Surface-mounted door closers can be installed at the top of the door, using parallel or regular arm mounts, while concealed door closers can be installed in the top jamb or within the door leaf. Consider your specific door type and requirements to determine the most suitable installation location.
Push side/parallel arm closers are slightly less efficient in closing a door than pull side/regular arms because of the way they are mounted. When you fit on the pull side of a door, you don't lose a power size, whereas when you fit on the push side, it is not uncommon to lose a power size.
A door closer should never be mounted to the outside of a building. The exposure to weather and vandals makes the installation very unsafe and will greatly reduce the lifespan of the door closer. Top jamb, parallel arm mount, and drop plates, allows door closers to be installed on interior push side of any door.
The closing, or swing speed must not be faster than five seconds. The closing or swing distance is from the open position at 90 degrees to 12 degrees from the latch. Latching speed isn't specified, but should be fast enough to latch the door but not slam it.
Screen door closers are typically installed on bottom, but can be installed on top if desired, although wind chain could be in the way. Always install on interior side of storm door; install on edge with hinges.
Top of the Door: Installing the door closer at the top of the door is a popular choice. It offers effective control over the door's closing speed and helps prevent the door from slamming shut. This location is suitable for both interior and exterior doors.
If the door frame is narrow, a concealed unit may be the best option. Step 4: Review the mounting requirements. You can mount your closer on either side of the door, but you must select a unit that is designed for that type of mounting.
“S”- Swing Speed: adjustment for the long swing of the door. “L” - Latch Speed: adjustment for the short final swing of the door. “BC” - Back Check: adjustment to limit/slow the maximum swing of the door.
Any door that gets foot traffic should have a door closer on the door. A door closer provides a level of safety to any person using the door. A door closer ensures that a door gently closes and does not slam.
ADA Requirements Overview:
By ADA standards, the clear width of a door opening must be a minimum of 32 inches. This clear width measurement is taken between the face of the door and the stop of the frame with the door open to 90 degrees (Figure A).
Also known as Top Jamb. Essentially, these door closers are regular arm closers turned upside down. Like regular arm closers, top hinge closers have arms that have perpendicular projection out from the door. The difference is that the door closer body is mounted to the face of the door frame, not the door.
Door closers can be handed Right Hand Reverse (RHR), Left Hand Reverse (LHR), Left Hand (LH), Right Hand (RH). One point to keep in mind is that door closers are always mounted on the interior side of the door. This is due to security reasons.
For doors installed at exterior locations, the closer should be mounted inside of the building where possible. On interior openings, closers are often specified to be installed on the least public side of the openings. This way they will be out of view in common areas but will still perform their basic function.
Go to the push side of the door opening. See above illustration. If door swings out to the left, it needs a left hand door closer. If door swings out to the right, it needs a right hand door closer.
Doors must be operable with a maximum force of 5 lbs and if closers are provided, the minimum closing speed shall be 5 seconds when closing from 90 degrees to 12 degrees.
Concealed door closers are hidden from view and are a more aesthetically pleasing fit than overhead door closers. They are fitted in either the door jamb, the door itself or the transom.
Yes, you can install a door closer outside, but it is not recommended, and where you can install it inside the building, ie. there is wall space, this would be advisable. Push-side mounting is advisable for outward-opening doors, so that the door closer is mounted inside the building.
"1" and "2" Are On The Door Closer, Not "S" and "L" On some door closers the term "S" and "L" are not used, instead a numeric system is used "1" and "2". Where "1" is the sweep speed adjustment valve and "2" is the latching speed valve adjustment.
Adjust the closer tension: If the closer tension is too loose, the closer may not be able to close the door properly. Check the oil level: If the oil level in the closer is low, it may cause the closer to malfunction. Clean and lubricate the closer: Dirt and dust can accumulate in the closer, causing it to malfunction.
DOOR REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE. Locksmith
We are able to remove and trim down doors, install and service door closers, replace worn and broken hinges and even repair damaged doors due to break-ins. Having a functional and secure door requires several features that are often overlooked.