My Sliding Door Won’t Close Properly – What’s Going On?

A sliding door that won’t close properly is more than just an annoying – it can affect your home’s security, energy efficiency, and everyday convenience. If you’ve found yourself pushing or pulling harder than you should, or leaving the door slightly open despite your best efforts, don’t worry – it’s a common issue with a few likely causes.

Here’s a guide to the most common reasons a sliding door won’t close, and what you can do to fix it.

1. Worn-Out Rollers

This is one of the most common causes. The rollers – small wheels located at the base of the sliding door – help it glide smoothly along the track. Over time, they can wear down, seize up, or become flat on one side, making the door difficult to close or feel heavy when sliding.

What to do:

• Slide the door back and forth – does it feel heavier than usual?
• Inspect underneath for rollers that aren’t turning or are sitting unevenly.
• Replacing the rollers can usually solve the issue – just make sure you get the right model for your door (Replacement rollers for Southern Star Aluminium Sliding & Stacking Sliding Doors can be purchased through our online store).

Watch our quick how-to video:

See our Victorian Sales Manager, Jess, walk you through replacing sliding door rollers and adjusting their height for a perfect close. It’s alot easier than you might think – and you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.

2. Dirty or Damaged Tracks

Even good rollers won’t work well if the track is full of dirt, grit, or debris – or if it’s bent out of shape.

What to do:

• Vacuum the track and give it a good clean with a damp cloth.
• Look for dents or bends that might be causing the door to catch or jam.
• Once clean, apply a silicone-based spray or track lubricant. (Avoid WD-40 – it tends to attract more dirt.)

3. Door Out of Alignment

Sliding doors often come with adjustable rollers that can raise or lower each side of the door. If your door is rubbing at the top or bottom, or if the latch isn’t lining up properly, it may just need a quick adjustment.

What to do:

• Look for adjustment holes near the bottom corners of the door.
• Use a screwdriver to raise or lower the door until it sits square in the frame and closes smoothly.

(Jess covers this step in the video too – well worth a look if you’re unsure where to start.)

4. Lock or Latch Issues

Sometimes the door slides fine but won’t latch properly. This could be caused by a misaligned striker plate, a worn-out handle mechanism, or a sagging door that’s missing the catch.

What to do:

• Check whether the latch and striker plate are lined up when the door is closed.
• Tighten any loose screws and try adjusting the latch position.
• If the handle or locking mechanism feels loose or isn’t engaging, it may need replacing.

5. Warped or Damaged Door Frame

In some cases – particularly in older homes or those exposed to moisture or movement – the frame or door itself may be warped or out of square. While this is less common, it can make proper closing difficult.

What to do:

• Inspect for signs of swelling, bowing, or uneven gaps.
• If the frame is significantly warped, a full replacement may be required – but this is usually a last resort.

Need Replacement Parts?

If you have Southern Star Aluminium Sliding or Stacking Sliding Doors and just need the right part – we can help. We stock a full range of replacement rollers, handles, latches and locks designed specifically for Southern Star Aluminium Windows & Doors.

Visit Our Online Store

Still unsure what’s causing the issue or need help? Send us a photo and reach out to our team – we’re happy to help identify the problem and point you to the right solution.

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