Clean Tracks Will Keep Doors Sliding

Question: I live in a condominium that is 17 years old. The glass and screen doors have become a major problem, and the owners are getting conflicting information on how to keep them opening and closing smoothly. The doors lift up and pull out, but most of us are not strong enough to do this. What is the best way to maintain these?

Answer: Once the doors are no longer sliding smoothly, get someone to lift them out of their track. Then, clean around the bottom wheels. Over the years, hair, dust and dirt accumulate around the wheel bearings, constricting them.

If the doors slide smoothly, the best way to maintain them is to keep clean the channel tracks in which they slide by periodically brushing them out or vacuuming them with a narrow nozzle. Wipe out any remaining grit with a damp sponge, dry the channels, then lubricate them with powdered graphite or a silicone spray.

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