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How to close gap between sliding door frame and glass panel?

Hi all,

We have recently noticed a small gap in between our external sliding door frame and the "static" glass panel. It seems previous owners have attempted to patch the gap up with some sealant, but this looks like it needs replacing (especially where there is clear line of sight from inside the house to outside!)

I was wondering what a good way to go about fixing this would be? Initially I was thinking that I could get someone in to better align the frame and the panel (it appears to be installed at a slight angle, with the gap growing the closer you get to the floor), but not sure if this is a realistic option?

If realignment is not possible, would look to clean out the existing sealant and redo this. Thinking of using "filler rod" to fill majority of the gap and then go over both the internal and external sides with Exterior Gap Filler (https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-430g-white-no-more-gaps-exterior-gap-filler_p1230161)

Any thoughts on the two options above would be greatly appreciated.

Community manager's note: Check out How to apply silicone sealant for expert advice.

Gap growing down the frame gap growing.jpg External Sealing Gap GapInternal Sealing Gap #2 Gap #2

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Doors and Windows

Comments

EricL

Hello @lm4

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's brilliant to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your sliding glass door frame.

It looks like the original rubber seal at the end of the fixed door has deteriorated and the previous owner simply tried to cover it up with a silicone sealant. It would have been an adequate repair had they removed the old rubber seal and sealed it from both sides. If you can manage to move the fixed door by removing its locking screw, you should be able to replace the entire rubber seal itself.

I recommend bringing the old seal to the store and having a look at the Moroday Rubber Seals and seeing if there is a compatible profile that will work. If there aren't any, I suggest going with your proposed solution of using a "Gap Filler Rod" and sealing both sides with Selleys No More Gaps. Your last option would be to engage the services of a professional aluminium door repair person.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

lm4

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24105#Comment_24105

Hi @EricL,

Thanks so much for your response. I will have a go at adjusting the fixed door and see if I can get to the rubber seal for a full replacement. Are there any videos or guides that you would recommend for doing this? Just want to ensure I don't end up making the gap worse!

Thanks,

Lachlan

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74704#Comment_74704

HI @lm4 (Lachlan)

If you're not keen on taking your door apart, I propose trying this method, see if you can slide the damaged sealer out with a flathead screwdriver. From the way it looks, it seems like it is already very brittle. If you are successful, I recommend pushing the gap filler rod into the space and applying the Sellys No More Gaps.

However, if the rubber sealer refuses to budge and puts up a fight odds are it still has some life left in it. If that's the case, I suggest leaving it alone and only filling in the empty space that no longer has a rubber seal on it. I'm sorry, but I currently don't have a video guide for this.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

lm4

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100978#Comment_100978

Hi @EricL ,

Thanks very much for your suggestions, I finally got round to doing this the other day. Clearing out the old/loose sealing with a flathead and then filling with gap filler rod worked very well. I did this as far down as I could (the old seal was a bit better at the bottom of the door, so left that alone), and then applied No More Gaps on both the external and internal sides.

Thanks again,

Lachlan

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117456#Comment_117456

HI @lm4

A new flat thin bladed stanley knife will cut that sillicone like steam Just insert the knife in past the silicon bead and move up or down holding the blade so it is cutting at 45 degree angle as a guide. Make more passes if you need to the screw drive can be used to help remove silicon remains.

Just be mindfull a sharp blade can cut in to and notch aluminium so try slide it past no aggressing knife angles.

I would use black silicone masked up each side of you application strip Or does no more gaps come in darker shades? If that gap very big use rod other wise a standard silicon caulking gun and tube applicator cut to a wider 45 degree outlet would be fine too.

Clean up silicon messes with a turps on a rag and that will also smooth down a rough bead shape

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117456#Comment_117456

Hi @lm4

Thank you very much for the update, would it be possible for you to post a picture of the repaired gap in the window? I'm sure our members will find it very useful as a reference should they need to repair something similar.

Eric

lm4

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126937#Comment_126937

Hi Eric,

No problems at all. It was our first time sealing with silicone so definitely not a professional finish, but does the job well.

@Jewelleryrescuethanks for the tips, will keep it in mind next time!

Cheers

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133244#Comment_133244

Hi @lm4

For a first time silicon sealing job great work it looks like it always being there great its black in color it really suits.

I cant see the base of your door if it trys to leak again silicon with you new skills along the bottom too if you have not already but i am sure you have.

That water always finds a way use remaining silicone in cartridge sooner not later as it is starting to cure slowly in the tube once opened this saves buying a new tube.

I try stacking silicon jobs up in a row so they can all be done at once it helps save on costs. As you can use same nozzle on bigger job too.

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