the wheels of both sets and replace them if they are damaged. Also clean the tracks to stop grit from grinding away the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them using pliers or by holding an object of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with the Hammer. If the tracks are worn, consider covering the track sill. Installation is easy and takes less than 1 hour.