Having Issues with Your Sliding Doors?

by Vitrocsa john Webmaster

Sliding doors are a popular glazing option in both commercial and residential properties. With innovations in technology and materials, it’s now possible to manufacture extremely large doors with slim profiles that can be used to create all kinds of flexible designs.

These doors are no longer restricted by fixed panels, which means that they can open at both ends, in the centre, at a corner or even glide away neatly into a cavity within the wall.

However, many homes still have the traditional style of sliding doors, often with sliding screen doors installed to block out the sun and keep the interior of the property cool.

So, what happens if your sliding doors develop problems and stop sliding as smoothly as they once did? We take a look at some of the most common issues and their solutions.

Your Doors are No Longer Sliding Smoothly

If you’re finding that your doors no longer slide smoothly, the most common cause is dirt and debris trapped on the track wheels. Over time, the tracks on traditional sliding doors collect dirt, dust, mud, pet hairs and dead insects, flies and spiders, so it’s essential to keep the tracks as clear as possible. You can solve this problem easily by cleaning the track and the bottom track wheels to remove the dirt.

Wheels also need to be cleaned regularly, which can usually be done with the doors in situ. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to remove the door from its tracks.

If you do have to remove a door, it’s not something that you’ll be able to do alone. Glass doors can be heavy and cumbersome, so you will need an extra pair of hands to assist.

To remove the door, you’ll need to access the roller adjustments located on the bottom of the door and retract the rollers using the screw mechanism. Once the rollers are retracted, by angling the door, it will be possible to lift it out of the track.

Damaged or Worn Runners

You may find that when you remove the door, you notice that the rollers are worn or damaged. In this instance, you will need to replace the rollers. If the rollers are rusty, as sometimes happens with sliding shower doors, a spray of WD-40 may help to ease the movement.

When It’s Time to Call the Professionals

Getting your sliding doors to slide smoothly again is relatively easy in most cases; however, if the glass in your door is broken or cracked or there’s damage to the track, it’s best to call in the professionals.

Sometimes the best option is to replace the complete door system, which offers the opportunity to invest in modern designs and technology such as the innovative designs from world-leading manufacturers, Vitrocsa.