Sliding glass doors are convenient and stylish, but when they stop gliding smoothly, it can be frustrating. The key to restoring that smooth glide is understanding how to properly lubricate the sliding glass door track and knowing what to avoid. Let’s explore the essential steps and tips for maintaining your sliding glass door, ensuring it operates like new for years to come. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to lubricate a sliding glass door track effectively.
Proper Lubrication for Sliding Glass Door Tracks
When it comes to lubricating a sliding glass door track, the right approach makes all the difference. Avoid using silicone lubricants, as they tend to attract dirt and grime, which can make the door harder to slide over time. Instead, opt for a non-silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for sliding doors. This type of lubricant will ensure smooth operation without the unwanted build-up of debris.
Common Issues with Sliding Glass Doors
The most common reason your sliding glass door isn’t sliding as easily as it used to involves the condition of the wheels and track. Over time, the wheels can become dirty or grimy, or the ball bearings within the wheels can wear out. Additionally, the track itself can accumulate dirt and debris, hindering the door’s movement.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
The first step in addressing any sliding door issues is a thorough cleaning of the track. Here’s how we do it:
- Remove Debris: Start by removing any visible dirt and debris from the track. This can be done with a vacuum or a brush.
- Wash the Track: Use water and a mild soap to clean the track. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
- Dry Completely: Ensure the track is completely dry before proceeding with any further steps.
Regular maintenance can prevent many of the common problems associated with sliding glass doors.
Effects of Weather and House Settling
Weather conditions and the natural settling of your house can also impact your sliding glass door. Excessive dry weather or heavy rainfall can cause the foundation to shift, leading to misalignment of the door. This misalignment can make the door difficult to open and close, regardless of how clean the track is.
Why Not to Use Silicone Lubrication
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using silicone lubrication on their sliding glass door track. While it might provide a temporary fix, silicone actually attracts dirt and pollen, leading to build-up that makes the door harder to operate over time. Instead of helping, it exacerbates the problem.
Our Service at Energy Pro
At Energy Pro, we advise against using silicone on your sliding glass door track. Instead, if you purchase doors from us and encounter any issues, we offer a complimentary service where we send our technician, Carl, to adjust the door. This service ensures your door is always easy to operate without the need for problematic lubricants.
Adjusting the Door
Most new sliding doors come with adjustable wheels, allowing for easy adjustment if your door becomes misaligned. Here’s what we do during an adjustment service:
- Inspect the Track: We start by ensuring the track is clean and free of obstructions.
- Adjust the Wheels: We adjust the wheels to raise the door, preventing it from dragging on the track.
- Test the Door: Finally, we test the door to ensure it slides smoothly.
Regular adjustments and maintenance can prolong the life of your sliding door and keep it functioning optimally.
In Summary
Proper lubrication of a sliding glass door track involves more than just applying a lubricant. It’s crucial to avoid silicone, maintain a clean track, and ensure the door is correctly aligned. Regular cleaning and professional adjustments are key to keeping your sliding door in top condition.
For any issues with your sliding glass door, don’t hesitate to contact us at Energy Pro. Our team is here to help you maintain smooth and effortless operation and can show you how to properly lubricate a sliding glass door track.
