How to make sure your windows and doors open, close, lock and unlock easily for years to come?
Steps
Vacuum dirt from sill and track areas regularly, and before each washing.
Check to make certain that drainage or weep holes are clear of dirt or obstructions. Weep holes can be found outside the window or door in the bottom of the frame. Use a small, soft bottlebrush to clear openings. Note: If the window is “stacked”, there may be weep holes between units.
Moving parts in hardware components and tracks and rollers should be lubricated regularly. In salt-air environments, this can mean at least monthly.
Check weather stripping around operable window and door panels to be sure it seals evenly.
Adjust sliding door rollers for proper height clearances. Most door rollers can be adjusted with a screwdriver through access holes in either the end or side of the sliding panel at the bottom. Be sure to lift the panel to take the weight off the roller during roller adjustment.
Rolling screen doors can be adjusted to glide smoothly. Use a screwdriver – often in all four corners – to make adjustment.
After making roller adjustments, it may be necessary to also make adjustments in the lock strike placement. Most strikes may be adjusted by loosening screw fasteners, moving strike plate and retightening. Check for proper lock operation.
