With a full day of use, doors frequently become scratched. Due to the scuffed doors’ potential to drive you insane, it can be annoying. There are two basic types of pocket doors: top-hung and floor-track. Floor-track doors, which were more prevalent in homes in the middle of the 19th century, roll in and out of their pockets on sheaves, or rollers, which travel along a metal track. Though occasionally it rests directly on the floor, the track is typically recessed into it.
Long-term, it simply ruins the doors’ aesthetic appeal and outside view. Do you know how to fix a scratched pocket door? Also, how can the rattling and scratching be stopped?
Fortunately, with our guide, you only need a few basic supplies, tools, and knowledge of how to proceed to solve this problem.
Problems With Pocket Door Rollers
A pocket door may scratch for a number of reasons. The first scenario is when the door is improperly hung. The door will rub against the frame and leave scratches if it is not level. The door not being properly lubricated is the second factor. The third reason is if something, like a piece of furniture, is blocking the door. The door is made of a scratch-prone material, like glass or metal, which is the fourth justification.
To fix a pocket door, you should first identify the damaged components. While some frames have enough room to work on them, others do not. The majority of pocket doors can also be adjusted using specific tools. These are typically angled wrenches from the assembly kit. However, these tools are not typically provided to homeowners. As a result, before attempting any repairs, you should always get in touch with the pocket door’s manufacturer.
How To Fix Pocket Door Scratching
There are a few fixes you can make if your pocket door is sticking or scratching the floor. If the door is uneven, start by checking that first. Using a piece of cardboard or a small piece of wood, you can attempt to level out an uneven door. If the door is still not level, you might try lightly sanding the high spots on the door.
Try placing a small piece of felt or clear tape on the bottom of the door if it is level but still making noise on the floor. This will aid in defending the floor from the door. The door hinges can also be oiled. The door will operate more smoothly as a result of this.
You can attempt to adjust the strike plate if the door continues to stick. The door latch hooks onto the strike plate, which is made of metal. The strike plate’s screws may be loosened in an effort to move it a little. The strike plate can also be smoothed out by using sandpaper.
A pocket door repair company is always an option if you’ve tried everything here and the door is still not functioning properly. They can assist you in repairing the door and restoring it to functionality. Learn more from the following video guide!
Adjusting The Track
The most likely cause of a pocket door scratching your wall is misaligned track alignment. The leading roller of the pocket door exhibits this issue the most visibly. Some door scratches can be caused by something as simple as a broken roller, but other causes, like out-of-square walls, can be more complicated. Using silicone spray or grease might help to solve the issue.
In general, adjusting the track is not a difficult task, but if you are working with a framed pocket door, it might not be possible. Because the track is concealed behind the pocket door and might cause the door to scratch, this can be a difficult task. The sliding door and any trim on the top and side panels must first be removed. After that, reinstall the pocket door by drilling a hole in the wall to gain access to the track.
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Reattaching The Baseboards
Your baseboard scratches caused by your pocket door can be fixed by reattaching the baseboards. Apply adhesive after removing the objectionable nails. Use nails that do not extend to the baseboard frame. One of the best ways to fix scratching from pocket doors is to reattach the baseboards. To prevent scuffing the baseboards, modern pocket doors are built with superior hardware, so keep that in mind. They also use better materials, so the frame won’t deteriorate or warp.
If the issue continues, you might have a warped frame or warped wood. As opposed to attempting to fix the door yourself, it is better to have a professional fix it. During construction, pocket doors are frequently installed, and changing the frame is a labor-intensive process. Despite appearing simple, the repair may be difficult. Before attempting it, be sure to carefully double-check the measurements because it could cause more harm.
Removing A Scratched Pocket Door
It is simple to take out scratched pocket doors, but you will need to be persistent and have some DIY experience to do it right. Fortunately, there are a number of quick and low-cost ways to remove a scratched door. To prevent completely removing the scratch, you can cover the scratched area with plastic sheeting or duct tape. For a quick fix, you can also use a touch-up pen on the scratched area.
The pocket area must be accessed in order to remove a scratched pocket door. New pocket doors cannot be installed using this method because the frame removal process necessitates tearing down the entire wall. Additionally, if the door is rotten or warped, pocket door repairs can be time-consuming and expensive. This is particularly true of older pocket doors, which pose particular difficulties because of the characteristics of the wood.
What Are Some Ways To Stop A Pocket Door From Scratching?
A pocket door can be kept from scratching in a number of ways. The door must be properly lubricated before anything else. To keep the door from sticking to the tracks, a straightforward silicone lubricant can be used. The door’s alignment needs to be checked as well. The door may damage the frame if it is not level and rubs against it. To prevent the door from swinging too far and colliding with the wall, door stops are crucial to use.
What Should You Do To Fix A Scratched Pocket Door?
You can fix your pocket door if it has been scratched in a few different ways. To begin with, if the scratch is shallow, you can try filling it in with a crayon or Sharpie. If the scratch is not too deep, this might work. A wood filler might work if the scratch is deeper. Start by using a damp cloth to clean the area around the scratch. Apply wood filler to the ding, and then use a putty knife to smooth it out. Before sanding the filler to a smooth finish, let it dry completely. You might need to replace the damaged pocket door panel if the scratch is very deep. First, take out the screws holding the panel in place. Next, replace the outdated panel by attaching a fresh one that has been cut to size. Use screws that match the ones you removed in terms of size.
FAQs About Pocket Door
How Do You Keep a Pocket Door from Scraping?
If you notice the distinctive rub marks, either the door is warped or the studs are bowing. Either way, though, one fix is to replace the door. A replacement door with the same thickness could solve the issue if the door is warped. Swap a 1-3/4 in. thick door for a thinner one if the studs are bowing.
Do Pocket Doors Have Problems?
The use of pocket doors has some limitations. For example, they are space savers in the bathroom, but they way they sit on tracks within the wall means that they don’t seal as tightly as traditional doors and this can be a problem for some people. They don’t even produce any acoustic privacy.
Are Pocket Doors Hard to Maintain?
Yes, installing and maintaining it is challenging. Pocket doors are hard to install and require precision for correct operation, usually making them unsuitable for They are more difficult to fix than regular doors and are more prone to malfunctioning.
Why Did Pocket Doors Go Out of Style?
In the late 1800s, especially in Victorian homes, pocket doors were common. The 1950s saw a rise in their popularity. But because pocket doors from the past ran along raised tracks on the floor, the tracks were a tripping hazard, so builders and homeowners avoided pocket doors when possible.