In modern-day urban residences, each inch of the room counts. Investing in sliding doors is a wise decision if your room space is small. The conventional hinged doors require a swing-arc, making them occupy 8 to 10 square feet to open completely. Compared to that, sliding doors bring down clearance and unlock 15% more of the usable floor space in an average home interior space.
However, even the high-end sliding doors can get worn out over time. It is when the doors donโt close correctly and start to drag. When this happens, it calls for a repair so that the issue gets sorted. But before you opt for a repair, you need to consider the following factors to ensure you make the correct decision.
Recognize the actual cause of the problem
First, you need to check what is truly wrong with the sliding doors. Are you finding the doors challenging to slide? Are they making scraping sounds? A few of the common problems that occur are damaged latches, unclean tracks, and rollers that donโt fit. When you recognize the cause, you can do away with pointless fixes and concentrate on what is actually required. If you want help to identify the real cause of the issue, you can get in touch with companies like Jess Flawless Sliding Doors and follow their guidance.
Clean the door tracks
Often, people forget to clean the sliding door tracks. Often pet hair, dust, and minute debris in the door rails, which hinders the smooth movement. You can make use of a stiff brush or a vacuum for eliminating the dirt buildup, and then wipe out the tracks using a damp cotton cloth. If you want the best outcome, you can opt for a mild soap that doesnโt have strong chemicals, which can lead to metal corrosion.
Check and substitute rollers
In certain cases, cleaning may not be the solution. It could be that the rollers are worn out. With a moist environment or heavy use, the roller surface can get flattened over the years. A quick inspection of the bottom of the door will help identify if the rollers are cracked or uneven. To resolve this, the rollers need to be replaced. High-end rollers come with a price as they are customized using good-quality material that is durable. Still, if any problem arises, you need to replace the rollers.
Lubricate the moving parts of the doors
Lubrication keeps movement smooth and free of friction. Use a silicone-based spray instead of oil-based grease. Silicone won’t accumulate dust and will keep the track clean for a longer time. Apply it with a thin layer to the rollers, hinges, and locks.
Assess the track alignment
If you find that the track is crooked or misaligned, it can cause your door to pop off the track or get stuck halfway when opening and closing. You can place a level along the track to confirm whether the track is straight or not. If the track is levered or the screws are loose, you need to realign the track and tighten the screws. For heavy glass doors, a professional technician should realign and repair the track.
Therefore, to avoid any problems, develop the practice of inspecting and cleaning your sliding doors each quarter. Routine maintenance will extend the life of the doors. You can check with your sliding door provider for more maintenance guidance that will help to keep the door functional and the room appears fresh and spacious.
Summing it up
In conclusion, there’s no need for elaborate machinery or extensive refurbishments for sliding door repair. Minor preventative maintenance will do the trick. Ultimately, the sliding door you have will continue to glide for plenty more years to come by focusing on cleanliness, straightness, and good hardware.
