Sliding Glass Door Inspection Checklist for Homeowners in Volusia County

Getting your home ready to sell can feel like a marathon, and the home inspection is a major hurdle. In Volusia County, where the climate can be tough on sliding doors, a faulty door is one of the most common issues that can pop up.

A few simple checks can help you find and fix problems before they become a headache for your sale. Here are three key things to inspect on your own.

1. The "One-Finger" Test: Smooth Operation is a Must

A smooth-sliding door is a good sign that the parts are healthy. A door that's hard to move or makes a grinding noise is an immediate red flag for an inspector.

• How to check: Give the door a simple push. It should glide with very little effort. If it doesn't, look at the track at the bottom of the door. Check for any visible dirt, sand, or pet hair.

• How to fix: Clear out any visible debris with a small brush or vacuum. Once the track is clean, lubricate it with a silicone-based spray. If the door is still sticking, you can also try adjusting the rollers up or down on the bottom of the door. Look for a small adjustment screw in a hole on the side of the door. Spin the screw a couple of times to the right or left. If the door is too heavy, have a family member help lift it slightly while you make the adjustment. This can help it move more freely.

2. The Security Check: Locks Have to Work Perfectly

A lock that doesn't work properly is a major security risk and an instant inspection failure.

• How to check: With the door completely closed, engage the lock. Now, from the outside, try to jiggle the door. It shouldn't move at all. Also, visually inspect the latch. Make sure it lines up perfectly with the opening on the frame. A misaligned latch can appear to be locked but can be easily jiggled open.

• How to fix: If the latch doesn't line up with the strike plate (the opening in the frame), you may need to adjust the latch housing. Most latch housings are held in place by a couple of screws. Loosen the screws just enough to slide the housing up or down and left or right until it aligns perfectly with the latch on the door. Once it's in the correct position, tighten the screws completely.

3. The Seal and Safety Check: No Gaps, No Problems

In Florida, a tight seal on your sliding door is crucial for energy efficiency and can be a huge selling point.

• How to check: Hold a dollar bill and close the door on it. If you can easily pull the bill out, the seal isn't tight and air is leaking. Also, check the weather stripping around the entire frame for any visible gaps or tears. Finally, look at the glass itself. If you see any fog or moisture between the glass panes, the seal has failed.

• How to fix: If the dollar bill test fails, you likely need to replace the weather stripping. If you see a small gap and the door isn't aligned perfectly, you should adjust the rollers to make the door sit flush against the frame. If you notice any fog or condensation between the glass panes, the glass seal has failed. This is a problem that requires a professional to replace the sealed glass unit, as there is no simple DIY fix.