Access your outdoor space with a sliding door that glides smoothly
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Flex your DIY muscles.
You might need a few supplies.
Sliding doors are a convenient, attractive feature in many homes, allowing easy access to the backyard, deck, or patio. When your sliding door isn’t working like it’s supposed to, however, it can be a major headache. If you’re dealing with a sticking door, squeaky rollers, or worn-out weatherstripping, learn how to repair your sliding door in just a few easy steps to keep it working good as new.
To begin, you’ll need to prepare to remove the door by locating the roller adjustment screws. There are usually two screws at the bottom of the door on the inside face that control the height of the rollers and the height of the door within the frame. Turn these screws counterclockwise to retract the rollers, which will make it easier to remove the door.
Next, you’ll need to remove the molding found at the top of the door. This is the piece of trim that prevents the door from falling inward. Unscrew the screws holding the molding to the door frame, then pull the molding off the frame. Once the molding has been removed, the door is no longer secure in the frame and can fall easily, so be sure to have someone supporting the door to keep it safe and steady.
Along with your helper, carefully tilt the door in toward you and lift it out of the bottom track. Set it on sawhorses so that you can more easily perform any necessary repairs. After the door has been removed from the frame, clean the bottom track thoroughly with a vacuum, ensuring no debris remains.
Once the door is off the track, examine the rollers. If there is dirt or debris caked in the roller mechanism, scrub it off with a small cleaning brush, then wipe all roller surfaces down with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or residue. Once the roller is clean, lubricate it with a silicone-based lubricant, which will resist dirt and keep the roller gliding smoothly.
If the rollers are bent or damaged, they can be easily replaced. First, check the door manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re using the appropriate replacement rollers. Next, unscrew the rollers from the door and gently pry the assembly out with a screwdriver. Install the new rollers, being sure to align the adjustment screws with the corresponding access hole in the door. Once the rollers are replaced, use the adjustment screw to fully retract them so the door can be reinstalled.
Over time, weatherstripping can deteriorate, get torn or misshapen, or come loose from the door. Check to see if your door’s weatherstripping is in good shape, and if not, gently pry the old weatherstripping off the door and replace it with new material. Different types of weatherstripping may be affixed with screws, staples, or adhesive, so follow the instructions carefully to be sure you’re installing it correctly.
Once you’ve completed any necessary repairs, it’s time to put the door back on its track. With your helper’s assistance, set the bottom of the door in the lower track and tilt it up until it’s aligned at the top of the door as well. Screw the stop molding back on while your helper holds the door steady. Remember: the door isn’t secure until it’s both in the lower track and held in place with the stop molding.
When the door is successfully reinstalled, close it almost all the way so you can adjust the latch alignment to the target on the jamb. Use the roller adjustment screws to lift the door to the right height so the latch hits the jamb correctly. Remember to adjust both rollers so the door is level.
Installing a new sliding glass door is expensive, costing an average of $2,475. Replacing the entire door costs $700 to $3,000, and replacing the glass ranges from $250 to $1,000. Fortunately, minor repairs are more common, and their cost is lower—in line with repairing other door types. For example, replacing the screen in a sliding door only costs an average of $65.
While small sliding door repairs can be fairly straightforward, some homeowners might find that removing the door is too big of a project to take on. In that case, or for larger, more involved repairs, you’ll want to call a door repair service near you. The cost to repair a door can vary, but expect to pay between $125 and $350 for smaller repairs.
Rachel Hoffman contributed to this article.
Dirt, debris, moisture damage, and damaged rollers can all make a sliding door difficult to open and close. Keeping the door tracks clear of any loose material and making sure rollers are clean and well lubricated can help keep your door opening and closing smoothly. Clean out the tracks and rollers and use a silicone-based lubricant once a month to ensure your door is working properly.
Worn-out, broken, or damaged rollers are the most likely culprit for sliding doors that can’t seem to stay on the tracks. Replacing the rollers is a straightforward repair that will help keep your door in the track and make opening and closing it easy. Once you’ve replaced the rollers, be sure to clean and inspect them regularly to keep them in good condition.
Most hardware on a sliding door can be easily replaced with approved manufacturer replacement parts. You’ll need to be sure that the new hardware fits your door and allows the rollers, tracks, and latching mechanism to function properly, so check with the manufacturer to verify you’re using the correct parts.