A sliding glass door can be one of the most used doors in a home, especially if you enjoy entertaining on a back patio or have children that play outside. The large doors are a convenience that allow in much-needed light, but they can sometimes be a pain. Often, they are difficult to slide as they either stick or bump along the track. The following tips can help you avoid this problem or fix it if it is already occurring.

Tip #1: Deep clean the track

The track is going to be a natural magnet for dirt and grime. Compound it with moisture, which also gets tracked in at times, and you end up with a hardened sludge that takes the slide out of the sliding door. Use a toothbrush or a wire brush to loosen all the built up grime and then vacuum it out with the hose attachment. Finish by wiping it completely clean with a damp cloth.

Tip #2: Clean the rollers

Sometimes the dirt is stuck to the rollers, which are concealed inside the bottom rail of the track. Unfortunately, it isn't a simple task to access these rollers, so you are better off trying to clean them in place. To do this, you need rubbing alcohol. Pour a thin layer in the track and slide the door open and closed several times. This coats the rollers in the alcohol, which then breaks down the dirt and grime that is gumming them up. Once done, wipe out the tracks and wait for any remaining alcohol to dry. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so drying time is short.

Tip #3: Lubricate the track

The track and rollers also benefit from lubrication to keep them rolling smoothly. Any silicone household lubricant will work fine. Stay away from petroleum based lubricants, though, since they leave behind a sticky residue that will make the track dirty again. Smear a small amount inside the track and open and close the door several times so it is distributed evenly over the track and rollers. Wipe out any excess with a clean rag.

Tip #4: Adjust your rollers

If the door is still failing to slide smoothly, the rollers may need to be adjusted. You should notice small round plugs on the facing of the bottom rail. Pop out these plugs to reveal the adjusting screw. Turn the screw ¼ inch in one direction and then check how well the door glides. If it becomes worse, turn it in the other direction until the door begins to glide smoothly.

Sometimes there are other issues that are causing sliding problems, such as an uneven frame or a broken mechanism inside the rollers. If the problems persist, contact a glass door repair contractor in your area, such as Cheaper Window Glass INC.