If you are having issues with your sliding glass shower door not closing or staying closed properly, there are a few common causes to be aware of. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the top reasons a sliding shower door may not be closing correctly and provide tips to get it sliding smoothly again.
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Common Causes of Sliding Shower Doors Not Closing Properly
Here are some of the most common reasons a sliding glass shower door may not be closing properly:
- The rollers or glides are dirty, broken, or worn out
- The tracks are dirty or have built up soap scum
- The door is out of alignment
- There is damage or warping of the door itself
- Issues with the latch, handle, or spring mechanism
- Improper installation
Let’s explore each of these issues in more detail.
Dirty, Broken, or Worn Out Rollers/Glides
Sliding shower doors utilize rollers or glides along the bottom or top edge to slide smoothly along the track. Over time, these can collect dirt and grime, become damaged, or simply wear out. If the rollers or glides are not rolling smoothly, it can cause the door to stick, become crooked, or not latch properly.
Dirty Tracks
The track that the sliding door moves along can easily become filled with dirt, hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits from water over time. This debris can jam up the rollers or make the track bumpy, preventing smooth motion. The door may jerk, stick, or get off track if the underlying track is dirty.
Door Out of Alignment
If the sliding shower door gets bumped or shifted out of alignment along the track, it may start to bind. An unaligned door will scrape or rub rather than slide cleanly. This can prevent proper closure and latching until it is realigned.
Warped or Damaged Door
The sliding glass door itself can become warped or damaged over years of use. Things like high humidity, shifting foundations, or accidental impact can distort the flatness of the door. A warped, bent or cracked door will not glide or close correctly along the track.
Broken Latch, Spring or Handle
Issues with the door latching mechanism itself can also prevent proper closure. A broken spring mechanism will not pull the door closed snugly. A loose latch or damaged handle can cause the door to pop open when it should stay closed. Any problems with the door hardware itself should be inspected.
Improper Installation
Sometimes sliding shower doors are not installed properly in the first place. If the track is not completely level, the proper clearance around the door edges is not allowed, or the rollers/guides are not set at the right height, closure problems can result. An improper installation should be corrected.
Tips for Getting Your Sliding Shower Door Closing Properly Again
If your sliding glass shower door is not staying closed or gliding smoothly, check the following to get it functioning properly again:
Clean the Tracks and Rollers
Give the tracks a thorough cleaning to remove any debris buildup. Use a toothbrush and bathroom cleaner to scrub the tracks. Clean all rollers/guides and axles so they can spin freely. This should resolve any dragging or sticking issues.
Adjust the Rollers
If the door is sagging or not aligned correctly, adjust the height of the rollers. There are usually screw adjustments above or below to raise/lower the rolling mechanism. Realign a sagging door.
Check the Door Alignment
Slide the door back and forth and check that it is moving smoothly in the tracks. If not, you may need to gently bend or straighten the door back into proper alignment. Be careful not to crack or warp the glass.
Replace Broken Parts
Examine the latch mechanism closely and check for broken springs or loose screws. Replace any rollers, latches, or handles that are cracked or damaged. Installing new hardware should make the door operate like new.
Have a Professional Adjust the Installation
For improper installation issues, you may need to call in a professional installer to adjust and realign the tracks and door correctly. This will get everything working smoothly again.
Lubricate Sticky Tracks
Use a silicone spray or lithium grease to lubricate especially sticky tracks. This will cut down on friction that prevents smooth sliding motion.
When to Call a Professional for Sliding Shower Door Repair
While some minor maintenance and DIY fixes may get your sliding shower door working properly again, there are some issues that require a professional:
- The door glass is cracked, chipped, or broken
- The tracks are bent or damaged
- There are underlying wall or framing problems
- The installation was done improperly originally
- There are problems re-adjusting the rollers correctly
- You need to replace the entire latch/spring mechanism
A licensed professional that specializes in shower doors and enclosures will have the expertise to inspect and correctly fix any underlying problems that are preventing proper closure and operation. They will also be able to replace glass or other hardware safely.
Replacing a Sliding Shower Door
In some cases, if a sliding glass shower door is very old or damaged beyond repair, replacement may be the best option for getting flawless performance again. Some signs it may be time for a new door include:
- The tracks are bent or warped beyond repair
- The glass is badly cracked or chipped
- The rollers/guides are broken and cannot be replaced
- There are gaps or leaks around the edges
- The metal surfaces are very rusted or corroded
A professional shower door company can measure your enclosure and recommend a new customized door that will seal tightly and slide properly on fresh new tracks. This may be easier than trying to repair an old, damaged door in some cases.
Tips for Preventing Sliding Shower Door Problems
With proper care and maintenance, you can prevent many sliding glass shower door issues in the first place:
- Keep tracks clean of dirt, grime, and soap buildup
- Wipe down the door after each use to prevent mineral deposits
- Avoid slamming or bumping the door forcefully when opening/closing
- Use a squeegee to promote drying and reduce moisture damage
- Tighten any loose tracks screws or bolts right away
- Lubricate rollers and hinges periodically with silicone spray
Conclusion
Troubleshooting common sliding shower door closure problems is an important DIY skill. With proper inspection and some minor adjustments, you may be able to get your door sliding smoothly again on its own. But for any underlying installation issues or need for glass replacement, rely on a professional for the best repair results. With a clean track, adjusted rollers, and well-aligned door, your shower can be happily leak-free once more.