How to Seal a Sliding Barn Door Gap and Make it Airtight!

Due to the traditional structure, the sliding barn doors have gaps from the walls, which get larger during winter seasons. That means you’re going to face cold air, snow, scent, sound, and no privacy if not you don’t close the gaps.

These can be a serious disturbance. Especially if the door is attached to the bedrooms or bathrooms. And to block the gaps, sealing is a fab technique.

In order to make a sliding barn door airtight, you will need a few tools and little bit of knowledge of the process. Giving time and focus to be aware of with basic concept of it, in case the thing is new to you.

And, be sure to read this guide till the end as I’ll try to give a guide that’s packed with information. So let’s find out how to seal a sliding barn door and more.

Why Do You Need to Seal Up a Sliding Barn Door Gap

Keeping out the cold and increasing privacy are some of the reasons why most people think of sealing barn doors for homes. Apart from these, it is a great thing that helps a lot to get rid of unwelcoming creatures like cockroaches, ants, bugs, and flies, etc.

Plus, covering the gaps of sliding barn door reduce the cost of utility products which is needed to prevent unwanted creatures. Making the interior warmer is the best thing a homeowner can think of during winter, which can be achieved with the sealing of door gaps.

From comfort to less airing, the barn door which has no gaps would do well. Moreover, this simple thing can drop the bills of electricity by keeping inside warm. So, if these things are your priority, then think about sealing your sliding barn door.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Seal a Sliding Barn Door

Just seal the top, bottom, and edges of the sliding barn door. Keeping these 3 points in mind, insert aluminum flashing, wood shim, brush seal, or toggle latches to seal the space. Sealing barn door for winter climates can be done if you have all the equipment. And then follow instructions, described in detail so that a first-timer can also understand without issues.

Required Tools:

• Aluminum flashing.
• Silicon caulk.
• Wood shim.
• Gasket (made with rubber).
• Set of toggle latches.

Sealing The Top Side of Door

For exterior or interior barn door seal, you can use something that covers the top side properly like aluminum flashing. Using the inverted gutter can be an alternative option that works great against breezy air. For direction, read down below.

• Start by measuring the gaps from the door to the top side.
• Insert the aluminum flashing and ensure the surface is covered.
• Grab a silicone caulk and apply it to seal the flashing into the top side of the sliding barn door.

Closing Gaps of Door’s Edge

In this step, you will need a piece of wood or pole barn sliding door weatherstrip to seal the edges properly.

FYI, it’s essential to use wood shim if the gap of edges is around 0.25 inches or more.

Now Follow the Given Steps

• Cut a wood shim or weatherstrip to fill the gaps.
• If the gaps aren’t well-covered, then use a piece of lumber wood.
• Use gaskets so that there are no gaps left when closing the sliding bard door.

Use Barn Door Brush Seal on Top & Bottom Sides

This process can be a bit puzzling as you have to use a brush seal on the top and bottom sides. Just insert it on both sides to ensure proper sealing.

To confirm a better covering of the sliding barn door bottom area, you can use a backing strip and compression seal. Cut the strip 5.08 cm wider than the broadest part from the door to the floor.

Ensure to attach the metal flange of the brush to the bottom side. It should be 0.125 inches in the gap.

Do the same on the top side too. That way the inverted U channel of the bottom part works fine by creating an airtight trap to open or close, leaving no gap.

Here are some cautions that need attention:

• Choose a good length of brush seals for the sliding barn door.
• Before adding the brush seal, be sure to measure the gaps on the bottom and topsides.
• Try to use strips to ensure an airtight sealing of the door.
• You can insert the toggle latches on both sides. That way they will give a tighter sealing.

Wrapping Up

And, that was our effort to give you complete insights into the procedure with its importance. Hopefully, you have learned how to seal a sliding barn door by yourself. A little bit of hard work and patience might help you achieve the goal.

The problems like wind coming through the gaps of sliding barn doors can be solved if sealed properly. And, I have also given some of the reasons why you should seal it.

And if possible, grab barn door seal kits to easily do the job. We’ll see you in our next article.