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Bang! We all hate the sound of a door slamming. Door slams are a big problem because they are not only annoying but also an energy-wasting issue for many homeowners. It could be a sign that weather stripping or door springs need to be replaced. If you’re looking for tips on how to stop a door from slamming, then you are in the right place.
Tip: Replace the door spring
Doors that slam often have auto-shut features that have springs in them. If the spring is not working anymore, it’s a safety hazard, too.
You can replace malfunctioning door springs, install a pneumatic door closer, or install new safety springs.Â
Here, you will find different ways to prevent your door from slamming.
How to Stop a Door from Slamming
Method 1: How to Stop a Door from Slamming with a Rubber Band
Despite being a cheap method, using a rubber band is an effective way to prevent your door from slamming with minimal effort. Rubber bands are something that almost anyone has lying around already. The installation isn’t complicated at all.
Step 1: To install the rubber band, open your door and wrap it around the handle.
Step 2: Then you need to stretch the rubber band so that it extends above as well as below the door latch.
Step 3: Make sure it reaches the reverse side. This way the rubber band creates a bumper, so your door will no longer hit the frame.
Remember that the rubber band will snap when placing a lot of pressure on it. You need to choose a fresh rubber band that’s neither old nor too stiff because it is supposed to stretch easily.
Method 2: Fix a Slamming Door by Attaching a Door Closer
As the name suggests, a door closer is intended to close the door every time somebody opens it. In fact, it transforms slamming into a hard-to-hear closing movement. How does it work?
You use force when opening a door. This anti-slam device can prevent it from slamming by trapping that force inside a special spring mechanism. The force is then released slowly till the door is closed.
There are pneumatic (also known as manual or air-powered) and hydraulic (hydraulic-powered) door closers. As for the pneumatic closers, the internal air-filled piston swings the door gently every time it closes while decreasing pressure between the door frame and edge. So the air pressure will always take care of how much force is applied when you’re opening and closing the door.
The most popular type of air-powered door closers for home use is the Wrights products V920WH. This easy-to-install device works for wood, metal, and vinyl screen doors. To ensure latching, it provides adjustable closing speed.
If you need door closers for industrial purposes, then you should look for hydraulic ones. Based on the force applied, hydraulic-powered closers are controlling the speed of the doors as they swing back and forth. These door closers come with an adjustment for velocity.
No matter what type of door closers you select, follow the manufacturer’s instructions during installation. The closer should sit on top of the door. Be sure to attach it between the frame and door edge.
Tip: Look for steel or aluminum closers since they last much longer than their counterparts made of plastic.
Method 3: Apply a Weather-Stripping Kit
Weather strips can serve several purposes at a go. They provide soundproofing, keep the door protected, and prevent airflow by sealing up small holes and cracks around the door.
Weather stripping is a good option for massive and heavy doors.
This is an effective way to keep noise, debris, snow, wind, and cold air out of your home. Aside from solving insulation problems in your house, you will stop your door from slamming.
All you need to do is place a thin cushion (weather stripping) at the place where the frame and door meet. Installation is effortless, so you will probably not need any professional help for this DIY job.
Step 1: Take a measurement of the gap between the frame and the door.
Step 2: You need to consider that distance when cutting your weather strip to make sure it has the appropriate length.
Step 3: Before attaching the piece of the strip, remove its adhesive backing and clean the frame interior to get rid of any grime and dirt.
Step 4: Glue the strip properly by running it all the way over the doorframe where it’s locking into place.
Done! That will cushion your door and stop it from slamming shut.
Method 4: Attach a Few Felt Pads to Your Door
While foam strips and weather strips are excellent options for massive doors, felt pads are more suitable for lighter doors. With this simple option, you will not mess around with foam. Felt pads have self-adhesive surfaces that make it easy to stick them on the doors.
To prevent furniture from scuffing up the hardwood flooring, these small pads are applied underneath. Likewise, they can be effectively used for any door that slams too much.
The installation is extremely easy. Simply peel them off and affix the pads to the inside of your doorframe. That’s it! Attach two pads above the lock and handle to get the best results.
The softness of felt pads creates a gentle barrier between the hinge-frame area and the door. This can cushion the blow and slow things down while improving sound absorption. As a result, felt pads will eliminate the slamming efficiently.
Felt pads are very easy to reapply and remove, meaning you will be able to use them for different furnishings, doors, and windows as required. Nothing lasts forever though. Please note that the stickiness will wear out after a while.
Method 5: Inspect and Replace the Hinges if Needed
Before purchasing anything fancy, you need to check the door hinges. Poorly installed and worn-out hinges often lead to an imbalance. This can cause your door to slam when you’re going or coming out.
You can check if the door hinges are installed correctly by using a spirit or bubble level. This will ensure that your door isn’t out of balance. Open it to a 90-degree angle and check the hinges with a leveling instrument.
Be sure to reinstall your doors if they are uneven. If the hinges are damaged or worn, then you should consider buying new ones.
Step 1: Check the hinge screws. Maybe all you need to do is tighten them up to fix the slamming problem.
Step 2: Perhaps you will have to reinstall or replace hinges. Start with the top hinge. Simply unscrew it from the door frame and the door itself with a screwdriver.
Step 3: Then screw the new door hinge and adjust it so that it’s perfectly vertical. Use a level when checking the alignment. You may also need to use a cordless drill to anchor screws and make holes.
Step 4: After installing the top hinge, you should repeat this process for other hinges. If it is completed correctly, your door should stop slamming.
Tip: Replace hinges without removing the entire door. This can be done by removing and replacing the door hinges one by one.
FAQs About How to Stop a Door from Slamming
How to Prevent My Door from Slamming Shut?
To stop your door from slamming, you may install a door closer or use a rubber band. You can also prevent slamming by attaching felt pads to your door and using an anti-door slam product or a weather-stripping kit. The door jamb covered by a cushion can also serve this purpose.
What Can Happen if I Keep Slamming My Door?
The heavy, repeated impact causes the door itself as well as the door frame to suffer damage. In addition to making the door misaligned, repeated door slamming often results in loose hinges which gives rise to a security risk. It can also create cracks in a wall, harm handles, and weaken door joints.
Takeaway
You’ve learned how to stop a door from slamming in a few different ways. Solve this annoying problem for good to stop any further damage and say goodbye to slamming doors in your home.
How to Fix a Sagging Door – 6 DIY Tips
How to Fix a Door that Won’t Stay Closed – 7 Simple Steps
3 Easy Methods to Fix a Stripped Screw
