Do your sliding closet doors get stuck while you try to open them? Do you have to wrestle with it to get access to your clothes every time?
Well, chances are that your old doors have worn out! And if repairing doesn’t fix it, it’s high time you consider replacing your sliding glass closet doors.
But, how can you be sure that replacement is the best course of action? In this article, we’ve gathered a few insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore till the end to learn more.
Tell-Tale Signs That Your Sliding Glass Closet Doors Need Replacement
- Difficulty in Operation
One of the most obvious signs is when these doors become difficult to operate. Sliding doors have a smooth glide, which means it takes minimum effort to open or close these doors.
So, if you find yourself wrestling or struggling with your closet doors, it’s a clear indication of a bigger issue. This could be due to several factors-
- Damages or misalignments in the tracks
Everything wears out with time! So, check if the prolonged usage has caused damages or misalignments in the upper and lower tracks. Too much damage means it’s high time to replace the door.
- Worn-out rollers
The rollers are the key elements that allow the doors to slide on the tracks. Prolonged usage affects these as well, which causes difficulty in operation.
- Improper installation
Installing the doors without adhering to the instruction manual can also be a reason behind operational issues.
While some of these issues can be fixed with repairs, it’s often a sign of more extensive wear and tear. So, going for a replacement happens to be the most cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Loud and Unusual Squeaks
Remember the rule of thumb- a well-functioning sliding closet door is supposed to operate quietly. So, if you hear loud squeaks, or grinding and rattling noises from the door, it’s a sign that something is wrong with it.
These noises often indicate the following issues-
- Lack of proper lubrication
Lack of proper lubrication at times hinders the smooth movement of the rollers. So, make sure to lubricate them frequently. However, this is a temporary way to fix the issue.
- Damaged/ worn-out parts
The rollers, tracks, or other hardware components might suffer damage due to prolonged usage, which might be the reason behind the unusual noise.
- Loosened screws/ hardware
Loosened screws or hardware parts are also the causes of unusual noise. So, check thoroughly and fix any loosened parts. And if the noise persists even after that, it likely indicates a more serious underlying issue, and hence, replacement might be the only option.
- Formation of gaps
Sliding closet doors should fit snugly within the opening, leaving no gaps in between the door and the frame. So, if you notice gaps between the doors and the frame, it indicates a problem with the doors or their installation.
Here are a few reasons behind gap formation-
- Warping
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels are the main cause behind warped doors. This also leads to gap formation.
- Misaligned doors
Another common reason behind gap formation is misalignment. Over the years, the doors might have shifted out of alignment, which resulted in creating gaps.
- Damages in weather stripping
The weather stripping that seals the gaps around these unique interior doors, might get damaged, causing gap formations between the frame and the door.
Gap formation not just hinders the smooth movement, but can also allow dust, insects, and other unwanted elements to enter your closet. Replacing the doors with new, properly fitted ones is, therefore, the only option to steer clear of this issue.
- Visible Dmages
This is the most straightforward sign of replacement! If your sliding glass closet doors for bedrooms portray signs of visible damage- like cracks, chips, or shattered glass, they need to be replaced immediately. Damaged glass surfaces don’t just ruin the aesthetics, but can also pose a safety hazard.
- Cracks
Crack formation can weaken the glass. Moreover, it increases the risk of shattering, which can be a safety hazard.
- Damages in the frames
Sliding glass closet doors often come with wooden frames for better stability. So, damages in the frames can compromise the stability of the glass, and make it vulnerable to shattering, which is a safety issue in itself.
Wrapping It Up
Sliding glass closet doors blend the best of both worlds- aesthetics and functionality. It’s a perfect choice for the ones who crave both style and practicality for closet designs. And that’s the reason why reputed organizations like Interior Door & Closet Company, receive extensive orders for glass closet door installation nowadays.
However, nothing in this world is permanent! Hence, if you come across any of the above tell-tale signs, understand that it’s about time that you opted for a replacement of your sliding glass closet doors.
