Fixing a sticky sliding glass door is one of those projects that’s easy to perform. After all, if it still works, why fix it? However, playing tug-of-war every time you go to open your door can get old, and you’ve finally decided that enough is enough.
Fortunately, unsticking a sliding door can be done quickly and easily unless underlying structural issues are to blame. Sometimes the problem is bigger and requires professional repair. In this case, you have to get in touch with your sliding door track repair mechanic to get assistance.
Read on to learn how to make a sliding door slide easier, and discover when you may need to call in a pro.
Why’s My Sliding Door So Hard to Open?
There are two main parts of a sliding glass door that makes it slide: the rollers and the tracks. The rollers are small wheels attached to the outside corners of the door and are guided along a metal track on the bottom or top of the door jamb.
Larger sliding doors may have rollers on both the top and bottom of the jamb, but most residential doors only have rollers on the bottom. Dirt, damage, or misalignment in either of these components can hinder the smooth operation of your sliding door.
Step 1: Clean the Tracks
Human hand vacuuming gray metal track of sliding glass door leading from inside room with gray hardwood floors, a white area rug, and a gray couch out to a concrete and metal balcony overlooking a green park. The tracks of your sliding glass door can accumulate dirt and debris over time, which can obstruct the operation of the rollers and make the door difficult to slide.
Use a vacuum to suck up any heavy and loose dirt and debris. Then, thoroughly scrub the track with a stiff bristle brush to clean off the remaining dirt and grime, while periodically sliding the door back and forth to expose the full length of the track. For really caked-on dirt, you can apply a cleaning solution to the tracks or brush as you scrub. Wipe off any residual cleaning solution with a rag and suck up any leftover dirt with your vacuum.
Step 2: Fix Bent or Damaged Tracks
Along with dirt, bent and damaged sections of the track can hinder the performance of the rollers. Tracks with inward bends will pinch and grab the door as it slides along the track, while outward bends can throw the rollers out of alignment and possibly derail them.
Visually inspect your track for any bends and slide your door back and forth to identify isolated areas where your door has difficulty sliding past. You can usually fix minor bends with a pair of pliers or a hammer and block of wood, but major bends might require the track to be professionally repaired or fully replaced.
Step 3: Lubricate the Tracks
Spread a silicone-based lubricant evenly and thoroughly across the track while working it in by sliding the door back and forth. This can aid in reducing friction along the track and help it to slide easier.
Using a silicone-based lubricant is important since it won’t gum up over time or accumulate dirt and debris like petroleum-based lubricants will.