Having a door that always opens when there is wind is not ideal. It puts people at risk, lets dirt in, and may even break your door. However, this issue can be fixed. There are many solutions to address this problem.
To keep strong winds from blowing a door open, homeowners can consider installing a door closer or wind chain to control the door’s movement. Another option is to install weather stripping around the door frame to create a tighter seal and prevent wind from entering.
Dealing with a door that unexpectedly blows open can be irritating, especially on windy days. Your family, pets, and household members are also at risk. This article will highlight the specifics of how to address this issue. Additionally, it will also give you more details concerning doors.
Causes Of Blowing Open Doors
High winds can result in your door blowing open, whether a storm or a screen door. The worst part is that you might not even be aware of it. Even worse, children, dogs, and other family members may be at risk if your door suddenly blows wide.
Your storm doors are blown open for the following three reasons mainly:
- An Unsafe Door
Most homeowners undervalue the significance of a sturdy closer, chain, or latch. As a result, the door has no means of shutting and no hook to hold it to the wall.
While many people use ornamental door stops, they are frequently filled with sand and are not sturdy enough to withstand severe gusts.
- Altered Door
There may be an issue with your door’s alignment if it blows open when closed with or without the bolt. Besides, children and severe weather can damage screen and storm doors, causing the hinge to become loose and cause your door to hang improperly.
Therefore, the latch or locking bolt cannot match the strike plate. It presents a security concern for your family and allows the wind to open your door.
- Location Of Your Residence
Your home’s location is another factor contributing to the recurrent opening of your door. Doors may slam when they open in the incorrect direction in high altitudes or when exposed to strong winds.
It can still happen even if you have powerful door closers and chains. Builders frequently consider this when making their designs, but it is simple to miss and only becomes clear after it is too late.
Solution To Repair A Door That Blows Open
Once you have figured out the cause of your door blowing open, you can use either of the three solutions mentioned below to fix your door. Ideally, you should use many fixes to ensure your door works properly and stays weatherproof for a long time.
- Door Closer
A storm door or screen closer is the simplest solution. It is never too late to install one if your door does not arrive with one. It lets your door close gradually and gently rather than slamming or swinging.
It frequently occurs in light winds or even in the absence of winds. There are two types of door closers, pneumatic and hydraulic.
Strong internal springs in pneumatic closers reduce shock and enable quick, smooth closing. You may modify the closer’s speed by turning the screw. Meanwhile, Hydraulic closers use fluid-modulated spring tension. The door closes slowly and steadily as this fluid goes from chamber to chamber.
Hydraulic doors have a latch that enables you to adjust the resistance to meet your preferences and needs, just like pneumatic closers. Because of their lower cost and simpler maintenance requirements, pneumatic closers are the more widely used of the two.
Moreover, if hydraulic closers leak, they must be filled again, which can cost as much as buying a new closer. However, hydraulic closers are frequently used in industrial settings since they can handle heavier doors.
Hydraulic closers are also available in an electric configuration with a remote switch. It allows you to remotely close the door from a different location while leaving it open. Choose a door closer when making a purchase that complements the weight of your door.
For durability and performance, choose heavy-duty steel as the material.
- Storm Door Or Screen Chain
Consider attaching a screen chain if your closer door cannot withstand the winds in your location. It can limit how far a door extends and protect the closed door from harm. Besides, kits for door chains are generally accessible, and installation is simple.
However, do not forget to ensure that the chain is composed of top-notch steel for durability and good performance.
- Adjust The Door
It could be time-consuming to check your door alignment if door closers and chains are not keeping the door closed. Therefore, verify that your latch or bolt is appropriately positioned on the door plate. If it isn’t, your door will not shut properly even after you have turned the lock.
It typically occurs when the wind has distorted the door or the hinges are loose. Check if the door’s screws and hinges are loose in such scenarios.
Also, check whether the alignment issue is resolved using a screwdriver to tighten them. You might need to evaluate the door frame’s condition if it doesn’t work.
Should Storm Doors And Screen Doors Open Inwards Or Outwards?
Because there is not much room for two inward-swinging doors, the secondary screen and storm typically swing outwards. However, the outer door should not swing outwards because doing so would expose its exterior hinges.
It makes it simpler for an unauthorized person to remove the pins and gain access to the house.
A storm door should swing inward if it is situated on a porch or sunroom and is unconnected to the main outer entrance. Doing this will help shield the hinges from the elements and prevent the open door from accumulating moisture. Furthermore, entering them is more convenient as well.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why screen and storm doors can blow open, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. You can identify the underlying issue with a short check and begin making fixes. For instance, install a chain to safeguard the door closer or tighten the hinge screws to improve alignment.
At worst, you might have to swap out the door for a more durable one. It is better than the dangers associated with a broken door.