Is your sliding door sticking, grinding, or generally difficult to open? This issue can often be resolved with relatively simple maintenance that homeowners can perform themselves. Sliding doors need to be maintained in order to preserve their satisfying smooth operation, as well as their energy-efficiency and general condition.
The easiest maintenance a homeowner can perform is simple cleaning and lubrication. Sliding doors operate by rolling on four sets of wheels (or roller assemblies) along an upper and lower track. Both of these tracks as well as the door itself should be cleaned regularly to prevent grime and grit buildup and keep the rollers free of debris. Use a coarse brush or toothbrush to loosen caked dirt and grime from the tracks. Use a shop-vac or a powerful vacuum to remove loose material. Slide the door/sash open and closed to access both sides of the track. Scrub the tracks with soap and water and allow them to dry thoroughly. Once the tracks are dry, apply a proper silicon-based non-stick lubricant by spraying into the track and wiping an even coat throughout with a rag. The tracks should be inspected for any obvious bends or burrs. Bends can sometimes be corrected using a heavy duty pair of pliers. Burrs, rough edges, or ridges can be carefully filed down.
If the door and tracks are clean and lubricated and the door still sticks, it’s time to inspect your door rollers. Make sure they are still securely on their tracks. If they’ve fallen off, you can use a pry bar to lift the door slightly while a partner attempts to shift it back into alignment. Be gentle to avoid damaging the door and keep your fingers clear! Use the adjustment screws at the bottom of the door to raise or lower the roller assemblies. The screws can be found at the bottom of each side of the door and are sometimes recessed inside a small hole. Turn the screws small amounts at a time to see if adjustments improve the door operation. Both sides of the door should be adjusted evenly so the door stays level. Be sure to count and make note of your screw rotations!
Significant adjustment of the roller assembly height may then require adjustment of the latching mechanism. Typically the latch will also have an adjustment screw located above the latch assembly. Turn the screw to increase or decrease the length of the latch hook. This adjustment may also be able to correct doors that don’t lock properly or that are loose when locked.
With these options exhausted the doors can be removed from their frames completely. Removing sliding glass doors is a more dangerous process that requires at least one partner to move the heavy doors. We don’t recommend door removal unless you have prior experience or are very confident in your home improvement skills. With the door removed roller wheels can be cleaned, adjusted, or replaced and door tracks can be replaced.
For more information we suggest watching these videos: