For most homeowners who have them, their set of folding doors is the centerpiece of their home. They’re the giant “glass wall” that allows them and all of their visitors to feel connected to the outdoors and enjoy all of the extra natural lighting afforded to them. For the most part, folding door systems are designed to be strong and durable; however, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where your folding door won’t move.

A jammed folding door can be caused by several different things. It could be stiff hinges, debris blocking the track, warped door panels, or even malfunctioning locks and latches.

In today’s post, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the most common causes of a jammed folding door system and how to fix it!

Fixing A Jammed Folding Door

Naturally, folding doors are supposed to be simple, foolproof systems. They’re designed to be easily opened and closed for maximum efficiency. However, like any mechanical system, they can fall victim to blockages. So, that being said, here’s how to keep your folding doors operating as good as new!

Step 1: Clear The Track Of Blockages

Before moving on to any of the other steps, make sure to double-check the door track for any blockages. If your folding doors see a lot of traffic, then there’s a good chance that a small pebble, chunk of dirt, or other debris have become lodged inside of the track. This can prevent the rollers on the bottom of the door panel from moving smoothly.

The easiest way to clear debris from the track is to use a vacuum with a hose attachment. This should suck up most dry debris. If you have a more stubborn blockage, then try using a skinny wire brush or a pair of tweezers to dislodge the blockage.

Step 2: Make Sure The Hinges Are Lubricated

One of the biggest causes of jammed folding door systems is that the hinges and tracks aren’t properly lubricated. Folding doors work by allowing the door panels to slide along a well-greased track on the bottom or top (or both) of the system. They also make use of hinges in between door panels to facilitate a smooth folding action.

The first thing you should door if you notice your doors are having trouble moving is to apply a bit of WD-40 or white lithium grease to the hinges that hold the door panels together.

If that doesn’t work, then check the upper and lower tracks of the doors. If they seem dry, then squirt some white lithium grease into the crevice. This will allow the bearings and rollers of the door to move freely along the track.

Step 3: Make Sure The Door Panels Aren’t Warped

Another thing that could be causing your jammed folding doors is a warped doorframe. This is most common in wood folding door systems and can be the result of moisture getting into the wood or excessive UV damage from sun exposure. Most of the time, the root cause is outdated or poor weatherproofing.

If you have an aluminum doorframe, then this could be caused by a dent in the frame. While aluminum is a relatively strong building material, most doorframes are hollow, which means that they can be easily dented and dinged if anybody bangs into them or applies enough pressure to a weak spot.

If you notice any warped door panels, then they’ll either need to be repaired or replaced. Otherwise, they may end up damaging your entire folding door system.

Step 4: Double-Check The Latches and Locks

Last but not least, your jammed folding doors could be the result of malfunctioning locks and latches. If your folding door won’t move at all, then you should double-check the locks and latch hooks to make sure that they’re moving smoothly and freely. If not, then you could end up with one or more of your door panels unable to move.

Thankfully, this is a relatively easy fix that any locksmith worth their salt should be able to fix. In some cases, faulty locks and latches may be covered by the door’s manufacturer’s warranty.

Final Tips

Nine times out of ten, a jammed folding door system can be easily fixed. The root cause should be simple to identify and repair. The only big problem that may require a more expensive repair would be if your doorframe itself is warped or misaligned. However, most other blockages can be easily cleared away or may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty!