Sliding door runners in the winter

[Marchwind]

I'm curious if I should do something to the runners of my sliding doors. They are metal so frost up and it seems like they make the sliding action that much more difficult in the winter.

Would it help to oil them or spray them with that lithium grease or what

Thanks!

[Cabin Fever]

I cannot remember the type of sliding door you have from the time we visited you. But since you're having this problem, I'm going to assume that the door is the "uninsulated" type. Consequently, the metal door frame beomes very cold and moisture from inside the home condenses on the cold metal...especially at the bottom...causing the frost which, in turn, causes a poorly functioning sliding door. I'm not sure if oil is going to help with this problem. What I'd suggest trying is to make one of those cutsy door bottom insulators that is long enough for the entire door. Hopefully, this will keep the moisture from condensing on the bottom of the door frame. Before you go and spend time making one of these door bottom insulators....and being a northerner, I'm sure you've seen these for sale at craft shows and know what I'm talking about....you may want to test my theory by rolling up an old blanket and use it to insulate the door bottom. If the blanket works, then invest the time in making a good-looking door insulator.

P.S. Are you gonna visit us during the holidays? It's been a long time.

[Jack in VA]

Rub the runners with a bar of soap.

[WayneR]

A dry lubricant or sillicone spray on the tracks. If obstruction of the view is tolerable, you could add a layer of 'clear' plastic to the windows. This would still admit light. You could make a small window insert with clear plastic food wrap. Dependant upon framing this could be inside or outside.

Glue a series of small magnets around the door opening-top,bottom and sides.
DO NOT GLUE THEM TO THE ALUMINUM FRAME, but to the adjoining framing.
A piece of plastic to cover the opening, secured with metal washers or more magnets. When properly positioned glue or tape the magnet-metal to the plastic sheet.

Easy to remove and replace, while providing dead air space and reducing heat loss through the metal door frame. This could eliminate the frosting problem.

Can substitute fiberglass window screen in summer if your door lacks that option.

[NWoods_Hippie]

I am having the same problem and I use my siding door as much as I use the main door to the house, well not the same problem exactly but problems no less. My problem is that ice is building up in the runner track from inside condensation and from snow melting outside into the track. I keep sweeping the snow away, but the wind blows in righ back up against the door!

Thanks,
Margie

[Marchwind]

Cabin I think you may have the winning answer, I will give the blanket a try before spending time making one of those draft protectors. BTW, I sent you a PM re: visiting

Margie, I too use this door a lot, it is how we let the dogs in and out of the house. Actually, since I have used this door more than previous years it is working better. I doubt soap would do anything other than create bubbles In years past when I didn't use this door in the winter so I would seal it up with plastic. This year we are using it exclusively for the dog traffic so the plastic isn't practical right now.

[NWoods_Hippie]

MW,

If I put plastic on the door the Kitten Pearl would have it ripped to shreds in a matter of moments as this is HER birdwatching door and she has a tendancy to paw at the door when the little birdies are sitting right on the other side! I think my problem is more from the snow building up outside that the condensation from the inside, but the other morning it was frozen shut and the birdies were waiting for their food so I have to figure out something.

Margie