Some exterior sliding patio doors in a Denver area home.

Clearwater Exteriors shows you how to Take Care of Your Exterior Sliding Patio Doors

Exterior sliding patio doors are built to last, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore maintenance and upkeep. In this article, our team at Clearwater Exteriors wants to explain how to take care of your newly installed sliding patio doors. We are the top exterior sliding patio doors company in the Denver, Colorado, region. To learn more, call our office today or reach out to our team using this website. 

How can I take care of my exterior sliding patio doors?

Here, we explain seven ways you can take care of your exterior sliding patio doors.

1. Keep the glass clean

Want to keep your sliding patio doors looking brand new? One of the quickest and easiest steps you can take is to keep the glass clean. That sounds simple, but it is something that many people forget. Nothing makes the entrance to your property shine like clean and sparkling glass! 

Clean glass also provides functional benefits. It keeps dust, dirt, and grime from building up around the frame, which, over time, can encourage the door to stick. 

2. Wipe the frame

Keep the frame clean by using soap and water and a soft rag regularly. A clean surface reduces the risk of damage along the frame. Don’t use harsh chemicals because they can damage the finish. 

3. Monitor the track

It’s no surprise that the track for your exterior sliding patio doors goes through quite a bit of wear and tear. Shoes, pebbles, rocks, and dirt combine to wear down the track. Furthermore, the tracks of exterior sliding patio doors are exposed to the weather and elements. 

To keep it in optimal condition, clean the track at least once a month. First, use a vacuum cleaner attachment to suction the larger debris. Next, use soap, warm water, and a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away fine grit. If grime has built up in the grooves, use a toothbrush to extract it.  

4. Lubricate

Lubricating the track is essential. If you’ve noticed that your exterior sliding patio door is beginning to “stick” as you open it, it’s time for lubrication. But never apply lubrication unless you first clean the track. Doing so will cause a “sludge” and make the situation worse.

We also suggest removing the door from the track before lubricating. If you need assistance with this step, don’t hesitate to contact our exterior sliding patio door experts.

5. Replace worn-out pieces

Weatherstripping wears down quickly. And when that happens, the frigid Denver winter weather can intrude into your home or business. Old weatherstripping can be easily removed and replaced. But if you don’t feel comfortable replacing it on your own, simply call Clearwater Exteriors for assistance. 

Rollers are another part that will wear out over time. Once the rollers get clogged with dirt and grime, they need to be replaced. The alignment needs to be perfect when installing new rollers, so we recommend calling our exterior siding patio doors company for help. 

6. Monitor the alignment

Did you know that slamming shut exterior sliding patio doors can cause significant alignment issues? You can try to adjust the alignment by manipulating the screws on the rollers or by removing the door from the track. 

Alignment issues aren’t easy to fix on your own. Therefore, we suggest contacting our team at Clearwater Exteriors for additional support.

7. Schedule a professional assessment

The company you choose to install your exterior sliding patio doors matters. That is why we suggest going with our team at Clearwater Exteriors. Also, consider having our team come to your property for periodic assessments and tune-ups. To learn more or to schedule your appointment, call our office today or use this website to contact our team of local technicians. We can’t wait to help you!