Welcome to our blog, where Nico van der Linde, Ironmongery Warehouse Africa’s very own Ironmongery encyclopaedia, with extensive professional industry experience answers questions on door closers so you can optimize the functionality and security of your doors.Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or facility manager, we’ve got the information you need to choose the right door closers for your specific needs and ensure smooth and controlled door operation.
Q: What is a door closer?
A: A door closer is a mechanical device designed to close a door automatically after it has been opened. It plays an important role in ensuring the smooth operation and security of doors in various settings. Door closers are commonly used in hospitals, commercial buildings, public spaces like shopping centers, and residential properties.
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Q: How does it work?
The primary function of a door closer is to close the door at a controlled speed and ensure that it latches securely. It consists of several components, including a cylinder, spring, hydraulic fluid and control valves. When a door is opened, the door closer’s spring is compressed, storing energy. As the door is released, this stored energy is gradually released, closing the door at a controlled speed.
Door closers typically have different adjustable settings to accommodate different door weights, desired closing speeds and special features. By adjusting these settings, one can regulate the closing force required to close the door and the speed at which it closes. Some door closers also offer additional features like delayed action and back-check.
Overall, door closers provide convenience, safety, save energy and security by ensuring that doors close properly, and latching mechanisms engage effectively. They are available in various types and designs (regular arm or guiderails). They could be overhead surface-mounted, concealed, transom or floor mounted, allowing for flexibility in installation based on the specific door and architectural requirements.
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Q: What are the different types of door closers available in the market?
A: Door closers come in several types, each designed to suit different door configurations and functional requirements. Here are the four main types commonly found in the market:
- Surface-mounted door closers: These are the most common and visible type of door closers. They are installed on the surface of the door or the door frame. Surface-mounted closers offer ease of installation and maintenance since they can be easily accessed. They are suitable for a wide range of doors, including timber and aluminium doors, glass doors, and heavy-duty steel doors.
- Concealed door closers: As the name suggests, these closers are hidden within the door or the door frame, making them less noticeable compared to surface-mounted closers. Overhead concealed closers are commonly used in situations where aesthetics play a significant role, such as high-end commercial buildings or architectural designs where a clean and unobtrusive appearance is desired.
- Floor-springs: Floor-spring closers are installed within the floor beneath the door. They provide a high level of control over the door’s movement and are often used for heavy or oversized doors, such as glass entrance doors or large commercial doors. Floor-spring closers offer excellent durability, reliability, and aesthetics, as they are completely hidden from view.
- Transom Closer: A transom door closer, is a type of double action door closer mechanism that is specifically designed for double action doors with the mechanism installed in the transom/frame. It is a popular choice for commercial buildings, storefronts, and office spaces where floor springs aren’t allowed but the double action function is required. The door frame must be manufactured for this specific application.
It’s important to consider factors such as door weight, door size, traffic volume, external factors like wind and architectural requirements when choosing the appropriate type of door closer.
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Q: What additional features should I consider when choosing a door closer?
A: While the primary function of a door closer is to ensure smooth closing and secure latching, there are several additional features that you may consider based on your specific needs:
- Back-Check: This feature controls the door’s opening speed past 80 degrees and prevents it from being opened too forcefully. It helps protect the door, adjacent walls, and users from potential damage or injury caused by the door swinging open too quickly.
- Delayed Action: Some door closers offer a delayed closing feature, with additional closing speed adjustment setting between 180 – 80 degrees that could slow the closing speed down before initiating the normal closing process. This feature is useful in situations where users need extra time to pass through the door as with paraplegic doors.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey into the world of door closers. We hope that our blog has provided valuable insights, empowered you with knowledge, and inspired you to take your door functionality and security to new heights.
Contact us to book a consultation with one of our Ironmongery Specifiers to assist you in choosing the correct door closer for your project.
Email us on enquiry@ironware.co.za or call us on 011 444 8677 to speak with one of our Architectural Ironmongery Specification Specialists.
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