Sliding doors are extremely popular throughout Australia. They allow plenty of natural sunlight into the room and are a great source of ventilation. While convenient, sliding doors can be prone to developing issues over time. In this post, we will discuss the most common issues sliding doors face, provide simple fixes where possible, and let you know when you should seek professional assistance for sliding door and window repairs.
Broken Sliding Door Roller
If the guides or rollers on your sliding door are damaged or worn out, the door won’t slide smoothly. This is one of the most common issues with sliding doors, as the rollers are often exposed to dirt, water, dust, and other debris that can build up over time. This buildup causes the rollers to seize, wear unevenly, or even break, making the door difficult to operate and potentially damaging the track.
Signs You May Have a Broken Roller
- – The sliding door is sticking or jamming
- – The door feels heavy or scrapes along the track
Quick Fixes
- – Clean the track using a damp cloth or vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and old grease
- – Lubricate the rollers using a silicone-based lubricant to help them glide
- – Some sliding doors have adjustment screws on the bottom or the side. Use a screwdriver to slightly raise or lower the door to help with alignment
Broken Lock / Latch
If your sliding door won’t stay closed, the handle feels loose, or the door won’t lock properly, the issue is likely with the lock or latch mechanism. A faulty lock should be repaired as soon as possible to keep your home secure.
If you’re renting in Western Australia, it’s important to know that a damaged lock that prevents you from securing your door qualifies as an urgent repair under tenancy laws. In this case, your landlord must address the issue within 24 hours.
Signs You May Have a Broken Lock/Latch
- – The door won’t stay closed
- – The handle feels loose
- – You cannot lock your door
Quick Fixes
- – Check if the screws on the door are loose. If so, try to carefully tighten them and test the door again
- – If the lock is sticking, try to lubricate the locking system using a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or a dry silicone spray.
- – Check the door alignment. If the door is misaligned, you may need to contact an expert
- – You may need to call a locksmith or a door repair expert if the lock is broken
Glass Damage & Crack
Sliding glass doors are prone to damage and cracks that are often caused by impact or stress. Glass damage can be a safety and security concern and is incredibly important to get fixed as soon as possible. As glass damage is too difficult to replace as a DIY job, it is generally recommended that you contact a sliding glass door & window repair specialist if your glass sliding door is damaged.
Signs You May Have Cracked/Damaged Glass
- – Your sliding door is visibly cracked
Quick Fixes
- – Unfortunately, for damaged glass & cracks, there are no simple fixes. We would always recommend contacting a door repair specialist
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
Over time, dirt, dust and small stones can build up on the sliding door track. This debris obstructs the track and prevents the door from gliding smoothly. If left unaddressed, it can wear down the track, making the door increasingly difficult to open. Eventually, the damage may cause the door to become misaligned, making it stuck or harder to operate.
Signs You May Have Dirty or Damaged Tracks
- – You hear a scraping sound when you open/close the sliding door
- – The door shudders or jumps as you slide it
- – You can see dirt, grit or dents in the track
Quick Fixes
- – Clean the tracks using a broom or vacuum
- – Lubricate the tracks to help the door slide along the track
Misaligned Door or Frame
Damaged frames are a common issue, particularly when excessive force is used to open or close the sliding door. This kind of stress can weaken the frame’s structural integrity over time, causing warping, bending, or cracking. In severe cases, if not addressed, both the door and frame may need repairs or replacement.
Signs You May Have a Misaligned Door or Frame
- – The door scrapes against the frame or the track
- – You can see gaps between the door and the frame
Quick Fixes
- – Check if the rollers can be adjusted
- – If there is any warping, you will need the help of a professional
Fly Screen is Ripped
Another common issue, especially if you have pets or small children, is a tear in your fly screen sliding doors. A tear defeats the entire purpose of the fly screen in the first place, so you’ll likely want to get it fixed quickly. While there are some ways that you could DIY a repair yourself, it is recommended to have it done by a professional, or better yet, you could consider upgrading to a security sliding door.
Signs You May Have a Ripped Flyscreen
- – Your flyscreen is visually ripped
- – You notice more insects inside your home
Quick Fixes
- – If you are confident, you could try to repair the tear yourself. However, it is recommended that you contact a sliding door repair specialist
- – Upgrade to a high-quality security door
Trust Custom Screens for your Sliding Door and Window Repairs
Get professional service at a reasonable price with Custom Screens. Our team is based in Perth, and we have been serving Perth and the surrounding suburbs for over 40 years. Enjoy top-notch service and ensure that your doors meet Australian standards. Contact our team today for a free, quick quote, or give us a call on (08) 9279 7444 today.