A door that sags, drags on the floor, or won’t close properly is more than just annoying. It’s a sign that something’s wrong with its alignment or support system. If you’re dealing with a dropped pocket door, the issue can be especially frustrating since the hardware is hidden inside the wall.
At Galron Sliding Doors, we frequently repair dropped and misaligned pocket doors across Chicago, IL. Whether it’s a minor adjustment or a serious structural issue, we can help restore proper function, and prevent further damage. Here’s what causes pocket doors to drop and how to fix them.
What Is a Dropped Pocket Door?
A “dropped” door refers to any door; pocket, sliding, or hinged, that has shifted downward from its original position. This often causes the door to scrape the floor, get stuck in its track, or fail to latch properly. In pocket doors, this is almost always due to worn-out hardware or misalignment of the rollers inside the wall.
Symptoms of a Dropped Pocket Door:
- The door rubs or drags when sliding
- Visible gap at the top or bottom of the door
- Door won’t fully close or stay on track
- Excessive noise while sliding
Common Causes of Dropped Doors
Understanding what caused the drop is key to fixing it. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Worn or Broken Rollers
Pocket doors rely on a set of rollers that carry the weight of the door inside a ceiling-mounted track. Over time, these rollers can wear out or loosen, causing the door to sag.
2. Loose Mounting Brackets
The door is connected to the rollers with adjustable brackets. If those brackets come loose—or were never tightened properly—the door can tilt or shift downward.
3. Track Misalignment
If the track has shifted due to age, impact, or home settling (a common issue in many older Chicago homes), the door may no longer hang level.
4. Improper Installation
In some cases, the door was never properly leveled or supported during the initial installation. Over time, that mistake becomes more noticeable as the door starts to drop.
How to Fix a Dropped Pocket Door
Step 1: Access the Adjustment Screws
Most pocket door rollers have small adjustment screws accessible from the top of the door. You may be able to adjust the height by turning these screws with a screwdriver or hex key.
Tip: Be sure to support the door while adjusting to avoid putting strain on the hardware.
Step 2: Tighten or Replace Rollers
If adjustment doesn’t help, the rollers may be worn or broken. In that case, you’ll need to remove the door and either repair or replace the hardware.
To do this safely:
- Carefully lift and remove the door from the track
- Inspect the roller system for damage
- Install new rollers or secure existing ones
- Rehang the door and test its alignment
Step 3: Realign the Track (If Needed)
If the track is bent or misaligned, you may need to access the wall to straighten or replace it. This is more complex and usually requires professional tools and techniques to avoid damaging the wall structure.
When to Call the Professionals for Pocket Door Repair Chicago?
Fixing a dropped door especially a pocket door can be more complicated than it looks. If you’re unable to reach the hardware, unsure what caused the drop, or your adjustments aren’t working, it’s time to bring in a specialist.
At Galron Sliding Doors, we’re equipped to:
- Access concealed pocket door tracks with minimal wall damage
- Repair or replace worn rollers and guides
- Realign door frames for smooth, level operation
- Install modern soft-close systems for added convenience
We work in homes, condos, apartments, and commercial spaces across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Our pocket door repair are fast, clean, and guaranteed to last.
A Dropped Pocket Door Doesn’t Have to Stay That Way!
Don’t live with a door that drags, sticks, or won’t close right. Let Galron Sliding Doors restore your pocket door to smooth, silent operation. We fix what others can’t.
