Sliding glass doors are a great way to let in natural light and fresh air, but they need to be kept clean and in good working order. One of the most common problems with sliding glass doors is that they start to stick and become difficult to open and close. This is usually caused by dirt and debris that builds up in the tracks, which can cause the rollers to bind.
The good news is that it’s easy to fix a sticky sliding glass door. All you need to lubricate sliding glass doors is a non-stick lubricant and a few minutes of your time.
Begin with Cleaning Your Sliding Door Tracks
It all starts with clean tracks. Dirt and debris can cause your sliding glass door to stick or slide unevenly. Sometimes you’ll be able to just vacuum the track to lift these out. However, if you haven’t maintained your door in a while, it’s likely that debris have become gummy and will need a little more help to get out.
In these cases, we recommend using a flat-blade screwdriver to scrape out any visible dirt or debris from the tracks before vacuuming out the loosened dirt.
Select the Right Non-Stick Lubricant for Your Sliding Glass Doors
The secret to a sliding door that glides with ease lies in the type of lubricant you use. Your choices include petroleum-based, silicone-based, and wax lubricants, but they’re not all equally suitable to lubricate sliding glass doors. Wax lubricants can be messy and potentially toxic. Silicone-based or petroleum-based lubricants, such as the popular WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant, 3M Silicone Spray (Dry Type) Lubricant, and CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant, are your best bet for an easy-slide door. Good news, too: they’re pretty inexpensive and last a long time.
Apply Your Non-Stick Lubricant Regularly and Correctly
After cleaning the tracks and choosing the right non-stick lubricant for your sliding glass doors, it’s time for application. Apply it to both tracks of the sliding door using an old rag. Slide the door open and shut several times to distribute the lubricant evenly along the track.
To keep your sliding door gliding smoothly, clean and lubricate the track at least once a year or when your door starts to stick.
Common Lubrication Mistake That Keeps Your Door From Sliding Smoothly
One of the most common mistakes we see people make when they lubricate sliding glass doors is using grease or oil-based lubricants. Initially, they may seem effective, but they eventually become sticky and attract dirt, leading to a door that slides poorly. At that point, you’ll be right at the beginning, cleaning out the track with your trusty screwdriver!
At EZ Sliding Doors Vegas, we’re experts in sliding door maintenance. From choosing the best non-stick lubricant to determining how often to lubricate your doors, or even professional help to fix a stubborn door, we’re just a call away! Learn more here or ring us up at (702) 829-2113.
