My Sliding Door Doesn’t Slide Very Well

Have you ever tried to open a sliding door and it doesn’t budge or comes out of the railing? This is actually a common problem when it comes to these types of doors or installations.

There are many causes for this kind of problem that can easily be fixed.

  • Dirty rail – when the door was manufactured a number known as a tolerance was used to make sure that the parts fit perfectly together. If there is the slightest bit of grime the door will stop at certain points. Make sure that you get rid of the grime before the door compresses the dirt and fuses it to the rail. The best way to clean the rail would be to use a hard bristled brush such as a nail brush. Be sure that you dust the particles away from the door so that they don’t get lodged again.
  • Rusted rail – this part of the door installation is usually made from steel to remain strong. Unfortunately, iron does rust and will create particles along the rail. If rust is present the sliding door will get stuck at certain points. Did you know that a simple application works as a short term solution? If you rub a candle along the rusted areas it creates a frictionless surface and lets the door slide smoothly.
  • Worn rail – constantly sliding open and sliding closed will wear down the metal. This makes the central part shorter that makes the door prone to popping out of place. This type of problem should be fixed by a professional as you may need to have a new frame installed.
  • Door stops – sometimes the bottom of the door will get stuck on the rail whilst the top will continue to move or slide. The problem could be that one side is being pushed upwards more. There is a proper way to open doors without causing uneven wear. Make sure that you pull the door towards you without pulling it upwards or downwards.

A door that doesn’t work can be a nuisance. A fully functioning door should always be present so that everyone in the household can open and close the door correctly. A custom door manufacturer can make a door that is perfectly shaped and designed so that you don’t have to deal with such issues. Plus you could add extra features that work to your convenience and makes the home a safer place.