Many of people have sliding doors that open up to patios or backyards. These doors are an important part of our homes. They have aluminum tracks that let the door slide open and close. Over time, the aluminum tracks breakdown and the sliding door get stuck. The tracks are made from aluminum, which can become pitted and breakdown over time. Aluminum is a softer metal that it widely used because it is light weight, less expensive and adaptable. The manufacturer’s coat the aluminum tracks to protect them from corrosion and wear. However, over time the coating is worn off from continually opening and closing,which exposes the track to pitting and breakdown.
Slider doors are frequently used, especially in summer month. With traffic going in and out of the house your sliding door can accumulate small stones, dirt and debris can get trapped in track and cause it to wear down over time. Moisture from weather conditions, such as snow, dew and rain can accumulate in the track and cause corrosion. Once these things happen the doors do not slide as easily and opening and closing making it a challenge.
A simple solution to this problem is to use a sliding door track kit. These kits are available almost anywhere, from a local hardware store to a large chain store and even online. They are relatively inexpensive and will make your door work like it did when new. The new track is made of stainless steel, which is a more durable and longer lasting metal. In addition, it will not corrode, so your track will last you for years to come.
While your door is off, it mint be beneficial to replace the roller as well, to ensure smooth opening and closing.
Once you purchase the kit and the new roller cartridge, here are so simple and easy steps to perform to repair your track.
1. Firstly take the slider door off the track and place it to the side. This many require a little muscle, but is easy enough to do.
If you are unable, try turning the screws on the rollers clockwise and then lift the door from its frame.
2. Clean the track with soapy water and a wire brush.
3. Take a metal file and file down and rough spots or ridge that are sharp to the touch.
4. Measure the length of the old track.
5. Cut the new stainless steel track to this length.
6. Place the new track on the old aluminum track. It will snap over the old track and then with light dabs of glue, glue down on the threshold.
7. Lubricate the new track for smooth opening and closing
8. Remove the old rollers by removing the frame lock screw, lift frame and then remove. Now slide the new rollers into place and re-install frame lock screw.
9. Re-install the sliding door and test the opening and closing.
As an additional note, it might be worth it to consider purchasing a manual retractable sliding door screen or motorized screen. This screen will allow you to keep your sliding door open in summer, but keep the bugs and insects out. These screens will retract back into their housing when not in use, but will cut down on the opening and closing of your sliding door.
AUTOPOST by BEDEWY VISIT GAHZLY
