Solutions For Smoother Sliding Doors

Solutions For Smoother Sliding Doors Large sliding doors are essential for shops, storage facilities, equipment sheds and farm buildings, but keeping them secure, properly aligned and easy to operate can be challenging. Specialized door accessories from Propel Sliding Door Automation address these issues, whether the doors are operated manually or automatically. One of the company’s innovations is a patented door Cincher, designed to eliminate traditional over-center latch systems. Rather than requiring manual engagement and disengagement of a latch, the system automatically pulls the door tightly into the jamb as it closes. “We developed the Cincher so operators wouldn’t need to touch the door during remote operation,” says Mark Gazda, founder and owner of Propel Doors. The Cincher consists of two components: a jamb-mounted roller assembly and an 18-in. angled L-channel installed near the door’s trailing edge. As the door nears the end of travel, the roller engages the channel and gradually pulls it inward, creating a tight seal. This action works with both manual and automated operation. Another common challenge with large sliding doors is maintaining alignment while preventing them from blowing in or out in windy conditions. “Most barn doors also have a lip so the doors can’t blow in, but they’re blown out on a windy day by convection wind,” Gazda says. “Our door guides and shims keep them stable and running in a straight line.” The company’s floor guides are made of durable nylon and feature a tapered design that continuously redirects doors back into proper alignment during travel. Typically, two guide sets are installed per door, providing multiple points of control for smooth tracking. “Pushing it inward toward the lip is key to keeping a door straight and under control,” Gazda says. Manufactured in Illinois and shipped throughout North America, the guides sell for $50 per set, including shims and mounting hardware. The Cincher is priced at $65 per door, with all hardware included. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Propel Sliding Door Automation, 7 Kemp Dr., Ste. C, Chatham, Ill. 62629 (ph 888-391-8592; mgazda@propeldoors.com; www.propeldoors.com).

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