Door Closers

What Are Door Closers?

In simple terms, a door closer is a mechanical device that automatically closes a door, either after someone has opened it manually or mechanically. The present regulations in every country make sure that they are fitted to all fire doors to make sure that they close correctly after being opened. 

Door stops and door closers come in all price ranges and can be fitted to various types of doors, including automatic, manual, and even the electromagnetic shut/open swing kind. 

Not only that, there are several door closers to choose from, including concealed ones to maintain a clean and modern aesthetic without displaying the mechanism. 

Benefits Of Using Door Closers

There are various advantages of using door closers in commercial and residential settings. Like other door hardware, they are meant to enhance their functionality and do it effectively. Here are some of the benefits of door closers:

Regulations For Fire Exits

Depending on the space, there might be several doors in a house or commercial place to consider. For example, the back always carries an emergency or fire exit door, and the front has the main entrance; there might even be some side doors for customers. 

According to building regulations, all fire exit doors must have lever handles and door closers installed to ensure they open and close correctly in an emergency. Even though this is quite a significant advantage, there are other benefits to adding this door and window hardware to any commercial and residential setting. 

Controlled Closing

Businesses typically have hoards of people coming in all day. Installing a door closer ensures that the door does not slam on a person entering, especially during windy days or when someone in a wheelchair comes in. 

Security

For security, a door closer ensures that doors close entirely. Thus, it not only saves on HVAC costs but also ensures that the door is not left open for an indefinite amount of time, so nothing uninvited comes inside. 

Types Of Door Closers

There are various types of door bolts and closers available; some of the main types include:  

Electric Closers 

Electric closers, latches, and locks have a mechanism that does not make loud sounds, making them the perfect fit for office settings. Furthermore, they are also an ideal choice for people with disabilities, especially in hospital spaces or for family and elderly homes. 

Standard Arm Closer

Typically, this kind of regular arm closer has an adjustable power range and speed to fit all the needs of people using the door most often. They are ideal for both private and commercial buildings. Being speed and power modifiable like sliding door gear increases their use in many places, including medical institutions, homes, schools, and many more. 

Automatic Door Opener

These types of automatic door closers are great for spaces that have to maintain high sanitary levels. They are ideal for large shops, hospitals, offices, and commercial use restrooms since they remove the need to make physical contact with the same pull handles. 

Concealed Door Closers

Apart from the aesthetics that these door closers provide, they also offer another perk making them stand out from the rest. Their design also makes them vandalism resistant making them ideal for school entry doors and other public buildings. 

Maintenance Of A Door Closer

Door closers must be maintained or even replaced when they start wearing out to fulfill their purpose effectively. Various factors may lead to the repair and maintenance of flush pulls and door closers. 

However, one thing to consider is that before installing a door closer, make sure that the door is operating perfectly. During installation, lubricate the door and window hinges, tighten the hinge screws and fit the exterior and interior doors to the door frame. 

Over the years, doors may start acting up. Some common problems include door fracturing and sagging, door frame splintering, and frost heave. Unfortunately, there is a high chance that door closers will not work correctly under these conditions. 

Garage doors and door closers must be maintained if the following signs of wear start showing:

• The door fails to close completely
• Door slamming every time it is opened or closed
• Fast movement through the swing cycle of the door
• A visible hydraulic fluid leak or oil stain on the floor below the door
• There is no spring tension

If a door closer is not doing its job, it’s not protecting the property and the people inside. So if that happens, immediately get it fixed, and if that does not help, it is better to remove the old system and replace it.