When sliding windows and doors are in working order, they can help usher in wonderful summer breezes. Unfortunately, when they are acting up they’re more apt to cause perspiration on your brow and not-so-nice words to escape from your lips. A wayward sliding door or window, however, doesn’t have to vex you for long. There are easy and inexpensive solutions to get them rolling again. Here’s a look at a few of them:
1. Get on Track
There is a good chance that the problem you are experiencing with your sliding window or door has to do with its track. As such, examine the track for debris, obstructions, twisting and dents. Debris and obstructions are easily removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment or your hands, depending on the item’s size. Twists and dents, however, are another matter entirely. One way to tackle dents is to find a piece of wood that will fit snugly inside the track. Place the wood inside the section of damaged track and attempt to lightly bang the dent out with a rubber mallet. The wood, if positioned properly, will help to keep the track from bending too far inward while you work. After the dent has been repaired, you may need to apply a little touch-up paint to the outside of the track. Just be sure to use the paint sparingly and allow it to dry completely before attempting to use the window or door.
2. Greasy Wheels
Sometimes the tracks and sheaves on sliding windows and doors need to be periodically lubricated with paste wax. A 16 ounce container of the stuff will typically cost you $7. I should mention that many modern sliding doors and windows come with self-lubricating sheaves, so you may only need to lubricate the track. I would suggest that you check the manufacturer’s instructions to verify what type of sliding window or door you are dealing with first.
3. Replacing Sheaves
The sheaves themselves may also require replacement over the years. In most cases, replacing one is simply a matter of unscrewing the old sheave assembly and attaching the new one. Sheave assemblies are generally inexpensive and may be purchase online or in person through major home improvement stores. I have seen sheaves sell for as little as $7 a set.
4. Replacing Weather Stripping
The reason why your sliding door or window isn’t working properly could also be related to weather-stripping. You may need to remove the old weather-stripping and replace it with a new batch. Weather-stripping for sliding doors and window may be procured online through specialty retailers for $29 to $40 a box.
5. Re-attach Screen Door
Sliding screen doors can cause problems as well. The sliding screen doors are typically on their own tracks and they sometimes come loose or bend. You may need to re-secure the screen door with new hardware or purchase a new one if the frame is bent beyond repair. A new screen door assembly is likely to lighten your wallet by $150 to $200 depending on the size needed.
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing home improvement projects with her family.
More from this contributor:
How to Repair a Venetian Blind
How to Repair Moderate Drywall Damage
How to Repair Plywood and Hardboard Paneling
How to Repair a Basement’s Moisture Problems
