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Deep Pockets

© John J. Pascarella

In newer houses, pocket doors are used to replace swinging doors when there is not enough room for a swinging door. In older homes, the pocket door is used to separate different rooms from each other, usually rooms to entertain guests from the rest of the house. Regardless of the use, the way pocket doors work, and the upkeep of them, is the same.

There are usually two problems with pocket doors in older homes. The first problem has to to with the tracking of the door. Either the door has fallen off the track or the roller trolly is worn out and needs replacing. The second problem is a build up of dirt or debris, which causes difficulty in operating the doors. Both problems usually require the removal of the door from the jamb. The job is difficult, but not beyond the scope of the do-it-yourselfer.

There is a molding on the jamb of the door that is made to be easily removed to allow access to the door. I say easily removed, although in older homes this is a relative term, since the molding may be covered with several years of paint. Once you have located this molding, carefully remove it so that you can swing the door out of the opening. You will require the help of another person to remove the door, especially if the door is solid wood. Swing the door out a bit from the bottom and carefully lift it from the track at the top.

Once you have the door removed, you can check the roller trollies to see if they are in good shape. If they are worn, replace them. If they are in good shape, clean them up but don't grease or oil them. The grease and oil will attract dirt and dust, causing more problems in the future. If the trollies or tracks look like they have been greased or oiled, you will also need to clean the tracks. While not an easy job, it can be done with the help of a Stick to assist you in getting your cleaning rag along the track inside the pocket space. Keep running the rags along the track until the track is clean. Then vacuum the track and bottom of the pocket to remove any remaining debris. At the bottom of the pocket are a set of pads that guide the bottom of the door and keep it centered. If these pads are bent or worn, replace them also.

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