7 signs it's time
1. You need two hands to open it
A good sliding door should move with one finger. If you're putting your shoulder into it, the rollers are worn out or the track is damaged.
2. It grinds, squeaks or rumbles
That noise is usually a roller that's gone flat or lost its bearing, scraping along the track.
3. It jerks or catches halfway
A sticky spot in the same place every time usually means a damaged section of track, or debris packed in it. Give the track a vacuum first. If it still catches, the track is likely worn.
4. It jumps off the track
Rollers that are worn or set at the wrong height let the door lift out. It's a safety issue with a heavy glass panel, so don't leave this one.
5. The lock won't line up
When the door drops, the lock stops meeting the strike. Often it just needs adjusting, and I don't charge for the adjustment itself, just the call-out. If the lock body's bent, a new lock is $125 to $389 depending on the make and model.
6. The track is flat or sharp on top
Look at the track at floor level. It should be rounded on top. If it's worn flat or squared off, new rollers alone won't fix it, and you'll want a stainless steel cover track as well.
7. The bottom of a timber door is rotting
Timber doors can go soft along the bottom rail. Plenty can still be repaired, so send me a photo before you price up a new door.
What it usually costs
Most of the doors I see need new rollers, the track, or both. My specialised double rollers are from $300 for a single door (less per door when you do two or more), and rollers with a stainless track are from $450 a door, parts, labour and GST included. That's with a 5 year warranty on the rollers, or 10 years once the track goes in.
Compare that with a new door and you can see why I always say send me a photo first.
Jake
