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How to Fix Sliding Patio Door Track Repair Sliding patio doors are convenient and beautiful, however over time they can develop issues that make them difficult to operate. The majority of the time, these problems stem from damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. These can be repaired by cleaning them and spraying them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any large particles of dirt and debris. Then scrub the track with brushes and cleaning products as you move the door backwards and forwards frequently. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction. Repairing Dented Tracks A patio door can be a gorgeous feature for any home, but when it stops sliding or does not open without a hitch, it can turn into a frustrating experience. In many cases, you can restore the smooth operation of your sliding door by following a few simple instructions. Dirt in the track channels can be a major cause of a door that is stuck or is difficult to move. The best method to address this is to detach the door from the track and wash it thoroughly. You can make use of a toothbrush to get rid of the dirt and grime that is deeper. After the track has been cleaned, a silicone-based oil can be applied to stop future problems. Also, check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are at the bottom of the door and assist to guide it along the track. If they are damaged or misaligned the doors will become more difficult to move and might require replacement. It is also important to check the tracks for bends or scratches. Inward bends can bind and make the door unusable, while outward bends could cause damage to the rollers or even destroy them completely. If you notice bent areas of the track, you can straighten them using the help of pliers, a hammer or an oversized piece of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement. If these solutions don't work, you may need to replace the 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 the correct position. The track replacement kits are available in various lengths and 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, breaking or showing signs of wear. In the majority of cases, professionals will be able determine the root cause of the problem and suggest a solution that is both secure and efficient. Repairing Broken Tracks In many instances, a patio door that's stuck or difficult to move is the result of dirt or damage to the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and if your tracks are bent or damaged they may require repair or replacement by a professional to work properly. Fortunately, there are ways to determine the issue and repair it yourself. First, check the track to make sure it's not blocked by anything other than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed, a thorough cleaning with a brush and mild detergent should remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement. Next, inspect the rollers to ensure that they aren't catching or sticking. A damaged or broken door roller can cause it to stick. It could also cause further damage to the track that will require professional repair or replacement. If the rollers aren't damaged, you may be able to resolve the issue by applying lubrication. A lubricant based on silicone will lessen friction between the rollers on the track and the door. A misaligned roller can also cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this problem find the adjusting screw for the rollers. Adjust them until they align properly with the track. Another common cause of an unmovable or stuck patio door is the worn weather stripping. You can replace this yourself by loosening the weather stripping at the bottom of the fixed panel and from the jamb using the help of a screwdriver, and then removing the old strip and sinking the new one. If the track is badly bent, it's best to leave it to a professional patio door contractor who can fix the issue and ensure that the track is secure in place, without further damage or bending. However, if the track is bent only a little or kinked, you may try to straighten it with pliers that bend metal. If you're unable to straighten the track on your own, use 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 for noisy sliding patio doors or difficulty in rolling. They can get dirty and stiff over time, causing the door to slide against the track and become noisy. To solve this issue start by cleaning the bottom track, and then grease the rollers to smooth them back. After the rollers have been cleaned then you can put the door back on its tracks. Reattach any clips or braces used to hold the door in position after it was removed from its frame. It is recommended to have a trusted friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it towards you. This will free it from the bottom track. Set the door on a sturdy surface, like a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws that are holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). sliding door glass replacement isn't required on older doors, but is a good idea to do it if you have it. Next, back out the adjustment screw for the rollers on each end of the door frame. The screw controls the rollers' height by turning it clockwise. This lowers the rollers, while turning it counterclockwise raises them. A friend can be helpful during this process because you will require tools, such as an Phillips-head screwdriver or pry bar or stiff putty knife, to disconnect the rollers from the tracks. Once the rollers are free they can be cleaned by removing the dust cap and removing any debris from the wheel mechanisms. Then, wipe the roller surfaces down using alcohol to get rid of any residue or dirt that remains. Once the rollers are cleaned, lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant that resists dirt and keeps them sliding effortlessly. Reinstall the door by placing the top part of the doors into the track and then moving the bottom portion in. Installing the rollers in the frame of the track at their highest point is crucial. This will allow the door to slide effortlessly into place without hitting the tracks. Repairing Damaged Wheels Most often, a patio door is dragging because the wheels have worn out. Check the wheels of both sets and replace them if needed. Clean the tracks also to prevent grit from destroying the wheels. Straighten bent tracks by using pliers, or by striking a block of wooden against the bent area with a hammer. If the wheels are still worn out, try a track sill cover. Installation is easy and takes less than an hour.