This is the least expensive service we offer and is generally something that people wait until something breaks. Sliding door track cleaning and lubrication is a relatively simple process to clear out packed sand, grit, and old grease that kills rollers prematurely. Excellent Sliding Door offers the service as a single service call or as part of an annual checkup.
One afternoon of maintenance can add years to a door. We have seen this over and over again in South Tampa.
Why Tampa Tracks Get Dirty So Fast
Beach sand is easily carried into your home on your shoes and your dog. Once the sand gets into the bottom channel of your sliding doors, it tends to stay there. Every time you open and close your doors, the sand will act like sandpaper on your door’s wheels and tracks.
Then there is the grease problem. People spray oil on a sticky door to make it work for a week or so. The oil then holds the sand, and soon the whole channel is a paste of gritty sand and grease, worse near Bayshore and Beach Park where the salt air further deteriorates the situation.
What We Do on a Cleaning Visit
First, we thoroughly vacuum the channel and remove all packed grit from the corners. Next, we flush out the old oil and other residue. We then check all rollers and the wheels on the screen for proper alignment. We can also readjust the door to make sure it is at the correct height. Finally, we spray the dry silicone lubricant. It won’t attract dirt.
I also inspect the weatherstrip and the drain holes in the bottom of the frame. Water that cannot drain from the channel will sit in the channel and deteriorate the track from below.
Most service calls are completed within the hour for each door. If we find any worn rollers or grooved track during our service call, we will let you know what it will cost to repair, and you can decide whether you want to proceed with the repair.
By completing the work on a building as opposed to unit by unit, property managers can get work completed at a fraction of the cost to replace hardware to complete doors that have seized up.
How to Keep It Clean Between Visits
Once a month, vacuum the track with a crevice tool and then wipe it down with a damp rag. To protect it from the elements, use dry silicone spray and never oil or WD40. Keep the drain holes free from blockage. That’s all.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your belt rollers will make them last much longer than they would if you failed to do this. In fact, not doing this could cost you the price of new wheels and a new track.
Questions Tampa Homeowners Ask Us
How often should I have my sliding door track cleaned?
Typically, a home needs to be cleaned out once a year, but some homes like those near the water in Bayshore or Beach Park, or homes with pets and lots of sandy foot traffic, may need to be cleaned out twice a year.
What lubricant is safe for a sliding door track?
Dry silicone spray leaves the surface slippery and does not hold sand. Do not use oil, grease, or WD40 in the channel.
Will cleaning fix a door that already drags?
Sometimes the rollers are still fine, and a good deep clean and adjustment can restore the glide. Other times the wheels are flat and need to be replaced.
Do you offer this for condo buildings in the Channel District?
Yes. We can handle multiple units on one trip for Property Managers. We also coordinate access with the building for scheduled moves.
Book a Cleaning Before Something Breaks
To schedule Sliding Door Track Cleaning & Lubrication in Tampa, FL, please call us at Excellent Sliding Door or book an appointment online. We recommend homes near the water to schedule a yearly visit.
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