Guide to Door Closers
In this blog entry, the expert Charleston commercial locksmith service team here at Charleston Locksmith Pro will detail the most important things to know about commercial door closers.
What are commercial door closers?
Commercial door closers are mechanical devices installed at the upper part of your commercial door to automatically close it once it has been opened. They control the force and speed of the closing door, preventing damage and making sure that your business is safe, especially in busy and high-traffic environments.
Why are door closers essential for retail doors?
- Commercial door closers prevent unauthorized access, when paired with automatic locking hardware.
- Commercial door closers maintain inside temperatures by lowering air leakage.
- Door closers meet accessibility and fire code requirements, lowering the chances of accidents.
- Commercial door closers are highly durable and can last with heavy usage for many years without maintenance.
What are the main types of commercial door closers for retail doors?
Surface Mounted Door Closers
The most common type of door closer, these are installed on the door frame surface. Arm styles include:
- Regular arm door closers – mounted on door pull sides
- Parallel arm door closers – mounted on door push sides
- Top jamb door closers – best for aluminum and glass doors
Concealed Door Closers
These door closers are hidden inside the door or the frame. They are sleek and aesthetically minimal. They are best for high end retail environments.
Floor Spring Door Closers
They are installed inside the floor, and are best for heavy retail glass doors. They smoothly operate and are very durable.
Overhead Concealed Closers
These are mounted inside the door’s header, and work best for glass doors with a minimal appearance.
How can I choose the best commercial closer for my Charleston retail property?
- Aluminum or glass doors should get top jamb or concealed door closers
- Wood or metal forks should get overhead concealed or surface mounted door closers
- High traffic environments should get a heavy duty hydraulic door closer
- Low or medium traffic environments like specialty stores or high end boutiques should get standard surface mounted door closers
Some Other Tips for Commercial Door Closers:
- Make sure that your door closer meets all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, and allow for access with minimal force
- Search for door closers with customizable speed settings for security benefits and ease of use
- Make sure to get a door closer with weatherproof featuring for all exterior doors that may experience extreme temperatures or humidity
