Why Your Bifold Doors Are Sticking (and How to Fix It in Newcastle)

Bifold doors are a brilliant feature — they flood your home with light and connect your indoor space with the garden.

But when they start sticking, dragging, or refusing to close smoothly, they become a real source of frustration.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we regularly help North East homeowners diagnose and fix sticking bifold doors, whether the issue is down to installation, wear and tear, or Newcastle’s ever-changing weather.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons bifold doors stick — and what you can do to fix the problem (or prevent it from happening again).

Common Signs of a Sticking Bifold Door

Not sure if your bifold door is just due a clean or something more serious? Look for:

• Doors dragging on the bottom track
• Difficulty opening or folding the panels
• Doors getting stuck halfway when closing
• Locks or handles not lining up properly
• Scraping or grinding sounds when in use

If your door was once smooth but now feels like a wrestling match, it’s time to act.

Why Do Bifold Doors Stick?

Here are the most common causes we see in Newcastle homes:

1. Dirt and Debris in the Track

Leaves, stones, and grit can build up in the bottom track, especially in homes near trees or gardens.

Over time, this creates friction and prevents the rollers from gliding freely.

2. Misaligned Rollers or Hinges

If the doors weren’t aligned properly during installation, or have worked loose over time, they can begin to sag or rub.

This is especially common after frequent use or thermal movement (expansion and contraction due to weather).

3. Expansion from Heat or Moisture

Aluminium and uPVC bifold doors can expand in hot weather, especially if they get direct sunlight.

Timber doors are also prone to swelling during damp winters — something Newcastle sees plenty of.

This can make the doors temporarily too large for their frames, leading to sticking.

4. Structural Movement

In older homes, or properties where the bifold doors were added as part of an extension, the surrounding wall or lintel can shift slightly over time.

This puts pressure on the frame and disrupts the alignment.

5. Worn or Damaged Components

Rollers, guides, and hinges can wear down with age, especially in cheaper bifold systems. If these aren’t maintained or replaced, the doors will start to catch or misbehave.

How to Fix Sticking Bifold Doors

Step 1: Clean the Tracks Thoroughly

• Use a hoover with a nozzle to remove loose debris
• Wipe down the tracks with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth
• Avoid using metal tools or anything that could scratch the surface
• Lubricate the track with a dry silicone spray, not WD-40 (which can attract dust)

This often solves the problem — especially if the doors were working fine before.

Step 2: Check for Visible Obstructions or Damage

• Inspect the rollers for cracks, flat spots, or damage
• Check that hinges are tight and holding panels in line
• Make sure nothing is rubbing or catching along the fold points

If anything looks out of place, call in a professional — forcing the doors can make the problem worse.

Step 3: Adjust the Rollers

Many bifold systems include adjustable rollers that let you raise or lower the door panels slightly.

Look for a small screw at the bottom of the door (usually near the roller). Turning this carefully can help realign the panel to glide properly again.

If you’re not confident, our team at Windows and Doors Newcastle can realign your doors quickly and safely.

Step 4: Let the Doors Settle (if Heat-Related)

If your doors only stick during hot weather, wait until the temperature drops and see if the problem improves.

You can also try shading the area with curtains, external shading, or awnings to reduce expansion.

If heat expansion is an ongoing issue, ask about thermal break upgrades to your existing system.

Step 5: Book a Professional Adjustment

If cleaning and minor adjustments don’t help, the frame or track may need to be re-aligned or reset.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we offer bifold servicing appointments that include:

• Full inspection of all hardware and seals
• Roller adjustment or replacement
• Realignment of the track and frame
• Lubrication and maintenance tips

We often fix what other installers didn’t get quite right — or catch early signs of wear before they become bigger issues.

How to Prevent Bifold Doors from Sticking in Future

Prevention is easier (and cheaper) than a full repair. Here’s what we recommend:

• Clean the tracks at least once a month
• Lubricate moving parts every 6 months
• Don’t slam or force the panels
• Avoid blocking the door area with rugs, stones, or outdoor furniture
• Book an annual inspection if your doors are used daily

If your home is exposed to heavy rain, garden debris, or extreme temperature swings — it’s worth staying ahead of potential problems.

When It’s Time to Replace

If your bifold doors:

• Stick constantly despite adjustments
• Show visible signs of frame warping or corrosion
• Have broken or obsolete hardware
• Are over 15 years old and poorly insulated

…it might be time for a full replacement.

Modern bifold doors offer smoother operation, better energy efficiency, and longer-lasting components. And when professionally installed, they’re much less likely to stick or fail.

Final Thoughts: Smooth, Secure, and Reliable

Sticking bifold doors can be a nuisance — but in most cases, they’re easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Start with a simple clean and inspection, then work your way up to adjustments or repairs if needed. And if you’re not sure what the issue is, get in touch with Windows and Doors Newcastle.

We offer honest advice, local expertise, and professional servicing to keep your bifold doors running like new — whether we installed them or not.