How to Stop Doors Slamming (Simple Fixes)

A slamming door wakes babies, annoys housemates, and damages frames. Here's how to stop it.

Why Doors Slam

Common causes:

• Draughts and wind
• Door closer set too strong
• Door too heavy for frame
• Children (can't fix this one easily)
• Door swings naturally toward closed

Understanding the cause helps choose the right fix.

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Quick Fixes (Under £5)

Felt Pads or Bumper Stickers

What they are: Self-adhesive pads that stick to the frame or door edge.

How they help: Cushion the impact, reduce the bang.

Installation:

1. Clean the frame edge where door contacts it
2. Stick pad in place
3. Done

Cost: £2-£5 for a pack Effectiveness: Reduces noise but doesn't stop slam

Door Pinch Guards

What they are: Foam or rubber U-shapes that wrap around the door edge.

How they help: Prevent door fully closing, also finger protection for kids.

Best for: Temporary fix or where door doesn't need to latch.

Cost: £3-£8 Effectiveness: Prevents slam but door won't close fully

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Better Solutions

Hydraulic Door Closer

What it is: A arm mounted at the top that controls closing speed.

How it helps: Door closes slowly regardless of how hard it's pushed.

Types:

• Overhead: Arm attached to door and frame top (most common)
• Concealed: Hidden in door frame (neater but harder to fit)
• Floor spring: For glass doors and commercial use

Installation: Mount bracket to frame, attach arm to door, adjust tension.

Cost: £15-£40 for basic, £50-£100 for quality

Best for: Doors that need to close but not slam (fire doors, entrance doors)

Soft-Close Hinges

What they are: Hinges with built-in dampening mechanism.

How they help: Last few inches of closing is controlled and quiet.

Installation: Replace existing hinges.

Cost: £15-£30 per pair Effectiveness: Very good - same tech as soft-close kitchen cupboards

Best for: Internal doors where you want invisible solution

Rubber Door Stop

What it is: Rubber wedge or dome on floor or wall.

How it helps: Stops door before it hits frame.

Types:

• Floor wedge: £3-£10
• Wall-mounted dome: £5-£15
• Magnetic holder: £10-£25

Best for: Stopping door at open position, not when closing

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Adjusting the Door

Sometimes the fix is the door itself, not adding things.

Check the Hinges

If the door slams because it swings toward closed:

• Top hinge may be set deeper than bottom
• Door hangs "out of plumb"

Fix: Add thin cardboard behind bottom hinge to bring door vertical. Door should hang neutral, not swinging either way.

Check the Latch

If the latch is catching hard:

• Strike plate may need adjusting
• Door may be too tight in frame

Fix: File the strike plate opening slightly larger, or plane the door edge.

Draught Issues

If wind is the problem:

• Seal the gaps around windows/doors where wind enters
• Fit draught excluders
• Install trickle vents if ventilation is needed but controlled

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Fire Doors

Important: Fire doors must close fully and latch.

Fire door slam prevention:

• Use a proper fire door closer (rated ones)
• Don't prop open with wedges (defeats the purpose)
• Magnetic hold-open devices release when fire alarm sounds (specialist item)
• Adjust closer for slowest acceptable closing speed

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DIY Installation

Fitting an Overhead Door Closer

You'll need:

• Drill
• Screws (usually supplied)
• Pencil
• Spirit level

Steps:

1. Position closer body on door (use template if supplied)
2. Mark and drill screw holes
3. Attach closer body
4. Position arm bracket on frame
5. Mark and drill
6. Attach bracket
7. Connect arm to closer
8. Adjust closing speed (usually screws on closer body)

Time: 20-30 minutes

Fitting Soft-Close Hinges

Steps:

1. Remove door (support it properly)
2. Unscrew existing hinges
3. Check new hinges fit same positions
4. If not, may need to chisel recess slightly larger
5. Fit new hinges to door
6. Rehang door
7. Fit hinge plates to frame
8. Adjust

Time: 30-60 minutes per door

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Product Recommendations

Best Budget: Adhesive Door Bumpers

Quick, cheap, reduces noise. Won't stop a determined slam.

Best Overall: Basic Overhead Closer

Something like Union/Briton - does the job, lasts years, fully adjustable.

Best Invisible: Soft-Close Hinges

More expensive but nothing visible, works perfectly.

Best for Kids' Rooms: Pinch Guard + Bumper Combo

Safety plus noise reduction.

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When to Call Someone

DIY-friendly:

• Stick-on solutions
• Basic overhead closers (if confident drilling)

Consider help for:

• Multiple doors to do
• Fire doors (get it right)
• Concealed closers
• If you've tried and it's not working

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Doors driving you mad? I fit door closers and soft-close hinges across Exeter. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.