Why a Door Drifts
A sliding door should stay where you leave it. When it rolls on its own, one end of the panel is higher than the other, or the track itself is sloped. The door is simply rolling downhill. Common reasons:
- One roller has worn more than the other, so the panel tilts
- Roller adjustment screws were set unevenly, often during a previous repair
- The track has a low spot or dent
- The slab or framing has settled, which happens in Florida's sandy soil
Why It Is Worth Fixing
A door that drifts shut can catch fingers or a pet's tail, and one that drifts open will not stay closed for the air conditioning. It is also a sign that the rollers are wearing unevenly, which usually leads to dragging and latching trouble later.
How We Fix It
We check the track with a level first. If the track is true, the problem is in the door, and we inspect both rollers. Worn rollers get replaced as a matched pair so they wear evenly from day one. Then we set the panel level and confirm it stays put at several positions along the track.
If the track itself is out of level from settling or damage, we repair the low spot and, where possible, shim or adjust so the door runs true. In the rare case where the opening has moved significantly, we will explain the options honestly rather than selling you a repair that will not last.
Quick Test
Open the door halfway, let go, and watch for ten seconds. Then try it a quarter open and three quarters open. If it moves in the same direction every time, it is out of level. If it moves at only one spot, look for a dent or debris in the track there. We handle this repair every week across Orlando, Dr. Phillips, Kissimmee, Winter Park, and the Space Coast, usually with same-day appointments available.