How To Replace Your Sliding Patio Door Rollers

Sliding patio doors are a convenient and attractive feature in many homes, allowing easy access to the backyard, deck, or patio. When your sliding patio door isn’t working like it’s supposed to, it can be a major headache. If you’re dealing with a sticking sliding patio door or squeaky rollers, learn how to repair your sliding door in just a few easy steps to keep it working good as new.

Materials and tools:

Screwdriver
Vacuums
Small cleaning brush
Silicone-based lubricant
Replacement rollers

Prepping to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Sliding patio doors are heavy, difficult to move, and can break easily. Because of this, removing and reinstalling a sliding patio door is usually a two-person job. Most of the repairs can be completed by yourself, but enlist another person for an extra set of hands when it comes to lifting and moving the door itself, or you may find yourself needing to replace the glass in your sliding patio door in addition to the repairs you’d already planned.

Step 1. Adjust Height of the Door

To begin, you’ll need to prepare to remove the sliding patio door by locating the roller adjustment screws. There are usually two screws at the bottom of the sliding patio door on the inside face that control the height of the rollers and the height of the patio door within the frame. Turn these screws counterclockwise to retract the rollers, which will make it easier to remove the sliding patio door.

Step 2. Remove the Door From the Frame

Along with your helper, carefully tilt the sliding patio door in toward you and lift it out of the bottom track. Set it down on the floor so that you can more easily perform any necessary repairs. After the door has been removed from the frame, clean the bottom track thoroughly with a vacuum, ensuring no debris remain and apply a silicone based lubricant on it.

Step 3. Clean or Replace Rollers

Once the sliding patio door is off the track, examine the rollers. If there is dirt or debris caked in the roller mechanism, scrub it off with a small cleaning brush, then wipe all roller surfaces down to remove any remaining dirt or residue. Once the roller is clean, lubricate it with a silicone-based lubricant, which will resist dirt and keep the roller gliding smoothly.
If the rollers are bent or damaged, they can be easily replaced. First, check the door manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re using the appropriate replacement rollers. Next, unscrew the rollers from the sliding patio door and gently pry the assembly out with a screwdriver. Install the new rollers, being sure to align the adjustment screws with the corresponding access hole in the patio door. Once the rollers are replaced, use the adjustment screw to fully retract them so the patio door can be reinstalled.

Step 4: Reinstall the Door

Once you’ve completed any necessary repairs, it’s time to put the sliding patio door back on its track. With your helper’s assistance, set the bottom of the patio door in the lower track and tilt it up until it’s aligned at the top of the door as well. Remember the patio door isn’t secure until it’s in the lower track.

When the patio door is successfully reinstalled, close it almost all the way so you can adjust the latch alignment to the target on the jamb. Use the roller adjustment screws to lift the patio door to the right height so the latch hits the jamb correctly. Remember to adjust both rollers so the door is level.

Conclusion

While small sliding patio door repairs can be fairly straightforward, some homeowners might find that removing the patio door is too big of a project to take on. In that case, or for larger, more involved repairs, you can contact us here at Revitalize Windows & Doors and we’ll be happy to assist you with your sliding patio door repairs. Servicing Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Markham, Richmond Hill and surrounding regions, we’re your go to window and door repair specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my sliding glass door so hard to open and close?

Dirt, debris, moisture damage, and damaged rollers can all make a sliding patio door difficult to open and close. Keeping the patio door tracks clear of any loose material and making sure rollers are clean and well lubricated can help keep your door opening and closing smoothly. Clean out the tracks and rollers and use a silicone-based lubricant once a month to ensure your patio door is working properly.

Why does my sliding patio door keep coming off the track?

Worn-out, broken, or damaged rollers are the most likely culprit for sliding patio doors that can’t seem to stay on the tracks. Replacing the rollers is a repair that will help keep your patio door in the track and make opening and closing it easy. Once you’ve replaced the rollers, be sure to clean and inspect them regularly to keep them in good condition.

Can you replace the hardware on a sliding patio door?

Most hardware on a sliding patio door can be easily replaced with approved manufacturer replacement parts. You’ll need to be sure that the new hardware fits your patio door and allows the rollers, tracks, and latching mechanism to function properly, so check with the manufacturer to verify you’re using the correct parts.