How To Fix Sliding Door Rail

If a malfunctioning sliding door is a chronic problem see if the track is dirty.

How to fix sliding door rail.

Install the new weatherstripping as the directions indicate making sure to orient the flap correctly. Completely open your sliding patio door. Scrub caked dirt and grime out of the track with a stiff brush and soapy water. Remove any additional staples or glue residue.

Watch more home repair diy videos. To fix weatherstrippingthat s no longer protecting you from the elements loosen its staples with a screwdriver then pull it from the door prying gently with a putty knife if necessary. Open the door about half way lift it straight up and pull the bottom toward yourself until it is free of the track. Use the blade of an old screwdriver to pry stubborn dirt loose.

If your doors hang from a top rail and do not have a track on the floor then you need to either replace or tighten down the floor guides. If the door still doesn t slide smoothly the rollers under the door either need adjusting or are shot. In addition to cleaning and lubricating sliding door tracks you want to lubricate the door lock. See if the screws holding the guides down need tightening to be more secure.

Use a wire brush to clean off the dirt or debris. Start with a good cleaning. The corners and the area where the track borders the door jamb will require the most attention. Take the flat head screwdriver and insert it into the track channel using it to loosen any dirt or debris that may be present.

Keep a firm grip on both edges of the door while. Each time you vacuum your floors use a small brush attachment or cordless vacuum to clean the sliding door tracks. Built up dirt or loose debris can cause a door to stop sliding and ride off the track. At the bottom of the door where it sits in the floor bracket should be a nut that you can turn to raise or lower the height of the door to keep it sitting in the tracks.

Apply a lubricant to both upper and lower tracks to keep the door hardware clean and operating freely. Constantly opening and closing the door usually moves the nut and the door falls from the rail.