When a sliding door track becomes clogged and unclean, it can make opening and closing the door a chore. To avoid this from occurring, it is important to not only clean the track but also lubricate it so that it slides freely.
Renewal by Andersen® of Seattle, your premier expert in door and window replacement, shares some handy maintenance tips to restore the smooth operation of your sliding door.
- Clean the Sliding Door Tracks
The primary reason sliding doors develop resistance when opening and shutting is that the tracks grow dusty over time. The dirtier the tracks are, the more difficult it is for the security door rollers to travel along them.
A wire brush can be used to remove any dirt that has accumulated on the tracks. Alternatively, a toothbrush can be used, though this will take longer.
After removing any dirt from the tracks of your sliding door and gliding windows, vacuum the area. Maintain cleanliness in this area to prevent dirt from building back on the tracks.
- Grease the Tracks for Ease of Use
After cleaning the tracks, it’s time to lubricate them. You can spray WD-40 or another silicon-based lubricant on your sliding door tracks to ensure that the rollers glide smoothly along with them. To avoid slipping on a slippery floor, brush away any surplus spray that falls to the ground.
- Make Any Necessary Adjustments to the Sliding Door Roller
Your sliding door includes rollers on either side that may be adjusted to assist it in sliding on tracks. Typically, these rollers are concealed by plastic plugs; thus, check for two access holes to the rollers.
Once you have access to the rollers, you can adjust the screw with a screwdriver. This will modify the height of your sliding door and allow you to determine whether it glides better at a lower or higher height.
From hinged French doors to double-hung windows, Renewal by Andersen of Seattle has a comprehensive selection of premium window and door solutions. Give us a call at (206) 970-8976 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Bellevue and the surrounding areas.