Summer storms find every weak spot in a sliding door. When water gets in, the cause is usually one of three things: blocked weep holes, flattened weatherstrip, or a panel that does not close evenly.
Steps
Check the weep holes
On the outside bottom of the frame there are small drain slots. Clear them with a pipe cleaner and pour a cup of water in the track to make sure it drains out.
Clean the track
Vacuum and wash the track. Debris can dam water and push it inside.
Inspect the weatherstrip
Look at the fuzzy pile strips and rubber seals on the panel edges. Flat, torn or missing pieces need replacing.
Replace worn strips
Pull out the old strip from its channel, take a piece to match the width, and slide the new one in. Trim to length.
Check how it closes
Close the door and look for light at the edges. If one end has a gap, adjust the roller height so the panel sits square.
Seal the outside frame
Check the caulk where the frame meets the wall. Cracked caulk lets water in around the door, not through it.
See it
Water coming in at the top of the frame, around the whole frame, or into the wall usually means a frame or installation issue, not a seal.
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