How to Maintain Your Sliding Patio Door

Sliding doors are one of the best ways to bring natural sunlight into your home and connect your indoor living space with the outdoor one. Well-maintained sliding doors can last for three decades, but neglected sliding patio doors can quickly appear dingy and outdated.

The right upkeep can ensure that your indoor-outdoor lifestyle stays accessible and attractive for the entire lifetime of your sliding door. In this blog, we list the primary

Check the Track

One of the most common issues that can develop with sliding glass doors is resistance when opening or closing the door. This problem can arise from several causes, two of which we'll discuss in the "Oil It Up" and "Watch for Warping" sections.

If you notice a change in how your patio door functions, check the track first. Debris or dirt buildup can prevent the door from moving normally. To clear the track, use a vacuum hose for the large particles and then finish with a damp cloth.

Clear the Screen

Your door screen allows you to let in a cool breeze without also letting in windblown debris or pests. However, your screen can deteriorate and develop holes if not properly cared for.

For routine screen maintenance, use a stiff wire brush to remove anything stuck to the surface. For a deep clean at least once a year, lift the screen out of the track and use a garden hose to wash the surface. Let the screen dry completely before putting it back in.

Enhance Security

While the security of your patio doors may not affect their longevity, it can impact the safety of your home. If you have new sliding doors or have never tested the security of your glass doors, check that the lock works properly.

To enhance the security of your door, invest in a supplementary lock such as a locking bar that sits in the track to prevent the door from opening fully.

Oil It Up

If your door struggles to open or close and you've already checked and cleared the track, you should next assess whether the door needs to be lubricated. You should apply an appropriate lubricant into the track itself as well as directly to the rollers underneath the door.

To access the rollers, carefully lift the door out of its frame and turn it over. You may need to wipe down the rollers before oiling them. Apply lubricant to each roller before replacing the door.

Update Weather-stripping

The weather-stripping around your sliding glass door has the shortest lifespan of any of the door's components. If you notice hot or cold areas near the door, visually inspect the weather-stripping for holes, cracks and other signs of aging.

Purchase weather-stripping designed specifically for your type of door to ensure a tight fit and a complete seal when the door is closed.

Watch for Warping



In some cases, sliding glass doors can become warped. Some types of warping, like worn rollers, require a simple repair, while others necessitate replacement of the doors or frame or both.

As you clean and lubricate your door, look for any components that don't seem to fit properly. For example, a warped door may tilt or leave a gap in the frame when closed, while worn rollers may appear flat on the bottom. Consult with a door specialist to address warping.

Use these guidelines to keep your sliding patio door in excellent shape for years to come.

When you need to upgrade your patio door or consult with a professional on your sliding door maintenance routine, trust the expert team at Nor Sac Glass Company.