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Sliding doors are a popular option for cold storage machine sheds, horse barns, and hobby shops. This post-frame building feature accommodates large openings without requiring additional clearance to swing outward. However, traditional pole barn sliding doors can become difficult to operate with regular use and adverse weather conditions.
FBi Buildings introduced the EasyMotion Sliding Door to the post-frame construction industry in 2010. We designed this sliding door system to operate smoothly and reliably year-round.
In this article, we’ll break down each component of the EasyMotion Sliding Door and explain how the system works.
How Do Pole Barn Sliding Doors Work?
Pole barn sliding doors move side to side along a track instead of swinging outward. The EasyMotion Sliding Door uses an aluminum frame, Posi-Guide Track, polymer rollers, jamb snuggers, and the StepSaver Latch. These components reduce friction, guide the door, secure it when closed, and provide access from either side.
Do you prefer to watch instead of read? Watch this YouTube video for a quick overview of how the EasyMotion Sliding Door works and its five key components.
5 Key Components of the EasyMotion Sliding Door by FBi Buildings
1. Aluminum Frame
A pole barn sliding door’s strength starts with its frame. The EasyMotion Sliding Door uses thick, extruded aircraft-grade aluminum structural members. This material provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and creates a strong, lightweight door that’s easy to operate.
The EasyMotion Sliding Door interlocks from top to bottom when closed. This connection creates a more rigid door system and minimizes deflection during strong winds. We engineered the aluminum frame, girts, and bottom rail for added stiffness and durability.
Together, these structural members withstand severe weather while reducing wear and tear on the hardware.
2. Posi-Guide Track
Traditional pole barn sliding door tracks can collect snow, ice, gravel, leaves, and other debris. These obstructions create friction and make the door difficult to move. Exposed tracks can also bend or corrode over time.
FBi Buildings designed the Posi-Guide Track to address these common problems. It reduces debris and moisture buildup while keeping the door snug against the post-frame building for smooth operation.
The weather-resistant door track also features a powder-coated finish that coordinates with your pole barn colors.
Overall, the Posi-Guide Track helps your sliding door operate smoothly year-round with minimal routine maintenance.
3. Polymer Rollers
Metal-on-metal contact creates friction and resistance, making pole barn sliding doors more difficult to move.
The EasyMotion Sliding Door uses low-friction polymer rollers to reduce this contact. As the door moves, the aluminum components glide against the polymer for smooth, quiet operation.
The Posi-Guide Track protects the rollers while allowing them to move freely within the dual trolley system.
The polymer rollers never require oiling, so the EasyMotion Sliding Door operates smoothly year-round.
4. Jamb Snuggers
A pole barn sliding door must fit securely against the post-frame building when closed.
The EasyMotion Sliding Door uses automatic jamb snuggers to pull the door tight as it closes.
This design helps guide the door into place without relying on manual snugger chains or cam-style latches.
5. StepSaver Latch
Some pole barn sliding doors require you to enter through a walk door to release manual snugger chains or cam-style latches from inside the post-frame building.
The patented StepSaver Latch by FBi Buildings eliminates this extra step.
You can unlock and unlatch the EasyMotion Sliding Door from either side. From the outside, simply turn the key and use the handle to open the door.
This design makes locking, unlocking, and operating your pole barn sliding door more convenient.
Can You Add the EasyMotion Sliding Door to an Existing Pole Barn?
Yes, you can add an EasyMotion Sliding Door to an existing pole barn. Replacing damaged or worn sliding doors can improve access to your pole barn.
However, replacing a pole barn sliding door requires more than installing a new system and hardware. A post-frame builder should inspect the existing door opening and surrounding structure. Rotted pole barn columns, door headers, and other framing components may require repairs before installing a new sliding door.
The size and layout of the existing door opening may also affect your options. A post-frame building inspection will determine if the EasyMotion Sliding Door fits the current opening or requires changes.
Our Repair and Renovation Specialists will recommend the sliding door repair or replacement options, regardless of the original post-frame builder.
Is the EasyMotion Sliding Door Right for Your Pole Barn?
A pole barn sliding door should provide convenient access to your post-frame building. The EasyMotion Sliding Door combines durable materials and low-maintenance hardware for reliable year-round operation.
The right sliding door system depends on your pole barn’s size, use, and access needs — whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing structure.
Would you like to add an EasyMotion Sliding Door to your pole barn? Contact FBi Buildings to discuss your post-frame construction project.
Do you have more questions about pole barn sliding doors not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready for a price, click here to request a quote, and our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps for your project.