Do you want to keep your barn door secure and stop it from swinging open? Take control of those creaky hinges with our easy-to-follow tips on how to keep your barn door from swinging. It’s important that your barn is protected, as it holds valuable livestock or expensive equipment, so make sure you give this fix the attention it deserves!
Soon enough you won’t have to worry about a draft being let in due to an unassuming gust of wind. Keep reading and learn all the ways you can prevent any unwelcome intruders while maintaining optimal security for your property.
Whether you need to keep your horses safe or prevent drafty air from entering your space, having a secure and durable barn door is an essential part of farm life. Fortunately, we have some great tips and tricks that can help! Read on as we discuss how to keep barn door from swinging – so you can focus more time on enjoying life at the farm.
Why is It Important to Keep Barn Door From Swinging?
1 . To Prevent Damage
Barn doors are often massive and weigh quite a bit, so if they’re not kept from swinging it can cause severe damage to the door itself, as well as other objects nearby. Keeping the door in place also prevents accidental opening which could lead to animals or other hazards getting into the barn.
2 . To Reduce Noise
When a barn door is not secured, it can cause a great deal of noise when the wind picks up. This can be a nuisance for anyone living nearby and keeping the door in place eliminates this problem.
3 . To Increase Efficiency
When the barn door is correctly secured, it will open and shut much more quickly than if there is no mechanism to keep it from swinging. This can help to reduce the amount of time spent opening and closing the door, as well as prevent any accidental openings.
4 . To Enhance Security
Keeping the barn door from swinging can be a good way to ensure that it is always securely closed. This can help to deter potential intruders and keep valuable animals and equipment safe from harm.
5 . For Aesthetic Purposes
Having an open barn door continually swinging in the wind can be aesthetically displeasing and jarring to those passing by. By keeping the door in place, it will look cleaner and neater.
There are several methods to keep a barn door from swinging, such as using a latch or hook and eye system. In addition, you can also use a rope or chain attached to the door handle to prevent it from moving any further than necessary.
13 Methods of How to Keep Barn Door From Swinging
1. Toe and Heel Method
This method is best suited for lighter sliding barn doors. By installing a toe and heel system, the door will always remain secure. The toe should be screwed into the header above the door while the heel is installed in the baseboard below. When tightened, these two components work together to keep your barn door stable and stop it from swinging or shifting.
2. Heavy-Duty Latch Kit
Installing a heavy-duty latch kit is an effective way to keep your sliding barn door secure and in place. This type of door lock has a sturdy handle that locks the door into position when pulled down, ensuring it won’t open or shift without you wanting it to. For added security, use a deadlock to ensure your door stays shut.
3. Spring Latch
Spring latches are a popular choice for barn doors since they keep the door secure while still allowing it to be opened with ease. This type of latch uses a spring-loaded knob that is pushed in to lock the door and pulled out when you need to open it. Installing a spring latch is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your barn door from swinging.
4. Use of Hooks and Bolts
Using a combination of hooks and bolts is another easy solution for stopping your sliding barn door from shifting or swinging. By installing both components on the wall above the door, you can create a secure connection that will keep the door stable and secure. This is a great option for heavier barn doors as the hooks can better support their weight.
5. Magnetic Lock
Magnetic locks are another great way to ensure your sliding barn door stays in place. By installing a magnetic lock on both sides of the wall, you will be able to create a strong connection that keeps the door secure while still allowing it to be opened easily.
6. Use of Chains
Using chains is a great way to keep your sliding barn door from swinging too much and possibly damaging the walls or other objects around it. By simply attaching a chain at both ends, you can create enough tension between the wall and the door so it won’t swing too much when opened.
7. Door Stops
Door stops can be a great way to ensure your sliding barn door stays in place. By installing these components on the wall above and below the door, you can create enough friction so that it won’t shift or move without your wanting it to. Door stops are also cost-effective and easy to install.
8. Use of an Auxiliary Roller
By adding an auxiliary roller to your sliding barn door, you can create enough tension so that it won’t shift or swing when opened. This type of roller should be placed on the top rail of the door for best results. It is also important to make sure that the roller is properly secured so it won’t come loose over time.
9. Use of an Adjustable Clamp
Installing an adjustable clamp can also be a great way to make sure your sliding barn door stays in place. This type of clamp should be installed in the header above the door and then adjusted for the desired level of tension. This is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your barn door secure without having to use any additional hardware.
10. Door Jambs
Door jambs are also a great way to make sure your sliding barn door stays in place. By installing these components on the sides of the opening, you can create a frame that will help keep the door secure and stop it from shifting or swinging.
11. Wedges
Wedges are another cost-effective way to make sure your sliding barn door stays in place. By placing wedges between the header and floor on each side of the opening, you can create a firm frame that will help keep the door secure and stable.
12. Use Glazing Tape
If your sliding barn door is still shifting and swinging too much, you can also use glazing tape to ensure it stays in place. This type of tape should be installed on the edges of the door as well as above and below the opening. It will create enough friction so that the door won’t shift or move without your wanting it to.
13. Install a Floor Guide
Finally, you can also install a floor guide on the bottom of the opening in order to keep your sliding barn door secure and in place. This type of guide should be adjustable so that you can create enough tension between the wall and door for maximum stability. With the right installation, a floor guide can be a great way to ensure your barn door remains secure and stops it from swinging.
Overall, there are several methods you can use to make sure that your sliding barn door stays in place. From toe and heel systems to heavy-duty latch kits and adjustable clamps, there is an option for everyone depending on their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Preventing Barn Door From Swinging?
Before attempting to prevent barn doors from swinging, make sure they are properly secured in their frames. Inspect the hinges and door for any signs of wear or damage, and be sure that all nails, screws, and other fasteners are firmly attached. Additionally, it may be necessary to trim any overgrowth around the door that may be causing it to swing.
How Can I Effectively Keep a Barn Door From Swinging?
One of the most effective ways to keep a barn door from swinging is by installing a latch. This will ensure that the door stays firmly shut when you don’t want it open. Additionally, installing weatherstripping around the edges of the door can also help to prevent undue movement due to wind or other weather conditions.
If you’re looking for a more creative solution, some people have had success with attaching weights to the bottom of the door, such as sandbags or heavy stones.
Are There Any Special Considerations I Should Make When Attempting To Keep My Barn Door From Swinging?
It’s important to consider the size and weight of your barn door when attempting to keep it from swinging. If you are using weights, for example, you may want to choose a material that is lighter than the door itself so as not to put too much strain on the hinges or frame.
Conclusion
Opening a stuck or locked screen door can be an extremely daunting task. But use these tips and tricks to take on the challenge with confidence. Make sure to use your strength as opposed to force, and lubricate the hinges where it’s needed. Of course, in some cases, the only way to get in is to actually break the thing open. This method should only be used as a last resort, as repairing a broken screen door can be costly.
Now you know how to open a locked screen door! Additionally, although unlocking a screen door is a fairly simple process, you may need to call in professionals if you really don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself due to certain physical circumstances that prevent you from doing so easily.
Lastly, always remember: should you ever manage to get inside an old screen door while pesky outsiders remain on the other side, just remember—you can always lock them out!
