Sliding Glass Door Hard to Open or Close — Los Angeles, California

A sliding patio door that sticks, drags, or requires excessive force to move is one of the most common handyman calls. The problem usually starts with a dirty or debris-filled bottom track that prevents the rollers from gliding smoothly, but it can escalate to worn-out nylon or steel rollers that have flattened under the weight of the heavy glass panel. Misalignment of the door frame — caused by house settling, a warped threshold, or loose adjustment screws — can also make the door bind against the top or side jamb. A door that is difficult to operate is more than an annoyance: it can become a safety hazard if it cannot be opened quickly in an emergency, and a poor seal along the weatherstripping drives up energy costs. A handyman can clean and lubricate the track, replace the roller assemblies, shim or re-plumb the frame, install fresh weatherstripping, and adjust the height screws so the door glides with one-finger effort.