how to repair patio door lock 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. These issues are usually caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. They can be fixed with WD-40 and a good cleaning.
Use your vacuum cleaner to clean any large amounts of dirt and other debris. Then, scrub the track using a brush and cleaning product and slide the door forwards and backwards frequently. Apply an oil-based silicone to reduce friction.
Repairing Dented Tracks
A patio door is a stunning addition to any home, but when it isn’t able to open or slide without a hitch, it can turn into an unsettling experience. The good thing is that in many instances, a few easy steps can help your sliding door to return to a smooth operation.
The main reason for a stuck or difficult to move door is the accumulation of dirt in the track channels. The best way to fix this is to remove the door from the track and clean it thoroughly. To remove the more soiled dirt, you can use a toothbrush or similar device to remove it. After the track is clean, a silicone-based lubricant can be applied to prevent future issues.
It’s also important to check the rollers for damage or misalignment. The rollers are located on the bottom of the door and assist to direct it along the track. If they are damaged or not aligned properly the doors will be more difficult to move and may require replacement.
Also, you should check the tracks for any bends or dents. Inward bends can bind and bind the door, while outward bends can throw off the rollers, or even derail them completely. If you notice bent sections of the track, you can straighten them by using pliers, a hammer, or a block of wood. However, severe bends will likely require professional repair or even replacement.
If these fixes don’t work, you may have to replace the track. In this case you can purchase a kit at most hardware stores to enable you to attach a new track onto the old one. These track replacement kits come in a variety of lengths and can also be cut to fit the specific door.
It’s an excellent idea to get it checked out to take note of if your track is deforming or breaking, or showing signs of wear. In most cases, the professionals will be able determine the root of the issue and recommend an option that is secure and efficient.
Repairing Broken Tracks
Damage or dirt to the track could cause the patio door to become stuck or difficult to open. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and if the tracks are bent or damaged they might require professional repair or replacement to work properly. There are ways to identify the issue and fix it yourself.
The first step is to inspect the track to make sure it’s not blocked by any other factor than dust or rust. If the track is obstructed by dirt, a thorough clean using a brush and mild detergent is recommended to remove the obstructions and restore smooth movement.
Then, examine the rollers for any catching or sticking. A broken or faulty roller could cause the door to become stuck and cause further damage to the track that may require repair or replacement by a professional. If the rollers aren’t damaged, you may be able to solve the problem by lubricating them. A silicone-based lubricant can reduce friction between the rollers on the track and the door.
A misaligned roller could cause your sliding door to become stuck or become difficult to operate. To fix this, locate the screws that adjust the rollers and adjust them until they are properly aligned with the track.
Weather stripping that is damaged can cause patio doors to be stuck or difficult to move. You can replace this yourself by removing the weather stripping from the bottom of the fixed panel as well as from the jamb using an screwdriver, then taking the old strip and sinking the new one.
If the track has been severely bent, give it to a professional patio contractor. They can fix the issue and ensure the track is securely in place without further damage or bending. If your track is slightly bent or kinked you can straighten it using a pair metal-bending pliers. If you’re unable to straighten the track on your own make use of a mallet made from rubber and a piece of wood to pound the bent portion of the track until it is completely straight.
Repairing Damaged Rollers
If your sliding patio door lock repair near me door is noisy or difficult to roll, the reason could be due to your rollers. They can become stiff and dirty with time, which causes the door to be pushed against the track and becomes noisy. To solve this issue first, clean the track’s bottom and grease the rollers to make them smooth again. Once the rollers have been cleaned, you can place the door back on its tracks. This is the perfect time to reattach any braces or clips that held the door in place after it was removed from the frame.
It is best to have a friend assist you in lifting the sliding patio door and tilt it toward you. This will lift it from the bottom track. Set the door on a solid surface, such as a table or sawhorses. Remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the doors. Remove any screws holding the head stop molding (Photo 2). This step might not be required on older doors, but is an excellent idea if you have it. Then, pull out the screw for adjustment on each end of the door frame. This screw controls roller height. Turning it counterclockwise will raise the rollers, and clockwise, they will lower them.
It is beneficial to have a companion nearby to help you disengage the rollers. You’ll require tools such as a screwdriver with Phillips heads and a pry-bar or a strong putty blade for this. Once you have the rollers free and clean, you can wash them by getting rid of the dust cap, and getting rid of any debris that has accumulated on the wheel’s mechanisms. Then, wipe the surfaces with alcohol to remove any residue or dirt that remains. After cleaning the rollers, lubricate using a silicone-based grease to ensure they are moving smoothly.
Install the door by first putting the top of the door onto the track, and then swinging it in the bottom. It is essential to reinstall the new rollers in a proper manner in order to place them at their highest position inside the frame of the track. This will allow the doors to slide in easily without rubbing on the tracks.
Repairing damaged wheels
A patio doors repairs door often drags because the wheels have worn out. Replace the wheels as needed. Also clean the tracks to prevent the grit from damaging the wheels. If the tracks are bent, straighten them with pliers or by placing a block of wood against the bent portion and hitting it with a Hammer. If the wheels still wear out, you can try the track sill. (See Photo 5) Installation is simple and takes less than an hour.