Problems With Bifold Doors

They Get Stuck

• Bifold doors don't always open as smoothly as you would like them to. Sometimes they stick on their tracks, requiring you to tug, pull, push and lift them awkwardly to get them into the open or closed position you need. In extreme cases, they get stuck completely, refusing to budge from their current position. To solve this problem, look at the tracks, both under and above the doors. See if anything is lodged in the track that might obstruct the movement of the doors. Wipe the tracks with a clean cloth. If they still aren't gliding smoothly, spray a lubricant on the tracks, both top and bottom, to keep the doors gliding smoothly.

They Get off Track

• An aggressive tug on a bifold door can pull it right off its tracks. It can either end up completely out of the frame or unattached just at the top or bottom. If this happens to you, you'll need to put it back in place. Place the pins back in the tracks, starting with the top pin. The pins need to be tightened into the track so they don't fall out again. The way this is accomplished may vary from door to door but usually requires turning the pin like you would tighten a screw.

They Are Tricky to Childproof

• Bifold doors are a little trickier to childproof than other doors, and they are very easy for children to open since all that is required is a light pull. It doesn't help to cover the handles because there is no need to turn a knob. You can't lay bars down on the tracks as you would a sliding door because the tracks are completely covered when the doors are closed. Install bifold childproof door locks to solve this problem. These vary from brand to brand but usually involve a U-shaped plastic bar that fits centered over the two panels at the top of the door. To open the doors, the bar is slid over to one panel, either with a hanging handle or a knob.