Doors and Windows - Bi-folding Doors

I have several bi-folding doors throughout my house. Unfortunately none of them are equipped with a mechanism to prevent them from opening when the windows are open. Evidently that creates some type of vaccuum. While visiting a friend I noticed that his bi-folding door had a device in the top track that prevents them from opening as mine do. The device has 2 springs set into a plastic housing on both ends that seem to compress when the doors are closed thereby putting some tension on the doors so they won't open by vacuum. Does anyone know what these devises are called and where I can purchase them?????

Technically it is called a plastic springy thingy. Really, you can readily find them in big box stores in the bifold door "hardware" section, not where the doors themselves are. It is only one spring that slides freely in the plastic keeper. It transfers spring action from one door to the other and keeps that pressure until you pull the knob and move the door.

Thanks Chandler. I looked in Lowe's and Home Depot but neither one had them. Maybe they were "out of stock" when I was there. I'll try them again now that I know they're probably called a "plastic springy thingy"!

What Chandler said, and both stores have them, they just may not understand the technical terminology. There is a section with Johnson hardware that has most of the common parts for bifold and bypass doors. All bi-fold door hardware comes with this part in the kit. Your installer seems to think they are not needed.

Make sure you look in the Hardware section where the door rollers and window hardware is. Also, these are pretty track specific. You may want to check Prime-Line's website...they carry a ton of these kind or replacement parts. You'll have to order from one of the retailers, as Prime-Line does not sell direct.

http://www.prime-line-products.com/

Thanks, Just Bill.....I'm sure you realize that the installer would say they weren't in the kits.....6 of them! Yeah, right....maybe he needed them and couldn't find them either. Thanks again!

Okay so I have not help for you but...your question helped me realize where the big spring on my floor came from and how to fix my bi-folding door....so THANK! ;) I hope you get yours fixed soon!

A very common item. Spring bifold door glides. Snap into the top track and your set to go. A $1.50 item by itself.
Nothing Hi-tech here...
.
ps.
I always tighten the top track to the header, tighten all the hinges and adjust accordingly.