As far back as the 16th Century, pole barn doors made it into daily conversation! English author, John Heywood, wisely pointed out that, “It’s no use closing the barn door after the horse is gone.”

There are various barn door options from which you can choose. The type of pole barn door you select will depend on your needs:

  • If you want a door that is durable and can withstand heavy use, overhead pole barn doors are a good option.
  • If you want a door that is easy to open and close, hydraulic doors are right for you.
  • If you need a door that takes up less space, roll-up doors are the way to go.
  • If you require larger doors that allow for easy access, sliding doors are your best bet.

Overhead Doors

Overhead doors are a popular choice and suitable for many types of pole buildings such as pole barn garages, workshops, and storage spaces.

Just like regular garage doors, they are easy to operate and have the option of being opened as part of an automatic system. This means that you can open them when it is cold outside or when you are just too tired to exit your vehicle. Their convenience makes overhead doors the ideal solution for pole barn buildings that you access frequently.

Moreover, the construction of overhead doors provides strength, insulation, and a tight seal. This results in superior security, moisture and weather resistance, temperature control, and energy efficiency.

Additionally, overhead doors are versatile. Most overhead doors come in different sizes and design options, so you can customize the configuration to give you a consistent look across your entire estate.

Hydraulic Doors

Hydraulic doors are a type of automatic door that is powered by fluid pressure. This means that they are incredibly easy to open and close – a particularly important consideration for extra-large openings as found in:

  • Commercial buildings
  • Spaces housing massive equipment and machinery used for agricultural purposes
  • Aircraft hangars.

Other than the sizable access they provide, hydraulic doors save space inside your pole barn because they open outwards. They also boast weather resistant and insulation properties that are ideally suited to Colorado’s climate.

Roll-Up Doors

If budgetary constraints are a top priority, roll-up doors may be a solution. They are easy to operate, durable, and light on maintenance.

When choosing a roll-up door for your pole barn, it is important to consider the climate in which it will be used. For example, if you live in an area with cold winters, you might want to choose a heavier door that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Additionally, consider how often the door will need to be opened and closed – a door that needs to be opened frequently might better serve you if it is automated.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are intuitively associated with traditional livestock and horse barns! This popular choice of one full door or two split doors combines function with aesthetics.

While modern hardware and materials has improved their maneuverability, there are a few drawbacks to consider when choosing sliding doors:

  • They are still cumbersome to open and close by hand
  • Sliding doors are not as durable as other types of barn doors over time – they might require more maintenance
  • Because they don’t seal adequately, sliding doors do not provide insulation or moisture prevention. They make the interior of your pole barn vulnerable to the elements and undesirable critters.

To help you decide what door is most suitable for your pole barn, evaluate the following:

  • The purpose of the barn and therefore the size of opening you need
  • The frequency doors will be used
  • The aesthetic you would like
  • Physical criteria such as the building’s size and orientation, and weather considerations

At Peak Pole Barns and Manufacturing, we have updated Sam Rayburn’s quote, “Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good pole barn construction company to build one.”

Contact us for more information on pole barn doors and every other aspect of your perfect barn solution.

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