How To Fill The Gap For Sliding Barn Doors (6 Easy Ways)

Have you noticed a draft or noise coming through your sliding barn doors? This type of door can be seen in a range of rooms, from bathrooms to bedrooms and the kitchen, but they also come with some cold air problems. Not only can this make your space uncomfortable, but it also increases energy costs.

There are several ways to fill the gap for sliding barn doors, from simple solutions such as door sweeps to more advanced options such as insulation. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to fill these gaps and enhance your room’s comfort.

How to fill the gap for sliding barn doors

1. Add a threshold

Adding a threshold to the bottom of the door can also be an effective way to fill gaps. A threshold is a strip of material that sits against the floor and can be adjusted to fit the gap between the door and the floor.

One of the most common types of thresholds for sliding barn doors is a wooden threshold. It can be easily attached to the bottom of the door using screws or adhesive. Wooden thresholds are relatively inexpensive and durable and can be a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your barn door.

Another type of threshold is an aluminum or plastic threshold, which can also be adjusted to fit the gap between the door and the floor. These thresholds can be a little more expensive than the wooden threshold but have the advantage of being more weather-resistant and easier to clean. These thresholds are also significant for a modern or sleek look.

2. Weatherstrips

Weather stripping is a great way to fill gaps around sliding barn doors. It is a simple solution that can be easily installed around the edges of the door to keep drafts out, as well as soundproof your room.

One of the most common types is adhesive-backed foam weather stripping. This type is easy to install and can be cut to fit the size of the gap around the door. It is also relatively inexpensive and can be a good option for you if you are on a budget.

3. Foam insulation

If the gaps around your barn door are particularly large, you may need to use foam insulation. This can be done by using a can of spray foam insulation, or by cutting pieces of foam insulation to fit the gaps.

One option for filling gaps with foam insulation is using spray foam insulation. This is a versatile solution that can be used to fill gaps of various sizes. It can be applied directly to the gap using a can, and it hardens and expands, creating a tight seal. This can be a bit messy, however, and it may require more than one can of foam to fill a large gap, but it provides a lot of privacy while also soundproofing your room.

Another option is using pre-cut foam insulation panels – this can be more precise in terms of measurement, and also less messy. These panels can be cut to fit the specific gap and then glued or screwed into place. They are a good option if you have a specific gap size that needs to be filled.

4. Door sweep

A door sweep is another simple solution that can be used to fill gaps around sliding doors. It is a strip of material that is attached to the bottom of the door and sits against the floor. It can be adjusted to fit the gap between the door and the floor and can be a great way to keep drafts and cold air out.

A brush or vinyl sweep is the best one for your bathroom door, as it sits against the floor and creates a seal to block drafts and moisture. These types of sweeps are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive, they can be cut to fit your door and they tend to be long-lasting with the proper care.

5. Door gaskets

A door gasket is a type of seal typically made of rubber or foam placed around the door frame. Door gasket seals can be compressed to form a tight seal around the door, which can be an effective way to fill gaps.

One type of door gasket is the magnetic one. It is placed on the door’s edge and uses magnets to hold it in place and create a tight seal. This type of gasket is great for easy installation and can be removed and reinstalled if necessary.

The door gasket can be a more effective solution than weather stripping or door sweeps, particularly in situations where the gap is too large or irregularly shaped. It can be an easy DIY project that anyone can bring to a finish with a little patience and the right tools.

6. Barn door opener

Consider adding a barn door opener – a device that sits above the door and is used to open and close the door. It can be a great way to reduce the effort required to open and close the door, and can also help to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the door’s edge that may later lead to air coming in and out.

Conclusion

Sliding barn doors add a rustic charm to any home, but those gaps can be annoying. No matter what you pick, from using weatherstripping, installing a threshold, using a door sweep, or adding insulation, you can turn your barn sliding doors from a drafty eyesore to a sleek and energy-efficient feature.

So be ready to have the perfect balance of beauty and function and enjoy a more comfortable home. If you’re still not sure what to pick, let us know in the comments, and we will get back to you.