Door Closer

Door Closers: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

Door closers are mechanical devices that are designed to automatically close a door after it has been opened. These are commonly used in both residential and commercial buildings to ensure safety, security, and energy efficiency.  Door closers are mandatory on fire doors in commercial buildings and on some doors inside some rental accommodation

Types of Door Closers

There are several types of door closers available in the market, each designed for different applications. They include:

Surface-mounted door closers

The most common type of door closer – These are installed on the surface of the door and frame, making them easy to install and maintain.  Available in different strength ratings to accommodate door leaf width and weight and suitable for different methods of fitting.

Also available are surface spring closers, which are a basic sprung loaded arm, fitted to the frame and pushing the door closed.  Not suited to fire doors; although there are some fire rated versions.

Concealed door closers – On wooden doors these are often installed within the door and frame, making them less visible and more aesthetically pleasing.  They can be fitted in the head of the door with an arm to the frame, or fitted in the hinge edge of the door with a chain to the frame.  If fitted to a fire door then great care must be taken to ensure that the door closer is not only tested to EN1634-1 but also the fire door it is fitted to allows for a concealed door closer.

On aluminium doors the closer body is fitted in the transom at the top of the door with the arm concealed in the top of the door and nothing is visible.  The door can be set as a single direction swing or double swing, using the same door closer body.

The final type of concealed closer is a floor mounted unit, with a strap fitted to the bottom of the door.  Again, these closers can be double swing or single direction opening, using the same closer body.

Benefits of Door Closers

Door closers offer a range of benefits for both residential and commercial buildings, including:

Safety and Security

Door closers ensure that doors are securely closed, preventing unauthorised access and improving building security. They also provide protection against fire and smoke when fitted to a fire door within a commercial or apartment building

Energy Efficiency

By automatically closing doors, door closers help to regulate the temperature inside a building, reducing energy costs associated with heating and cooling.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Door Closer

When selecting a door closer for your building, there are several factors to consider, including:

Type of Door

Consider the weight and size of the door when selecting a door closer to ensure it can handle the load. And close the door reliably and safely every time.  Aluminium and steel doors may require specific door closers to math the doors’ construction

Location

Depending on the location of the door, you may need a specific type of door closer to accommodate the space available.  Some doors open against a wall so using a push mounted closer can be important.  These installations, referred to as Fig 61, Fig 66 or parallel arm, can help reduce damage to the door on opening.

Back check operation can also help in situations where the door opens against a wall by slowing the door closer down at a pre-determined angle

Door closers fitted on external doors may require a higher strength to close against a wind

Usage

Consider the frequency of use for the door when selecting a door closer to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear.  A very high traffic door closer will need to withstand both use and abuse where users may not take care on opening the door.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Proper maintenance of door closers is essential to ensure they function correctly and last longer. Some common maintenance tasks include:

Regular Lubrication

Lubricate moving parts to prevent friction and ensure smooth operation.  There isn’t much to lubricate on an overhead or concealed closer but lubricating any latches or moving parts on the leading edge of the door will help

Adjustment

A periodic check and adjustment of the closing and latch speeds of the door closer will maintain proper closing speed – as seals wear, or the weather get hotter or colder, then the speeds can alter.  If the door closer has an adjustable strength function then it may be necessary to increase it on windy days and reduce it on calm days

Replacing Parts

If a door closer becomes damaged or worn out, it may be necessary to replace certain parts to restore its functionality.  In most cases a straight replacement might be the most cost-effective way forward but in the case of transom closers on aluminium doors, or floor springs, then replacement arms can extend the life of the closer for not much cost

Conclusion

Door closers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of buildings. By choosing the right type of door closer and following proper maintenance and adjustment procedures, you can keep your doors functioning smoothly, and safely, for years to come. Whether for residential or commercial use, door closers are an essential component of any building’s design.