When building apartments the entrance hall will often be fitted with an automatic door with a coded key for apartment owners
While this may seem an obvious choice and easy to fit, it’s actually isn’t as straight forward as some may think to find and fit the right door closing mechanism.
For instance, if you pick a door closer that’s too powerful when closing your door, it could cause considerable damage to the door and structure itself and even people walking through it when it slams too fast.
When choosing an automatic door closer, make sure you follow these necessary considerations.
Step 1: Determine The Size Of Your Door Closer
Usually, automatic door closers are between the ranges of 1 to 6 with higher values used for the more powerful or improved units. Closer manufacturers provide their buyers with a selection chart. So, you’re free to pick out the best size based on the weight and height of the door. However, if you are not sure of the sizing you want, it’s better to choose an adjustable unit.
Step 2: Do You Want A Concealed Or Surface-Mounted Unit?
Surface-mounted door closers are customarily fixed on door frames and surfaces. They are also visible, economical, and quite easy to install. On the other hand, concealed closes are installed within the door, and they’re not visible once the door closes. These closers are also costly and difficult to mount.
Step 3: Review Your Mounting Requirements
You can install your automatic door closer on each side, but you should choose the correct unit for that kind of installation. Standard door closers are usually designed for installation on the door’s pull side, which is where you pull the door when opening it. You can also opt to fix the closer on the door’s push side, but here, you need to look for a parallel arm installation option.
Step 4: Choosing The Correct Grade
These devices are generally found in three classes. The first grade is the best for commercial application or those doors which face a lot of ‘abuse.’ The second grade is used for standard or light commercial home doors. The third grade is applicable in highly lightweight residential doors like those of storage or guest rooms.
Step 5: Consider The Fire Rating
If you want to install this hardware on a fire-rated commercial building door, make sure it’s fully fire-rated. It should have a metal label which verifies the fire rating.
Step 6: Compare Your Finish Options
You can pick from the stainless steel or standard chrome option. There are even some traditional bronze and brass options. All you have to do is to get the closer which complements or suits your hardware tastes and preferences.
Step 7: Do You Need The Backcheck?
This is a feature that’s supplied for specific door closers only. Its primary use is to limit the swing of the door. Note that all automatic door closers for exterior doors or those near walls and cabinets need to have a backcheck.
Conclusion
These are all the steps you’ll require to get the best door closer. Lastly, remember that when selecting your automatic door closer, you need to consider factors like mounting, application, appearance, and sizing. We wish you all the best!
