Start with the track
Vacuum the bottom track, then scrub it with a stiff brush and soapy water. Sand, grit and pet hair packed into the track are enough to make a heavy glass panel drag. Dry it fully. If you use a lubricant, pick a dry silicone spray, since oil and grease collect dirt and make it worse within weeks.
Check the rollers
Most sliding panels ride on two rollers in the bottom of the door. Each has an adjustment screw, usually behind a small cap at the bottom corner on the inside face. Turning it raises or lowers that corner. If the door scrapes the track, raising both rollers a little often frees it.
If raising the rollers doesn't help, or the door wobbles and grinds, the rollers are likely worn: flat spots, cracked wheels or seized bearings. Replacement means lifting the panel out, and a full-size glass panel can weigh well over 100 pounds.
Signs it's the track, not the rollers
- A visible dent, flattened spot or bent lip on the track rail
- The door sticks at the same point every time
- New rollers wear out quickly
When to call us
Call when the rollers need replacing, the track is damaged, or the panel won't lift out easily. Taking out a tempered glass panel without help is how people get hurt and doors get cracked. We replace rollers and repair or cap damaged tracks in one visit for most doors.
Questions
Should I use WD-40 on a sliding door track?
It's better to use a dry silicone spray. Oily lubricants hold onto dust and grit, which makes the door harder to slide over time.
How long do sliding door rollers last?
It depends on use and dirt, but heavy daily use and a gritty track wear them out much faster. Keeping the track clean is the best way to make them last.