We have an 11ft slider that is very hard to open and close...
by
Joyce
+5
an 11ft slider that is very hard to open and close. It is too heavy for me. We would like to get a shorter one and one that opens and closes smoothly. Any suggestions on size, style and brand? I would like French doors (too expensive) any cheaper way of getting a french door style? Thank you for your time
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First off, trouble sliding is probably caused from the door needing to be adjusted and/or lubricated. Use a dry lubricant (not petroleum like wd-40) but a dry silicone or similar. There are also adjustable screws on the door. If you install without checking these first, you will end up with the same problem again.
Think about putting in a single French door in the opening with a fixed French door looking window...
Perhaps the present door needs new runners on the bottom. Take it out, turn it to get to the bottom, remove the rollers, take them to HomeDepot?Lowe's, match them up and replace them. Probably take care of your problem.
Before you change out the slider, check to see if the track is clean. After cleaning it, spray with WD-40. If it still isn't rolling smoothly, you can get wheel replacements that easily install. The doors are removable. Just lift it up. I got a handyman to do this when my slider quit rolling easily.
Well at least you know you've tried the simple stuff first. To save money, you could look for a French door at a local building supply salvage yard. Usually you will pay around 50% of retail. We've been able to buy much higher quality products for less than cheap stuff by going gently used.