In this guide, I’m going to show you different methods on how to stop a door from slamming. Nothing is annoying than the sound of a door slamming, especially on frequent occurrence.
Things may even get out of control, especially if you’re watching a movie in your home theater, working from home, or enjoying some quiet time in your man cave basement.
But why does a door slam shut?
A door slams when it is closed quickly and forcefully. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as someone trying to close the door too quickly, or the door being poorly balanced and therefore closing harder than normal. Sometimes a door will slam due to outside forces, such as wind or a draft.
Below are some of the most recommended methods to help prevent the door from slamming shut
1. Use a rubber band
A rubber band is one of the cheap and effective ways of preventing a door from slamming. To install, open the door and put the rubber band around the handle then stretch it to reach the other side of the door.
Ensure that the band extends below and above the latch at the same time wrapping around the door. The rubber band will create a bumper so that when the door hits the frame less or no sound will be produced.
During installation, make sure it covers the area around the door handle and extend it to cover the other side of the door.
A rubber band stops the door from slamming shut by creating a bumper on the area on where the door hits the frame.
2. Install a door closer
If your door rattles anytime someone goes out or comes in, then installing a door closer will be an excellent option to solve the problem.
A door closer is a device that is installed on a door and allows it to close automatically. Door closers are common in public buildings such as offices, schools, and hospitals, where they help to control traffic flow and prevent doors from being left open.
Most door closers consists of a spring-loaded arm that is mounted above the door, with a chain or cable that runs from the arm to the door itself. When the door is opened, the spring-loaded arm is tensioned, and when the door is closed, the arm returns to its original position, pulling the door closed.
During installation, ensure that you carefully follow the instructions provided. There are two types of pneumatic door closer, which include Wrights products V920WH and hydraulic door closers.
3. Inspect the door hinges
If your door slamming shut, isn’t closing properly, or if it’s making strange noises, then it’s possible that the hinges are to blame. Inspecting door hinges is a relatively simple task that anyone can do, and it can help you determine whether or not they need to be replaced.
Start by taking a close look at the hinges themselves. Are they bent or damaged in any way? If so, then they will likely need to be replaced. Next, check to see for loose screws. If they are, use a screw driver to tighten them.
If you notice that they are uneven, consider reinstalling them again and, if worn out, buy new ones.
To install the hinges, you will need a handheld driller to make holes and anchor screws. Consider calling an expert if you can’t do the work yourself.
4. Use a weather-stripping kit
A weather-stripping kit is a set of materials used to seal the gaps and spaces around doors and windows in your home. The kit includes weather-stripping for all four sides of a door or window, as well as adhesive and instructions for installation.
Installing weather-stripping is not only an easy and inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency of your home but will also prevent your door or window from slamming.
By sealing the gaps around doors and windows, you can prevent drafts and keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Weather-stripping is also effective at reducing noise from outside your home.
Foam strips are the most common type of weather-stripping and are typically used on doors. Foam strips are easy to install and come in a variety of widths to fit any size door. V-channel strips are another popular option for sealing doors and windows.
V-channel strips have a V-shaped groove that compresses when the door or window is closed, creating a seal. Felt strips are often used on windows and are available in different thicknesses to provide varying levels of insulation. Brush strips are made of bristles that interlock when the door or window is closed, providing a snug fit.
Weather-stripping should be replaced every few years to maintain its effectiveness. You can check the condition of your weather-stripping by opening the door or window and feeling for drafts. If you feel a draft, it’s time to replace the weather-stripping.
. Keliiyo door weather stripping is one of the effective weather strips, and it is sold at a fair price.
5. Attach felt pads to the door
Felt pads are small pieces of felt that are used to protect surfaces from scratches. They are often used on furniture, floors, and other surfaces that are susceptible to damage from scratches. Felt pads can also be used to help reduce noise levels by absorbing sound vibrations.
Their installation is quite simple; what you do is attach the pads on the inside of the door frame then Place two above the handle and lock. The best side is that the felt pads come with self- adhesive surfaces to readily stick on the door.
Smart Surface 8850 Heavy Duty Self-adhesive Felt Pads is a great product that can be used on hardwood, ceramic tile, and linoleum.
7. Use door seals
Door seals are used to keep out drafts and dust, and to make sure your door closes properly without slamming. There are a few different types of door seals, and they’re usually made from rubber, silicone, or felt.
Door seals are an important part of any door. They help you save money on your energy bill by keeping out drafts. They can also help keep out dust and pollen, which is especially important for people with allergies.
There are a few different types of door seals, and they’re usually made from rubber, silicone, or felt.
If you’re looking for a door seal that will block out noise as well as drafts and dust, then you might want to consider a soundproofing seal. These seals are usually made from thicker materials like rubber or silicone, and they can be very effective at blocking out noise.
When it comes to choosing a door seal, you’ll need to consider the size of your door, the climate you live in, and your budget. If you live in a warm climate, then you probably won’t need a seal that’s as thick as one that’s meant for a cold climate.
And if you have a tight budget, then you might want to consider a cheaper option like felt or rubber. But no matter what type of door seal you choose, it’s important to make sure that it fits properly so that it can do its job properly
One of my most recommended is the 3-feet pack of 2 frosts King DS2/ Window Draft and it fits most doors well. They come in a pair of two, and their installation requires you just to place them in front of your door.
8. Cover the door jamb with a cushion
The original cushy closer door cushion is the best to use in covering the latch of your door.
The cushion is thin that it won’t prevent the door from closing. It prevents the door from hitting the frame hard.
This makes it possible to open and close the door without causing any disturbance. If you are not able to get a door seal, you can use a draft stop clothe below the door.
9. Install a Door Bumper
A door bumper is a device that is used to protect doors from being damaged by impact. It is usually made of rubber or other soft materials, and is mounted on the door frame.
Door bumpers are designed to absorb the impact of a door being opened , preventing damage to the door itself. In some cases, door bumpers may also be used to prevent doors from slamming shut.
Rubber door stopper bumpers come in a set of 4 large self-adhesive bumpers that are transparent, and you can paint if need be.
They are affordable and very effective and easy to install. Bumpers not only reduce the sound produced but also protects the wall from damage by the door.
10. Use finger pinch guards
Finger pinch guards are devices that are placed over door hinges or where the door meets the door frame to prevent children from getting their fingers pinched in the door.
They are typically made of soft, pliable materials such as foam or rubber, and have a slit in the middle that allows them to be placed over the hinge without blocking the door from opening and closing. Some finger pinch guards also come with adhesive backing, which helps keep them in place.
Finger pinch guards can be an effective way to help prevent doors from slamming and also prevent serious injuries to children, who are often drawn to playing with door hinges.
The six-pack door pinch guards can fit around the door and above the handle. You only need a single piece per door, so you can use the six-pack throughout the house.
Final Thoughts
Above are some of the best tips on how to stop a door from slamming. You can combine two or three of the recommended methods above for maximum effectiveness.
But if you want to keep your door from slamming open, I’d recommend a door seal or doorstop to keep the door in place.
If you want to keep the door from slamming shut, use weatherstripping, automatic door closer, or rubber band.
If none of the recommended hacks above work, it’s time to replace your door.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.