If you are in the process of designing or renovating a space, chances are barn doors have been on your radar as a stylish, efficient way to close off an area. Whether you’re looking to add character and style to your home, save on space with a sliding door entryway, or provide functional separation between different parts of your house – like designating separate living room and dining areas – installing barn-style doors is an excellent solution.
At the same time, there’s no shortage of ways to customize these doors for any interior décor preference. One common issue that has challenged many DIY makers and homeowners alike is how to keep the door from swinging open when it should stay shut. This can be particularly frustrating if you have installed it in high-traffic areas that lead outdoors where wind exposure could cause potential safety issues. Have no fear – we know from experience how important this problem needs solving, which is why we will share some great tips on how to keep barn door from swinging.
Can You Do It?
The answer is yes! The key to keeping a barn door from swinging open when it should stay closed is making sure that the hinges are properly installed. If the hinge isn’t flush with the door frame and doesn’t have a tight fit, then there will be room for air to get in and cause the door to swing open. You can easily do it yourself using basic tools such as a drill and screwdriver or hire a professional to make sure the job is done correctly.
Required Tools and Materials
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood screws
- Washers and nuts
- Barn door hardware set (hinges, bolts, and handles)
10 Steps on How to Keep Barn Door From Swinging
Step 1: Measure the Area
Measure the area where you’ll be installing your barn door to make sure it will fit. It will be easier if you mark and measure the width of the door frame with a measuring tape.
Step 2: Install Hinges to the Door
Attach two hinges to the top and bottom of your barn door. Make sure they are securely fastened by drilling wood screws into them and then tightening them with washers and nuts.
Step 3: Install the Door on the Frame
Once you’ve attached the hinges to your door, mount it onto the frame by drilling and screwing bolts into the top and bottom of the door. Attaching the door to the frame will prevent any movement or shifting. That’s why it is important to make sure the hinges are tightly secured.
Step 4: Tighten the Hardware
Tighten all hardware with a wrench or screwdriver until there is no wiggle room, as this will maximize the security of your door. Tightening the hardware will also help keep the door from swinging when it should stay shut.
Step 5: Check for Gaps
Check to make sure there are no gaps between the door frame and the barn door. If you find any gaps, fill them with weatherstripping or foam insulation strips to prevent air from getting in and causing the door to swing.
Step 6: Attach Handles and Locks
Attach handles and locks to the barn door to make it easier to open, close, and secure your space. Attaching these will also help to keep the door from swinging when it should stay shut.
Step 7: Install a Stop Block
Install a stop block at the bottom of the door frame to prevent your barn door from swinging too far open and hitting nearby objects. Stop block will also help to keep the door from swinging too far open or closed. It will help you to control how wide you want the door to swing open.
Step 8: Use Additional Hinges for Extra Support
If you have a large or heavy barn door, you may need to install additional hinges for extra support. This will help keep the door from swinging when it should stay shut. Extra support will also help keep your door from sagging or bowing over time.
Step 9: Apply a Striker Plate
Apply a striker plate to the frame in order for your barn door lock to latch properly and keep the door from slipping open. Applying the striker plate will also help to keep the door from swinging when it should stay shut.
Step 10: Test the Door
Once you’ve completed all of these steps, test your barn door to make sure that it stays firmly in place when it should be shut. If you don’t have a perfectly tight fit, you may need to repeat some of the steps until you get it right.
10 Safety Precautions to Take
- Ensure the hinges are in good condition. Check for signs of rust, damage to the pins, and any blocks or debris that could prevent the door from closing properly.
- Secure the door with locking hardware. Choose a lock with durable construction and corrosion-resistant materials so it will remain in place even after years of exposure to moisture and weather conditions.
- Install an interior latch system to keep the door closed, even if the lock fails. This should be a secure solution that requires two separate locks in order to open the door.
- Inspect the hardware periodically and replace any parts that are beginning to show signs of wear or failure.
- If possible, install a stay-arm or spring arm on the interior of the door to help support it when open. It will help keep the door from swinging too far open and potentially damaging nearby objects or people.
- Construct a strong frame around the barn door to protect it from damage and prevent swing-outs. Damaged frames can cause the door to swing open more than intended.
- Use heavy-duty hinges that are designed to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. It will help keep the door from swinging when it should stay shut.
- Attach a chain or cable between the two hinges on the door to help keep it in its closed position. Attaching a chain or cable will also help to keep the door from swinging when it should stay shut.
- Use an exterior chain or cable at the top of the door to limit how far it can open and reduce potential wear and tear.
- Install an automatic closing system that will close the barn door if left open for more than a certain amount of time. This could be a battery-powered device or a motion-sensor system. With this in place, you won’t have to worry about the door swinging open and closed all day.
Follow these precautions to keep your barn door safely closed and secure. With the right hardware, you’ll be able to protect your property from intruders and reduce wear and tear on the door itself.
5 Maintenance Tips
- Inspect the door regularly. Check for signs of rust, damage to the pins and hinges, and any other problems that could affect its safety or longevity.
- Make sure all hardware is in good working order. Replace any bolts, screws, or other fasteners that have become worn or broken over time.
- Clean and lubricate components when necessary. This will help keep the door operating efficiently and prevent any premature wear or failure.
- Adjust the tension of the hinges if needed. This can be done by tightening or loosening the screws to ensure that the door is not too loose or too tight.
- Consider adding weatherstripping around the edges of the door for additional protection from the elements. This will help to keep moisture out and reduce heat loss in colder climates.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your barn door remains in good condition for years to come. Not only will this help protect the structure of the building itself, but it can also help to increase its energy efficiency. With these measures in place, you can be confident that your barn door will remain secure and safe for many years to come.
Costing of Keeping Barn Door From Swinging
The cost of keeping a barn door from swinging can vary depending on the type of hardware and materials you choose. Most basic solutions, such as locks and latches, will only cost around $50-100, with more secure options running up to several hundred dollars.
If additional features are needed, such as weatherstripping or automatic closing systems, the cost can quickly increase. In addition, you will need to factor in any labor costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the hardware.
Overall, the cost of keeping your barn door from swinging will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of hardware chosen and any additional features added. It is important to consider all of these expenses when budgeting for this project. With the right materials and installation, however, you can be sure that your barn door will remain secure and safe for many years to come.
Conclusion
With the right assortment of hardware solutions and know-how, keeping barn doors from swinging is an achievable goal that can help keep your barn safe and secure. While an adjustable strap or catch may be necessary to stop them, you can weigh down a swing door with screws or bolts, adjust track rollers to minimize any movement, or use heavier material to maintain the door’s balance when it’s closed.
If your problem lies within the edges of the door frame, you can use weatherstripping for a more permanent solution. Regardless of what kind of door heightening you choose, it’s always important to test the strength of your materials before installing them—to make sure they’re strong enough to withstand any force from wind or other sources.
Additionally, you should periodically check up on whatever device you install to make sure nothing has shifted over time. Keeping your barn secure and protected does not have to be difficult―and knowing how to keep barn door from swinging is a great place to start.
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