How to Replace a Pile Weather Strip on Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors typically have wool pile strips along the bottom and sometimes along the top of the door. The pile sits snugly in the track to form a tight seal when the door is closed. The pile compresses and loses its seal with time and use. Replace the wool pile to prevent any gaps so you can save on your heating bill during the cold season.

Screwdriver
Needle-nosed pliers
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the door from the track. Removal methods will differ based on the door, but generally you must remove a top retaining bar from the upper track. A screwdriver may be necessary. Tilt the door inward and lift the bottom of the door off the track. Lay the door flat after removal.
- 2
  Inspect the bottom edge of the door to determine how the old weatherstripping is. Weatherstripping is either slid into a track on one end of the door or pushed into the track from the side. Pop off the end caps on the track for doors where the stripping slides in.
- 3
  Grasp the end of the old stripping with the needle-nosed pliers. Pull the stripping out of the track.
- 4
  Slide the plastic edge of the new pile weatherstripping into the track, so the wool pile is on the outside of the track at the bottom of the door.
- 5
  Cut the excess stripping flush with the end of the door. Replace the end caps, if applicable.
- 6
  Vacuum the top and bottom track in the sliding door frame to remove any dirt or grit.
- 7
  Place the bottom of the door back in the track. Tilt the door back up and into place. Replace the top retaining bar.

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