Glass doors look great and let in plenty of light, but they need regular upkeep to keep working properly. Ignore them and you’ll end up with expensive repairs, such as stuck sliding doors, broken seals, or warped frames.
The good news is that most glass door problems can be prevented with basic maintenance. Spend an hour every few months keeping tracks clean and seals working, and your doors will last for decades instead of needing major repairs every few years.
Here’s how to look after different types of glass doors properly, plus a seasonal checklist to keep them running smoothly all year round.
Track Cleaning and Lubrication
Dirty tracks make doors stick, slam, or jump off their rollers. Grit and debris work like sandpaper, wearing down roller wheels and track surfaces. Without proper lubrication, doors become hard to move, and all the moving parts get stressed.
Sliding Door Tracks
Clean tracks once a month by getting rid of all loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner or brush. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the track surfaces, paying attention to corners where muck builds up. For stubborn dirt, use warm water mixed with washing-up liquid.
Put silicone spray lubricant on the track surfaces every 3-4 months. Don’t use oil-based lubricants as they attract dirt. Wipe off any excess spray so dust doesn’t stick to the tracks.
Bi-fold Door Tracks
Bi-fold doors have top and bottom tracks that need different care. The top track carries most of the weight, so check it regularly for wear. Clean both tracks with a soft brush and vacuum out all the debris.
Put white lithium grease on pivot points and roller wheels every six months. This product stays put longer than spray lubricants and handles the weight better.
French Door Hinges
Clean hinges with a damp cloth and a small brush to get dirt out of the pivot points. Put a few drops of 3-in-1 oil on each hinge pin every few months. Move the door back and forth to spread the oil around evenly.
If you’re near the coast where salt air causes rust, clean hinges once a month and use marine-grade lubricant that’s designed for harsh conditions.
Weather Seal Inspection and Maintenance
When weather seals fail, you get drafts, water, and insects coming in. They also make your heating bills higher and can cause damp damage to frames and walls. Replacing seals costs much less than fixing water damage.
Visual Inspection
Check seals every three months for cracks, tears, or bits that have come loose. Look for daylight showing through gaps when doors are shut – this means the seal isn’t making proper contact or the rubber has worn out.
Pay extra attention to corners where seals meet, as these spots often fail first. Check both the seals on the door frame and any seals attached to the door itself.
Cleaning Weather Seals
Clean seals with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage rubber compounds. For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush but don’t scrub aggressively.
Apply rubber conditioner or silicone spray designed for door seals every six months. This keeps the rubber flexible and prevents cracking in UV sunlight.
When to Replace Seals
Replace seals if you see:
- Visible cracks or splits in the rubber
- Sections that have hardened and lost flexibility
- Persistent droughts despite proper door closure
- Water penetration during heavy rain
- Seals that have pulled away from the frame
Most seals can be replaced without removing the entire door, but measure carefully and buy the correct profile for your door type.
Also read: Are Bi-Fold Doors Worth Repairing or Should You Replace Them?
Hardware Inspection and Tightening
Loose hardware puts stress on glass panels and frames. A loose hinge can cause a door to sag, cracking the glass or making it impossible to close properly. Regular tightening prevents major problems.
Monthly Hardware Checks
Check all visible screws and bolts monthly. Look for:
- Screws that have worked loose
- Hinges that show gaps or movement
- Handles that feel wobbly or loose
- Lock mechanisms that don’t operate smoothly
Use appropriate screwdrivers and Allen keys to tighten loose hardware. Don’t overtighten – this can strip threads or crack mounting points.
Hinge Adjustment
If doors don’t close properly or drag on the frame, hinges may need adjustment. Most modern hinges have adjustment screws that allow fine-tuning without removing the door.
For doors that sag, check if hinge mounting screws have loosened in the frame. If screw holes have enlarged, use longer screws or wooden plugs to get a secure fixing.
Handle and Lock Maintenance
Clean handles with appropriate cleaner for the material (stainless steel, brass, etc.). Lubricate lock mechanisms with graphite powder or specialist lock lubricant every few months.
Test that handles return to the correct position after use, and that locks engage properly. Adjust strike plates if locks don’t align correctly.
Glass Cleaning and Protection
Dirty glass makes doors look poor, and it can hide developing problems like seal failure or frame damage. Harsh cleaning methods can scratch glass or damage coatings.
Proper Glass Cleaning
Use a mixture of warm water and washing-up liquid for regular cleaning. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage some glass coatings and weather seals.
Clean with a soft cloth or squeegee, working from top to bottom. Dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid water spots.
For toughened glass with persistent marks, use a plastic scraper held at a shallow angle. Never use metal scrapers, which will scratch the surface.
Protecting Glass Panels
Apply protective film to glass in high-traffic areas or where objects might impact the surface. This is particularly important for doors opening onto patios where furniture might be moved.
Check for chips or cracks monthly. Small chips can often be repaired before they spread, but cracks in toughened glass usually mean complete panel replacement.
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
Spring (March-May)
- Deep clean all tracks and remove winter debris
- Lubricate hinges and sliding mechanisms
- Check weather seals for winter damage
- Inspect the glass for chips or cracks from storm debris
- Test door operation after winter settling
Summer (June-August)
- Apply UV protection to rubber seals
- Check that doors aren’t sticking due to frame expansion
- Clean glass frequently if near coastal areas (salt deposits)
- Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent condensation
- Check air conditioning doesn’t create pressure differences affecting door operation
Autumn (September-November)
- Deep clean tracks before the leaf fall season
- Apply extra lubrication before winter
- Check weather seals are intact before winter weather
- Clear gutters and drains near doors to prevent water damage
- Test heating systems don’t create condensation on glass
Winter (December-February)
- Check for ice damage to seals and tracks
- Remove snow and ice buildup promptly
- Monitor for condensation, indicating seal failure
- Avoid forcing doors if the mechanisms are frozen
- Check that draught excluders are working effectively
Monthly Quick Check (10 Minutes)
| Item | What to Check | Action if Problem Found |
| Tracks | No debris or dirt buildup | Clean and lubricate |
| Glass | Clean and crack-free | Clean or arrange for repair |
| Seals | No gaps or damage | Adjust or replace |
| Hardware | All screws tight | Tighten or replace |
| Operation | Doors open/close smoothly | Lubricate or adjust |
| Locks | Engage properly | Lubricate or align |
Warning Signs That Need Professional Attention
Some problems need specialist help:
- Glass panels that have cracked or shattered
- Doors that have sagged and won’t close properly
- Tracks that are worn or damaged
- Frames that show signs of water damage or rot
- Persistent condensation between double-glazed panels
- Hardware that has broken rather than just loosened
Don’t attempt major repairs yourself – glass doors are heavy and potentially dangerous if not handled correctly.
Professional Servicing
Even with good maintenance, glass doors should be professionally serviced every 2-3 years. Specialists can:
- Adjust the mechanisms you can’t access
- Replace worn components before they fail
- Check the structural integrity of frames
- Service complex locking systems
- Identify problems you might miss
Keep your glass doors working perfectly with professional maintenance and repair services.
Contact Plastic Doctor for expert glass door servicing, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
