When properly functioning, sliding glass doors let in an abundance of natural light while providing protection from the weather. Sliding glass doors are particularly advantageous if you have a deck, pets, or children who enjoy playing outside.
However, normal wear and tear can cause your doors to cease to work properly. You can typically detect the onset of problems when opening and closing your sliding patio doors becomes more difficult.
Check Outside Temperature First
Remember that metal expands in hot weather and contracts in cold weather before repairing it. When temperatures outside your door are more extreme than usual, you may suddenly encounter an uncooperative door. This is typically not a significant issue, but it may be worthwhile to examine the mechanics if it persists.
Check Tracks if Working Properly
In summary, check the track if something is amiss with your sliding glass door. Sliding glass doors are equipped with a track that allows them to slide horizontally. If something is terribly wrong with its track, the door may become hard to open and close.
Check if the Door Track Needs to Be Cleaned or Lubricated
Due to their location in a high-traffic area, the most common cause of alignment issues is debris that accumulates naturally from people walking through and from the outside. Dirt, leaves, mud, and even animal hair can build up and create significant issues.
You can make a point of inspecting and cleaning the area on a regular basis to reduce the number of issues, but blockages can still occur despite your best efforts.
In addition, the door and track are designed to retain lubrication between the door’s metal and the track’s metal. However, you may need to lubricate the track over time.
How to Fix a Hard-to-Open Sliding Glass Door
Here’s how to fix a sliding glass door that won’t slide:
- Using a screwdriver, remove the door from the track by turning the roller adjustment screws counterclockwise. You can remove the door by unscrewing the screws at the top after the rollers retract.
- Place the door on a raised surface in order to inspect it safely and thoroughly. Pull the rollers out carefully and inspect them for damage or dirt. If the roller wheels are damaged, they should likely be replaced. If they are just dirty, thoroughly clean them with alcohol.
- Replace the rollers. Align the screws and tap them into place using a hammer and a block of wood. Be cautious around the wheels because they can easily get damaged. After reinstalling the rollers, retract them as far as possible in the same manner as in the first step.
- Clean the tracks thoroughly. Vacuum up any dirt particles in the area, wipe the tracks with alcohol, and lubricate with silicone to prevent rust, mold, and squeaking.
- The final step is to reinstall the door. Align it first in the lower track, then tilt it up and attach the top. Roll the door towards the jamb on the latch side, then tighten the screws.
Things to Look for in Lubricants for Sliding Glass Doors
When choosing the best lubricant for sliding glass doors, there are several things to take into account. Below is an exhaustive list of what to look for in a lubricant and how to choose the best one for a door.
Must Be Non-Toxic
Often, sliding glass doors are left open for ventilation during the winter months. This means that when you close them, a film of moisture, dirt, and oil can be left behind, causing streaks on the glass’s surface.
Use a non-toxic lubricant spray to clean the surface rather than water or toxic products such as Windex to make a sliding door slide easier.
Non-Toxic lubricant for sliding glass doors functions in two ways: It helps you clean your sliding glass door without any chemicals, and it dries clear, so you don’t have to worry about streaks.
Ease of Application
Sliding glass doors are available in a variety of styles and configurations. Therefore, you should ensure that the product complements your client’s specific design before making a purchase.
When it comes to sliding doors, applying a lubricant makes the door easier to open and close. Typically, lubricants are applied by placing a small amount of lubricant on one side of the door and then rubbing it with a cloth or finger on the opposite side.
Can Endure Extreme Weather Conditions
Many homeowners are interested in installing sliding doors to create an indoor-outdoor living space. They are not intended for use in severe weather. By applying lubricant, a sliding door can be made more resistant to extreme weather conditions.
Silicone oil is the most popular type of lubricant for a sliding glass door. They make the door more durable and less susceptible to sticking in wet or dry conditions.
These lubricants can also provide additional protection from the outside elements, such as the sun, snow, and ice, extending their lifespan.
Look for products that will last longer than you need and are waterproof to protect your sliding glass door from moisture and other natural occurrences.
Silicone-Based Formula
A silicone-based lubricant is composed of silicone and other substances. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including glass doors. This formula can reduce friction when incorporated into a sliding door.
Must Be Multi-Purpose
Doors made of sliding glass are utilized in various areas of the home, office, and business. They are used to provide access to outdoor and indoor spaces as a result of the advancement of technology.
Modern sliding glass doors have multiple applications and are simple to install due to their small profile and smooth opening. It can be installed in locations with limited space or where a conventional door would be difficult to open.
Its benefits significantly outweigh its disadvantages, which is why more people are installing these doors.
A sliding door is more than just an access point; it also serves as a sound barrier for areas of your home where you don’t want others to hear what’s going on inside.
Get Quality Sliding Doors for Your Next Project
Are you ready to install sliding doors in your home? You deserve only the very best. Euroline Steel Windows and Doors is a manufacturer with multiple accomplishments. Our window and door products offer style, durability, and energy efficiency.
For more information on our premium products, Contact our team at 877-590-2741 at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors today!
