Two People Installing a Barn Door

Common Barn Door Problems (And How To Solve)

Whether your barn doors are on a barn or in your home, some common issues can occur.

Barn doors are a rustic addition to your home and a core feature of barns for centuries!

That long pedigree means that for any issue your barn doors face, there is a solution ready for you.

In this article, we will discuss common problems. We will also provide simple and practical solutions to fix them, including:

  • Issues with hardware and alignment and where to make the necessary repairs or replacements
  • Wear and tear issues and what to do for maintenance,
  • How to keep your barn door working its best for years to come.

Let’s get started exploring common barn door problems and keep them under control!

Two People Installing a Barn Door

Common Problems

Sticking or Jamming

Just like any door, barn doors can suffer from issues of sticking or jamming during operation.

Barn doors run on tracks. One common reason they stick or jam is debris in the tracks. This debris can stop the rollers from working properly or throw them off course.

Over time and regular use, this debris will naturally settle in the tracks.

The first way to fix sticking issues is to check the tracks often. Keep them clear of any objects that could block the wheels. This is an easy solution for a simple problem.

Sticking or jamming, however, can be exacerbated by misalignment of the door from its runners.

This can be the result of improper installation or long-term use and natural warping.

If the issue stems from improper installation, it may require reinstallation to solve.

Warping is similarly best left to a professional to rectify as it may require repair or replacement of parts.

Misalignment can be solved by adjusting the mounting hardware, if you are skilled and have the proper tools to do so!

Other easy ways to fix sticking or jamming include checking the tracks for damage. You can also lubricate the tracks and wheels with silicone-based lubricant.

Misalignment

Misalignment is a problem all its own, but also one that can negatively impact other issues with barn doors. That’s what makes misalignment one of the key issues you need to be aware of in your barn door.

Misalignment often stems from either poor installation or subtle shifts in the shape and hang of the doors over time.

If the hardware that holds your door is low quality or not installed correctly, it can cause the door to become misaligned. This misalignment can make the door stop working smoothly or accurately over time.

First, check if any of the door’s hardware is off-line, out of place, loose, or in need of repair or replacement. Tighten up any screws or bolts and ensure every component is securely in place.

If misalignment persists, strategically adding shims between the mounting hardware and the door can help restore a level position.

Also, it is important to check the door for any signs of warping or damage. These problems can cause misalignment.

If these methods do not work to fix the misalignment, talk to a professional about fully repairing your door!

Noisy Operation

A noisy barn door can be annoying. It may also signal more serious problems.

Often, excess noise is the result of loose or ill-fitting fixtures creating a lot of friction.

Not having enough lubrication can cause noise. To prevent this, keep rollers and tracks lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant. This will help ensure smooth and quiet operation.

Inspect your door and its hardware for loose screws or bolts and tighten them if any are present. Loose fixtures can cause rattling or misalignment which can make the other parts of the door scrape together loudly.

Making sure your barn door hardware is in good working order will reduce noise.

Warping

Barn door warping is a common problem, especially for wooden doors. It often happens because of changes in humidity and temperature.

Wood reacts to changes in the environment. It absorbs or releases moisture, which can cause deformations over time. This can warp the door and make it harder to operate.

It's important to keep a stable indoor environment. This helps prevent your barn door from warping. However, some warping is normal over time.

Wood naturally warps and shifts, so a wooden barn door will naturally do the same over a long enough duration. Regulating humidity levels can help prevent extreme fluctuations and minimize the risk of warping.

In cases where warping has already occurred, a detailed solution involves sanding and refinishing the affected areas.

This not only improves the door's appearance but also helps rectify minor warping issues!

Applying a sealant to both sides of the door is a good way to prevent moisture. It creates a barrier that stops water from getting in.

To prevent warping, check the door often for any signs of damage. Fix any problems before they get worse.

Hardware Issues

Barn door hardware supports the entire weight of the door. It faces a lot of tension and pressure every day. Because of this, it is often the part that gets damaged the most from wear and tear.

Malfunctions in components like rollers and tracks can significantly impact the door's stability and function.

Rollers will wear and tear over time, leading to difficulties in smooth door movement. The tracks, on the other hand, might face issues such as misalignment or damage.

To solve these hardware issues (and to catch them before they are too severe), regular inspection is again the best option. Replacing any damaged or worn-out rollers is crucial for maintaining operation.

For tracks, ensuring they are securely attached and aligned correctly is key. Lubricating the rollers and tracks with the right lubricant can lower friction. This helps prevent early wear and reduces noise while operating.

Difficulty Latching and Locking

Problems with latching or locking are common with barn doors. These issues can affect the security and privacy they are meant to offer.

This problem is another that can be attributed to misalignment or wear and tear in the door's hardware.

Inspect the latch or locking mechanism for any misalignment with the strike plate.

You may need to adjust the latch position or the strike plate if there is warping or wear. Fortunately, this is not a major repair.

Shifting these components slightly will ensure that they line up and can perform their proper function.

Wear and tear on the latch or hinges can also be a cause of issues. Lubricate these components occasionally. In cases where wear is significant, replace the latch or hinges to ensure the safety of the system.

Issues with locks and latches can also be caused by problems in the door and its frame. Any warping or misalignment of the door itself can impact the alignment of the latch and lock.

Sagging

Sagging can make for a very irritating barn door problem caused by the size and weight of the door on its hardware.

When a barn door sags, it not only looks ugly but also puts undue pressure on the hardware and frame – risking more serious damage.

Sagging is primarily caused by uneven weight distribution or an imbalance in the way the door is hung.

Over time, this imbalance puts extra pressure on the hanging hardware. The door will eventually begin to sage, and if left long enough, will collapse.

Extra support hardware can help control sagging. It reinforces weak areas and prevents the door from sagging more.

New brackets and hangers of higher quality can also be retrofitted to replace older hardware that has caused sagging.

If a door is sagging, it is best to remove it completely. Then, readjust or replace the hardware.

After that, refit the door on its rollers. Make sure to check for proper alignment and weight distribution throughout the process.

Wear and Tear on Finish

Wear and tear is a common issue with barn doors. It is expected to happen over time with regular use.

Finish wear and tear can ruin the appeal of your barn doors, so part of regular maintenance is refinishing your doors.

The door’s finish can be damaged by exposure to the environment, regular wear and tear, spills, or accidents.

A protective finish on a door can help you wait longer between refinishing. However, you will eventually need to sand it off and reapply the finish!

Regular cleaning can also extend the lasting time of the finish meaning you will need to finish the door less often.

Inadequate Installation

Poor installation is not a problem that appears suddenly. However, it can lead to many issues we discussed in this article.

Inadequate installations can leave your door misaligned, overhanging, not latching or locking properly, and myriad other issues.

Inadequate installation can only be solved by reinstallation. If you can do this yourself, that’s great! But if you lack the skills, contact a professional to reinstall your door

Lack of Proper Maintenance

You need to always be aware of the regular maintenance you should be carrying out on your door. From cleaning to lubrication to occasional refinishing, regular maintenance will prevent more major issues from cropping up.

Make sure to create a maintenance schedule. This will help you avoid high costs for replacement parts or complete reinstallation.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a range of issues that can befall barn doors!

Luckily, they are often very simple to rectify and even more simple to prevent. Keep an eye on your barn door hardware and make the necessary adjustments or changes the first time you notice a problem. 

Limited-time offer: Get 10% off barn door hardware and installation. Use code "WELCOME10" at The Barn Door Hardware Store!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.