Looking for advice on building barn doors

[BungeeII]

Thanks. Those look really nice. I'll probably go with two X's per door like yours, as well.

Since it sounds like you're still a little on the fence there...

I took the X up about 7' on 9' doors, leaving the top 2' clear.

It just kind of broke it up a bit, as two x's per door was a bit much for their size.

 

[2manyrocks]

I think you need to be very selective in the construction adhesive used to join PT. The PT around here is soaking wet when it comes from the home supply center, and that can't be good for bonding. I'm not convinced that PT is even necessary if the door is painted and caulked well.

 

[Lloyd_E]

When I built my sliding doors for my barn I used 2x6. The doors(2) cover a 10'x10' opening with an overlap at the edge (barn) of about three inches. I bought a 36" wide by 12' roll of rubber floor runner and cut into 4" strips. I nailed the strips in place with roofing nails - every 4" - around the door (sides and top) openings. When the doors are closed the strips act as a seal. I also built a channel of wood on one door. When the doors are closed the edge of the 2x6(door) slides into the channel.

I also built the windows for the doors as well. The panel in the door is T&G. There is a frame on both sides of the door holding the panel in place.

Hopes this helps.


Lloyd

 

[2manyrocks]

The windows on the doors make them look really sharp. Not just a plain door. Good example of another option.

 

[Lloyd_E]

The windows actually let in a lot of light.

Here is a shot with the doors closed and a later addition for the tractor. There are a few more battens to go on the barn.

Lloyd

 

[Egon]

Nice looking barn Lloyd.

 

[BotaBigot]

For a large door, I have to ask everybody else for their opinion whether a 2x4 at the top is enough to carry the load or would they use a 2x6. A large door is going to fairly heavy.

The other design idea floating around in my head right now is to use an inner plywood skin, a 2x frame, an outer t1-11 skin and sandwich rigid insulation inside the assembly.

I used 2X6es all around slider, but then I have a single 8X8 door. My door carriers are at ends and engage verticals, so weight isn't being carried by frame top. Plus everything's screwed/glued, so T1-11 is contributing.

As for insulation...it's a personal choice, but I tend not to insulate barns...well, tack room maybe. If necessary, I'll blanket horses.

 

[scgargoyle]

I probably wouldn't use PT for the doors, and I'd use a good wood glue like Titebond. Then I'd soak the heck out of it with wood preservative before doing a good paint job. They should last forever. That's also a good point about attaching your hardware to the vertical stiles.

 

[jcaron2]

I used 2X6es all around slider, but then I have a single 8X8 door. My door carriers are at ends and engage verticals, so weight isn't being carried by frame top. Plus everything's screwed/glued, so T1-11 is contributing.

As for insulation...it's a personal choice, but I tend not to insulate barns...well, tack room maybe. If necessary, I'll blanket horses.

I figure with a 2x4 at the top screwed and glued to another 2x4 on edge, the effect should be close to a 2x6. Plus, as you say, the T1-11 itself is going to prevent anything from sagging or racking.

I bought materials today for one set of doors. I opted for non-PT for the framing.

So here's a question for those who are experienced: How do I flash around the top of the door opening to keep water from running down the outside of the barn, behind the slide rails, and down into the inside of the door?

 

[Lloyd_E]

jcaron2,

See my photos. You can built a reflector over the track.
This will divert rain, keep the track clean and free and prevent rust.
I usually oil/grease my track once a year.

Under the green wood reflector I flashed with aluminum. I ran a bead of good quality caulking on the wood flashing before attaching.
Once the wood reflector was in place I also ran a bead where it joined the building and painted it. We get a lot of rain and it does not leak at all.

lloyd