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Door Closers

Welcome to our guide on door closers for people living in Newcastle, Australia! At Ambassador Locksmiths, we understand the importance of proper door closure and the role it plays in the security, functionality, and overall appearance of a building. Door closers are an essential component of any door system, and it’s important to choose the right type and size for your specific needs.

In this guide, we will provide an overview of door closers, explain how they work, and discuss the various types available on the market. We will also cover important considerations when choosing a door closer, the importance of professional installation, and proper maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.

By the end of this guide, we hope to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your door closer needs and ensure that your doors are functioning at their best.

So, let’s get started!

What is a door closer?

A door closer is a mechanical device that is installed on a door and is designed to close the door automatically after it has been opened. Door closers are commonly used in commercial and public buildings to ensure that doors are properly closed and to prevent the doors from being left open. They can be either surface-mounted or concealed and can be controlled manually or by an automatic sensor. Door closers typically use a spring or hydraulic mechanism to provide the closing force and can be adjusted to control the speed at which the door closes.

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Why are door closers important?

There are several reasons why door closers are important:

Security

Door closers help to ensure that doors are properly closed and locked, which can help to deter burglaries and other types of unauthorised entry.

Energy efficiency

Properly closed doors can help to prevent drafts and maintain a consistent temperature within a building, which can help to save energy and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Fire safety

In the event of a fire, door closers can help to prevent the spread of flames and smoke by keeping doors closed. This can help to protect occupants and allow them more time to evacuate the building.

Accessibility

Door closers can be adjusted to allow doors to close slowly, which can make it easier for people with mobility issues or disabilities to enter and exit a building.

Noise reduction

Door closers can help to reduce noise by controlling the speed at which doors close, which can be particularly useful in noise-sensitive areas such as hospitals and libraries.

Types of door closers

There are several different types of door closers available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. In this section, we will introduce the main categories of door closers and discuss the key characteristics of each type.

Overhead door closers

  • Door closer mounted on top of the door
  • Using a hydraulic mechanism, overhead door closers apply pressure to the door to control its movement and ensure a smooth, controlled closure.
  • Overhead door closers are a popular choice due to their versatility and ability to accommodate a wide range of door sizes and weights. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain.

Concealed door closers

  • Door closer is hidden within the door or frame
  • Like overhead door closers, concealed door closers use a hydraulic mechanism to control the door’s movement. However, they are designed to be hidden within the door or frame, giving a more streamlined appearance.
  • Concealed door closers offer a sleek, unobtrusive look and are ideal for use in high-traffic areas where the appearance of the door closer is a concern. They can also be adjusted to suit different door sizes and weights.

Surface-mounted door closers

  • Door closer mounted on the surface of the door or frame
  • Surface-mounted door closers use either a hydraulic or spring mechanism to control the door’s movement.
  • Surface-mounted door closers are a cost-effective option and are relatively easy to install. They are also suitable for a wide range of door sizes and weights.

Electromechanical door closers

  • Door closer is powered by an electric motor
  • Electromechanical door closers use an electric motor to control the door’s movement and ensure a smooth, controlled closure.

How door closers work

Door closers are an essential component of any door system, and it’s important to understand how they work in order to choose the right type and size for your specific needs. In this section, we will explain the different mechanisms used by door closers to control the movement of doors.

Hydraulic mechanism

  • When the door is opened, the door closer’s hydraulic cylinder is filled with fluid, which exerts pressure on the door to control its movement. As the door closes, the fluid is released, allowing the door to close smoothly and at a controlled speed.
  • Hydraulic door closers offer precise control and are suitable for use in high-traffic areas. They are also relatively easy to adjust and maintain.

Spring mechanism

  • Door closer uses a spring to apply pressure to the door
  • Spring-loaded door closers use a spring to exert pressure on the door, which controls its movement as it opens and closes.
  • Spring-loaded door closers are a cost-effective option and are relatively easy to install. They are also suitable for a wide range of door sizes and weights.
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Electromechanical mechanism

  • Electromechanical door closers offer precise control and are suitable for use in high-traffic areas. They can also be programmed to open and close doors at certain times or in response to certain stimuli (e.g. a fire alarm).

Choosing the right door closer

Choosing the right door closer is essential for ensuring the security, functionality, and overall appearance of your building. In this section, we will discuss important considerations when selecting a door closer, including door size and weight, type of door, and frequency of use.

Considerations for choosing a door closer

Door size and weight

It’s important to choose a door closer that is capable of handling the size and weight of your door. Overhead door closers and concealed door closers are generally suitable for a wide range of door sizes and weights, while surface-mounted door closers and electromechanical door closers may be limited in the size and weight they can accommodate.

Type of door

The type of door you have will also impact your choice of door closer. For example, fire-rated doors typically require a door closer with a higher rating to ensure they close properly in the event of a fire. Similarly, doors that are frequently opened and closed, such as those in a high-traffic area, may require a door closer with a higher rating to ensure they can handle the increased wear and tear.

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Frequency of use

The frequency of use of a door is also an important consideration when selecting a door closer. For doors that are opened and closed frequently, a door closer with a higher rating may be necessary to ensure it can handle the increased wear and tear.

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Measuring for a door closer

Once you have determined the appropriate size and type of door closer to your needs, it’s important to ensure that it is properly sized for your door. To measure for a door closer, you will need to determine the size and weight of your door, as well as the width of the door frame.

You may also need to measure the distance from the door hinges to the door closer mounting point, as well as the distance from the door closer mounting point to the floor.

Professional Installation

While it is possible to install a door closer yourself, we recommend seeking the assistance of a professional locksmith to ensure proper installation. Improper installation can result in problems with the door closer’s functionality, such as the door not closing properly or the door closer leaking oil.

At Ambassador Locksmiths, we have qualified and experienced locksmiths who can assist with the installation of your door closer to ensure it is done correctly.

We hope that this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of door closers and the important role they play in the security, functionality, and overall appearance of a building. By choosing the right door closer and maintaining it properly, you can ensure that your doors are functioning at their best and providing the security and convenience you need.

In this guide, we covered the following key points:

  • The different types of door closers available, including overhead door closers, concealed door closers, surface-mounted door closers, and electromechanical door closers.
  • The various mechanisms used by door closers control the movement of doors, including hydraulic, spring, and electromechanical mechanisms.
  • Important considerations when choosing a door closer, including door size and weight, type of door, and frequency of use.
  • The importance of professional installation and regular maintenance to ensure the proper functioning of your door closer.
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We hope that this information has been helpful and that you feel more confident in making informed decisions about your door closer needs. If you have any further questions or would like assistance with the selection or installation of a door closer, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Ambassador Locksmiths. We are here to help!

FAQs About Door Closers

A door closer is a mechanical device that is installed on a door to automatically close it after it has been opened. Door closers are used to control the movement of doors, ensuring that they close smoothly and at a controlled speed.

There are several different types of door closers available on the market, including overhead door closers, concealed door closers, surface-mounted door closers, and electromechanical door closers.

Door closers use a variety of mechanisms to control the movement of doors, including hydraulic, spring, and electromechanical mechanisms. Hydraulic door closers use a hydraulic cylinder to apply pressure to the door, while spring-loaded door closers use a spring to exert pressure on the door. Electromechanical door closers are powered by an electric motor, which can be programmed to open and close the door at certain times or in response to certain stimuli.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a door closer, including the size and weight of the door, the type of door, and the frequency of use. It’s important to choose a door closer that is capable of handling the size and weight of your door, and that is suitable for the type of door you have (e.g. fire-rated doors may require a door closer with a higher rating). The frequency of use of the door is also an important consideration, as doors that are opened and closed frequently may require a door closer with a higher rating to handle the increased wear and tear.

While it is possible to install a door closer yourself, we recommend seeking the assistance of a professional locksmith to ensure proper installation. Improper installation can result in problems with the door closer’s functionality, such as the door not closing properly or the door closer leaking oil.

Regular maintenance is important to ensure the proper functioning of your door closer. This may include cleaning the door closer and lubricating its moving parts. If you notice any issues with your door closer, such as the door not closing properly or the door closer leaking oil, it’s important to troubleshoot the issue and seek the assistance of a professional if necessary.