If your home's sliding glass doors have become difficult to open, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to make them easier to operate. If so, use the following three tips to troubleshoot the problem and try simple fixes for making your door open and close more smoothly. 

Inspect The Tracks For Anything Blocking The Door's Path

The first thing to do is to check the tracks for anything that could be blocking the door's path. This could be anything from a clod of dirt to a small piece of gravel. It may also be a screw that has become loose and is sticking up.

If you find gravel that has become stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it free. Then, use a small scrub brush to clean away any dust or dirt.

If you find dried mud in the tracks, use the screwdriver to scrape it up, then wipe with a damp cloth. While you still have your screwdriver, hand tighten any screw heads you see that are not flush with the track's surface.

Make Sure The Door Is Position Evenly In The Tracks

Once you have inspected the tracks and cleared them of any debris or obstacles, look carefully at the door and make sure it is positioned evenly inside the tracks. A door that is slightly off center can hit the sides of the tracks, making it stick as you slide it. 

If the door is off the tracks, try lifting it up by the handle and setting it in the center. However, if the door or track itself is warped, it will need to be replaced before you can smoothly operate your door. 

Check The Lubricant On The Track

After the track is clear and the door is correctly positioned, check the lubricant on the track and inside the door. If the level inside the door is low, add it until the level reaches the manufacturer's recommended amount.

If the tracks and bottom of the door are dry, they could be causing enough friction to prevent you from opening and closing the door quickly. Spray the tracks with a silicon-based lubricant. Open and close the door several times to lubricate the bottom of the door, then wipe up the excess.

After trying the above, you may still find that your doors are still sticking when you slide them. If so, you may want to contact a professional service (such as Cheaper Window Glass) to inspect your sliding glass doors and discuss options ranging from repairing to replacing the doors.