When it comes to door hardware, the devil is in the details. Door closers might not be the most glamorous part of a building, but they play a pivotal role in both functionality and security.
As your trusted partner in providing top-notch door hardware solutions, Homebuilders Hardware is here to guide you through the world of automatic door closers. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 5 types of automatic door closers we offer, each designed to suit specific needs and scenarios.
Be sure to read to the end where we outline the key factors you need to consider when choosing the right type of door closer.
1. Extra Heavy Duty Door Closers
For the most demanding commercial environments, extra heavy-duty door closers are the ultimate choice. These closers are built to withstand high levels of foot traffic and heavy doors. Whether it’s the entrance to an office building, school campus, hospital, or airport, these closers ensure consistent and reliable closing performance even in the busiest settings.
2. Heavy Duty Door Closers
Ideal for commercial spaces with high levels of foot traffic, heavy-duty door closers provide a strong balanced combination of strength and functionality. These closers are a common sight in the main entrances of retail stores, educational institutions, and public facilities. If you’re looking for a dependable solution that stands up to daily wear and tear and for heavier doors, heavy-duty door closers are the way to go.
3. Heavy/Medium Duty Door Closers
In environments that experience varying levels of traffic, heavy/medium duty door closers offer versatility and reliability. These are the best option when you don’t need the heavy and extra-heavy duty muscles that heavier doors require, but you do still need a good level of durability plus the maximum control that a fully-adjustable door closer offers.
Their adjustable settings make them adaptable to different door weights and usage patterns. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for quite a lot of scenarios, including office complexes, hotels, schools, churches, and shopping centers, just to name a few.
4. Medium Duty Door Closers
When it comes to both commercial and residential settings, medium duty door closers strike a nice balance. They’re suitable for doors that see regular but not excessive use. With adjustable speed power settings, you can fine-tune the timing of your door’s closing movement to match the door’s weight and external conditions. Notably, the Medium Duty Door Closers often do not have and adjustable power (i.e. pounds of force) setting. If you need a Medium Duty door closer with adjustable power, the LH5016 Medium/Heavy Duty model is a perfect fit.
5. Light Duty Door Closers
For applications that demand a lighter touch, such as interior doors and pool gates, light duty door closers offer a gentle and controlled closing action. These closers are designed to provide just the right amount of force to ensure a secure closure without unnecessary strain on light doors or gates.
Choosing the Right Door Closer
To make an informed choice, consider the following key factors, each playing a vital role in determining the most suitable door closer for your needs. Matching these factors to your situation will help you choose a door closer that not only meets the immediate needs of the space in question but also provides lasting value and performance.
1. Frequency of Use
Understanding the volume of foot traffic a door will experience is pivotal. In high-traffic areas like commercial spaces, schools, or healthcare facilities, a durable door closer that can withstand constant opening and closing is crucial. For these environments, opting for heavy-duty or extra heavy-duty door closers ensures consistent performance and longevity, minimizing maintenance needs and frequent replacements. Closing force is also a factor that may require special consideration for educational environments.
2. Door Weight
The weight of the door directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the door closer. A door that’s too heavy for the closer’s power setting can result in sluggish closing or even improper latching, compromising both security and energy efficiency. Conversely, a door that’s too light for the closer might slam shut or damage the door and its hinges, causing unnecessary wear. By selecting a door closer with the appropriate power setting for your door’s weight, you ensure a smooth and controlled closing action.
3. Durability
The environment in which the door closer will be installed plays a significant role in its longevity. Consider factors such as weather conditions, temperature variations, and potential exposure to moisture. In highly corrosive or harsh environments, opting for door closers with corrosion-resistant coatings can extend their lifespan and maintain their performance, even in challenging conditions.
NOTE: Our Extra-Heavy Duty model is made from cast iron and should not be used in marine environments. Instead, use the Heavy Duty model which is made of corrosion-resistant cast aluminum.
4. Adjustability
Many modern door closers offer a range of adjustable features that allow you to fine-tune their behavior to match specific requirements. Backcheck, delayed action, sweep speed, latching speed, and closing force are among the adjustable settings that can be critical for optimizing the door closer’s performance and user experience.
For instance, backcheck prevents doors from slamming into walls, protecting both the door and the surroundings. Similarly, adjusting the closing force ensures doors close securely while accommodating different door weights and external factors such as windy weather or slower foot traffic such as in nursing home residents or hospitals.
Need a helping hand? Reach out to us now.
If you’re still unsure about the best door closer for your project, don’t worry – our team of is here to help. Whether you need assistance with technical specifications, installation guidelines, or any other aspect of your door closer selection, our team is just a phone call or email away. Feel free to contact us now for personalized assistance and advice.
