Wooden sliding doors are a popular choice for separating rooms in modern designer homes and many other styles of home decor. They provide an attractive look, are sturdy and durable, and can offer improved sound and heat insulation over vinyl. But, wooden sliding doors can also be problematic because they are susceptible to warping and other issues related to the weather. This article will discuss some of the reasons for this and provide ways to prevent and fix these problems.

Wood Sliding Door Problems

Over time, many homeowners find their sliding wooden doors are no longer as easy to open or close as they once were. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as moisture or humidity in the air, temperature changes, and wear and tear on the track system. If left unchecked, this can lead to a lack of usability and potentially serious safety risks.

Many home improvement stores sell products to help repair and fix sliding door problems, such as tracks that become misaligned or rollers that begin to make squeaking sounds. It is important to understand the causes of these problems before attempting to fix them, as this will help ensure the work you do is done correctly and safely.

Often, these problems can be resolved by simply cleaning the tracks and rollers, but it is important to be aware of the condition of the track system itself as well. Some tracks may have exposed holes that should be filled with a non-metal filler, as this will reduce the risk of corrosion and rusting.

It is also important to check the integrity of the track system by ensuring the wheels are properly seated and not loose or worn out. If the wheels are loose, this can cause excessive wear on the sliding door and potentially damage the track system as a whole. If the wheel is worn out, it should be replaced immediately.

Another issue with wooden sliding doors is that they can be very heavy, especially if they are large or made from solid wood. This can increase shipping and handling costs as well as require heavier duty sliding door hardware. Additionally, they can be difficult to manhandle and maneuver on site during installation.

Sliding doors are often used for exterior applications, and this can be an advantage because they allow a greater amount of light to enter the house than hinged doors. However, it is important to note that if the doors are not adequately insulated, this can lead to significant energy loss and a reduction in resale value. The use of a loop lock on these doors can be a cost effective way to improve security and avoid potential burglary attempts. These locks can be purchased at most home improvement centers for under $10 and are a quick DIY job to install. This simple addition can significantly improve the resale value of your home and provides peace of mind for you and your family.