Choosing the right door closer is an important undertaking and it can be a little confusing for some! This article will provide you with the information and guidance you need to help you choose the door closer that is best suited for your requirements.
1. Size and Weight of the Door
Door closer power sizes (spring power) are classified from 1 – 6 (1 being the lowest power and 6 being the highest power.) Some door closers come with a non-adjustable fixed power size from the factory but many door closers have field adjustable sizing that can be done on-site prior to installation by turning a screw or nut on the closer to either increase or decrease the spring power. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended settings for sizing adjustment based on the door width. The wider and heavier the door is, the greater the force required to control it. Typically, door height does not have a significant impact on a door closer’s operation.
2. Location of the Door / Opening and Closing Frequency
Consider the location of the door and the volume of traffic to ensure the best door closer for the application is selected. You may also require a stronger power size to overcome air pressure in a small room or wind conditions on an exterior door.
- Grade 1 Door Closer – High Traffic – 100,000 – 500,000 cycles per year
- Light Duty Door Closer – Low Traffic – 10,000 cycles per year
High traffic doors in places such as hospitals, arenas, shopping malls, and high schools should be fitted with Grade 1 heavy duty door closers that have been tested to perform to the highest number of cycles and that are equipped for superior performance in windy or adverse conditions.
Medium traffic doors in places such as small commercial buildings, churches, pre-schools and retail stores can be fitted with Grade 1 medium duty door closers that have also been tested to perform to a high number of cycles but are not quite as bulky or robust as their Grade 1 heavy duty counterparts.
Low traffic doors such as condo or apartment entry doors or closet doors in an office can be fitted with light duty or economy door closers that have been tested to perform to a lesser number of cycles and that are equipped with less spring power.
3. Mounting Options and Type of Closer
There are several types of closers that can be installed onto doors and door frames in different ways. Surface mounted door closers are cost-effective and reliable and also the most common choice. These closers can typically be installed three different ways – regular arm mounted, parallel arm mounted and top jamb mounted.
4. Backcheck or No Backcheck?
Backcheck is an adjustable feature available on many door closers that provides “resistance” to prevent the door from being thrown open (by users or the wind) and causing personal injury or damage to the door, door handles or walls. All Grade 1 door closers are equipped with a backcheck valve. Most light duty or economy door closers are not equipped with this feature, so even if the door in question is very low traffic but backcheck will be required to help prevent damage or personal injury, then a Grade 1 medium duty closer should be selected for the application.
5. Fire Code and ADA Requirements
Door closers are an important component in the control of fire and smoke and it is critical that they are selected and installed properly.
The use of a cUL (in Canada) or a UL (in USA) marked door closer is mandatory to ensure that the product being used meets all legal requirements and is suitable for use in fire rated assemblies.
6. Door Closer Installation
When the time comes to purchase new door closers or to replace or upgrade your old ones, you can trust Discount Door Hardware.ca to provide you with the best selection of quality door closers to suit a variety of applications and specifications! We also offer a growing inventory of hand tools, drill bits, and specialized accessories to facilitate door hardware installations for both homeowners and contractors! Visit our online store or contact us today!
7. Conclusion
Choosing a door closer change depending on many different factors including customer preference, manufacturer options, and building specifications. All these factors must be considered in order to purchase the right door closer for your door application.
