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Dear Dog,
My house is about 10 years old now, and I just started having problems with the sliding door. It doesn’t slide smoothly and makes a grating sound when I open or close it. What can I do to fix the problem and prevent it from happening in the future?
Bruce in Elk City, Idaho
Dear Bruce,
Well, what you described sounds like a possible problem with the track. Definitely check to see if the track is straight and that there is nothing blocking it. If the track is straight and there is nothing obstructing the door from sliding easily, I suggest spraying it with a silicone or graphite spray to help the door slide freely. This should be considered annual door maintenance. To prevent problems, keep the track free from any dirt or grime. Lubricate the doors and rollers and inspect rollers for excessive wear. If none of these techniques work, you may need to contact a door and window expert, they can help determine if this is a door problem or a sign of foundation movement.
