Do Sliding Doors Need Lubrication?

If your sliding door makes noise when opening or closing, you might assume something is amiss with its tracks or rollers – when in reality, it could just need some cleaning and lubrication to help it operate smoothly again. You can do this in two simple steps. Firstly, remove one or more panels to clean the tracks with a non-abrasive household cleaner or vinyl protectant spray and some cleaning rags, followed by vacuuming to get rid of dirt build-up over time, and finally, using a lubricant solution, re-lubricate them afterward!

Silicone lubricant is one of the best choices for sliding door panels; its thin consistency won’t cause them to slide too easily across tracks while still allowing wheels to operate freely. Furthermore, silicone is reliable and won’t attract dirt like grease- or oil-based lubricants might.

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WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant is another outstanding choice, designed to outlive other silicon-based sprays. Formulated to resist moisture and corrosion, making it an excellent option for outdoor applications; furthermore, its nonsticky formula won’t leave unsightly streaks or smudges when applied.

Once you’ve chosen a lubricant, apply the same technique you employed when cleaning the rollers and tracks of your sliding doors. Although lubrication directly to areas where the squeak is effective, spreading evenly along each path ensures doors won’t move unevenly during their back-and-forth motions.

Oil-based lubricants will quickly become sticky, leading to sticky sliding doors. Aluminum track systems should only be lubricated using specific aluminum track lubricant products like the WD-40 Specialist Aluminium Lubricant, as any other kind could gum them up and cause more issues.

Maintaining well-lubricated sliding doors will enable them to open and close more smoothly while also helping extend their lifespan by preventing them from being damaged or worn down too soon. So if your sliding door begins sticking, take the time to clean and lubricate it; it’s well worth your while in the long run!

If you want to know how to properly maintain and lubricate your sliding doors, check out this YouTube video by Andy Barkin. He provides many helpful tips that will ensure they run smoothly for years. ProVia offers aluminum patio door options if it is time to replace them altogether.

Additional tips on making sliding doors run smoothly Go here or Give us a call at: (416) 464-9099