Is your sliding door not sliding? We’ve put together the ultimate patio door repair guide to get your sliding door sliding in no time.
Before starting, please note that using excessive force to open sliding doors may damage the door, its track, or its components, so it pays to be patient as you try these tips!
Whether debris is in the track or your sliding door has damaged rollers, this article provides details about how to properly remove a sliding glass door that sticks, clean and lubricate the tracks, adjust the rollers, and provide additional tips.
Tools Needed To Repair Your Door
The time it takes to repair a sliding glass door depends on the reason for the repair, but most fixes can be done in under an hour. Here are the tools you will likely need for most repairs:
- Phillips head screwdriver: Most commonly used for removing screws.
- Flathead screwdriver: Useful for prying and scraping tasks.
- Utility knife: Used for cutting screen material and removing old weatherstripping.
- Stiff brush: For cleaning debris from the track.
- Rags: For cleaning and wiping surfaces.
- Replacement parts: These will vary depending on the repair you need to make, but could include rollers, weatherstripping, or screen material.
- Silicone spray: For lubricating the rollers (Do not use WD-40).
- Socket wrench (optional): Needed for some adjustments on certain doors.
- Needle-nose pliers (optional): Helpful for gripping small parts or removing stubborn weatherstripping.
- Tape measure (optional): For pre-cutting weatherstripping or screen material.
Step One: Remove Your Sliding Glass Door
Safety First: Before you begin, find someone to help you. This is necessary for safety and to reduce the risk of damage. Glass doors are heavy and fragile. The door may be ready to fall out of the track before you are ready to catch it.
- Begin by locating the adjustment screw covers on the sides of the door, toward the bottom. You may need to pry off or unscrew the covers. Have someone hold the door before you perform the next steps.
- Use a screwdriver to adjust the rollers so they move inside the door frame, which will give you clearance to remove the door.
- Center the door in the middle of the opening.
- Stand on one side while a helper stands on the other. Working together, lift the door into the top as far as you need to in order to clear the bottom track. Push the bottom of the door out of the track and gently lower to the ground to remove the door. If you don’t have clearance, the top rollers need to be adjusted into the frame as you did on the bottom to provide more clearance into the top of the frame.
- Gently remove the door and set it aside.
Step Two: Clean the Sliding Glass Door Track
Once the door is removed, it will be easier to thoroughly clean the tracks.
- Use a vacuum to remove loose debris in the track.
- Use a stiff brush with hot, soapy water to scrub the track.
- Do the same with the top and bottom edge of the glass door.
- Dry the track well with a clean rag.
Step Three: Remove and Clean the Rollers and Wheels
Before you begin, place a drop cloth below the door to catch debris.
Steps:
- Identify your door type: Different doors may have slightly different removal processes. Look for a manufacturer's label or consult your manual if available.
- Support the door: Lay the door flat on a sturdy surface, such as saw horses or on the ground before proceeding.
- Remove the roller assemblies: Once the door is in a safe, solid position, locate the screws holding the roller assemblies to the door frame. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove them. Some assemblies might pop out after loosening the screws.
Cleaning:
- Brush off debris: Use a stiff brush to remove any dirt, dust, or hair from the wheels and tracks.
- Clean the wheels: Wipe the wheels down with a damp rag to remove any grime or build-up. Use a mild soap solution if necessary.
- Clean the tracks: Wipe down the door track in the frame to remove any debris that might hinder smooth rolling.
Replacing Rollers or Wheels:
- Signs of wear and tear: Replace rollers or wheels if they are cracked, chipped, worn excessively, or don't spin freely.
- Difficult movement: If the door is difficult to move even after cleaning, it might indicate a problem with the rollers or wheels themselves.
- Uneven rolling: If the door seems to tilt or roll unevenly, the rollers or wheels might be misaligned or damaged.
By following these steps once per year, you can help to keep your sliding glass door rollers and wheels functioning smoothly for years to come.
Step Four: Lubricate the Sliding Glass Door Track
For vinyl door tracks, use a non-stick silicone lubricant. For wood tracks, use a hard wax such as candle wax or beeswax. You can also find specific door track lubricants at your local hardware store or online. Whatever you do, do not use grease or an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40, which will actually attract more dirt. Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the top and bottom of the door track, as well as in the door frame where the glass door latches.
Step Five: Reinstall the Sliding Glass Door
- Before you reinstall the door, inspect the rollers and hardware. The rollers are usually the main reasons for stickiness. If you see damage or just want to ensure the repair lasts, remove the rollers and bring them to the hardware store to find a replacement.
- Have some help you reinstall the door, with the reverse procedure you used to remove it.
- Once the door is installed in the track, use a screwdriver to adjust the rollers. This part is important – too much tension and the doors won’t slide well; too little and there will be play in the track. Adjust the rollers until they contact the track and the door does not wiggle.
- Slide the door back and forth several times to spread the lubricant and check your work.
Common Questions About Sticky Sliding Glass Doors
Why do patio doors get stuck?
Dirt, debris, and grime can accumulate in the tracks, causing the rollers to snag. Over time, these rollers can also wear out, break, or become misaligned, hindering smooth movement.
Why is my patio door hard to slide?
Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, and other outside materials can build up in the track where the rollers move. This buildup acts like a brake, preventing the rollers from gliding smoothly but the rollers themselves can also be the source of the problem. They might be worn, broken or just simply misaligned which is an easy fix, but if your rollers are broken — it’s time to replace.
How do you prevent patio doors from getting stuck?
To prevent your sliding doors from getting stuck on their track, start by keeping them clean. It can be as simple as vacuuming the tracks and wiping them down. Lubricate the rollers with a silicone spray designed for doors, and avoid using oil that can attract dirt. With a little maintenance, your sliding doors will glide effortlessly every time you open it.
Can you use WD-40 on sliding door tracks?
No. WD-40 might seem like a quick fix for a sticky sliding door, but it can make things worse by attracting dirt. Use silicone spray, which is a dry lubricant that won't attract dirt and provides a long-lasting, smooth glide.
Why won’t my sliding door close properly?
The most likely reason your glass door won't slide is dirty tracks that are clogged with debris. Worn or misaligned rollers can also cause problems. Try lifting the door slightly to see if it glides easier - that can help pinpoint the cause.
Professional Sliding Door Replacement
Sometimes, no matter how well you clean and lubricate a sliding door track, it just won’t slide properly and you may need a replacement. Glass Doctor will help you find a glass door replacement. We can replace your glass door with a modern insulated unit that is more efficient and looks great, too. Call 833-974-0209, or schedule an appointment online.