Possible Causes of Sticking Sliding Doors

Patio doors, especially sliding ones, are a great addition to any home as their features add immediate benefits. They help open up the house with a clear view of the immediate surroundings. They’re meant to be convenient and easy to use. Nonetheless, many homeowners experience a sliding door that sticks.

Today we’ll discuss why that happens.

Dirty or Blocked Tracks

Chances are patio doors undergo a lot of traffic. Over time, they get dirty and the tracks become clogged and blocked. Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes for a sliding door sticking. To prevent this, have your screen door cleaned once a month. Have cleaners vacuum off any loose debris in the tracks. The use of a cleaning solution and rag to wipe up any remaining dust or grime on them also helps.

Alignment

Your sliding door operates on a track to open and close. For a smooth and easy operation, there is some slack that can cause your door to jump off the track. If you feel your door is not sliding straight from left to right, then it is not aligned. Never slam sliding doors. It can cause your door to come off the tracks.

Your Door Is Old and Worn Out

Sometimes, a sliding door sticks when it is too old and has undergone years of wear and tear. It may be time for a replacement. There is no fix for a wooden sliding door that has swelled or warped. Aluminum doors can also be difficult to operate when dented and damaged.

Since sliding doors should be easy to use, they’re not that hard to maintain or diagnose any problems. It’s quite easy to spot the cause of the problem. Follow our tips above and your patio door will slide like it’s gliding on ice.

When it comes to replacement doors, Renewal by Andersen® of Montana is the company you can trust. Call us at (406) 259-3944 for a free estimate and consultation.