If your sliding glass door is getting old and doesn’t work as smoothly as before, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Montreal face this same problem. Before shopping for a new door, know that some simple and easy repairs can be done yourself. These small fixes can save money compared to full entry door glass replacement in Montreal or hiring a professional.
Sliding glass doors are very common in Montreal homes, usually as entry doors to a backyard, deck, or patio. If your home is older, your sliding glass door might need some basic repairs. In this article, we’ll cover common problems with older sliding doors and some low-cost fixes you can do yourself.
Checking for Doors Out of Square
Homes often settle with age and become slightly out of square. This happens naturally due to changes in soil around your foundation. When a home settles, doors may not open or close properly, including sliding glass doors. If your sliding glass door does not slide easily, inspect it to see if it is out of square. Check the top and bottom of the door. You might see a small crack, especially when sliding it back and forth. Proper adjustment can improve energy-efficient windows performance and reduce drafts.
The simplest fix is adjusting the door’s roller wheels. Most sliding doors have two roller wheel assemblies under the door to help it move smoothly in the track. Look for small holes in the lower frame. Sometimes the holes have caps that can be removed. Insert a screwdriver in the holes to turn the screws, moving the wheels higher or lower as needed.
Shimming and Hardware Replacement
If adjusting the rollers doesn’t help, you can shim the door. This takes a little more work because you need to remove interior trim around the door. Once removed, you’ll see the door frame. Take out or loosen the screws holding the frame, then re-square the door and shim it as needed. Re-squaring will make the door slide smoothly and help make it more energy-efficient by stopping drafts.
Another common issue is a worn or broken handle and latch. Sliding glass door handles are easy to replace once you have the correct hardware. Measure door thickness, hole spacing, and strike style to get the right replacement. Upgrading the handle may also improve security for your home. This is a small step before considering affordable window and door installation or custom entrance doors.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Sliding Door
Older sliding glass doors can also get a simple face-lift with cleaning. Wash the exterior with a garden hose and soft brush using warm soapy water. Inside, wipe the frame with a damp rag, vacuum the roller track, and wipe it again to improve function. Waxing the frame with automotive wax can restore the door’s original shine. These simple steps can extend the life of your door and prepare it for eventual window replacement services in Montreal, residential window installation, or French doors installation if needed.