What is a Door Closer?

Doors are the unsung heroes of our daily lives, quietly shielding us from the chaos outside. But have you ever wondered what keeps them securely closed and elegantly swinging back into place? That's right, it's the humble yet powerful door closer! In this blog post, we'll unveil the mystery behind this inconspicuous device and explore how it revolutionizes your everyday experience with doors. So buckle up as we dive into the realm of door closers – prepare to be amazed by their ingenious design and indispensable role in ensuring safety, convenience, and a touch of magic every time you pass through a doorway!

How does a Door Closer Work?

A door closer is a mechanism that automatically closes a door after it has been opened. It is installed on the top of the door, and its purpose is to ensure that the door closes securely and smoothly each time it is used. But how exactly does a door closer work? 

At its core, a door closer works by using hydraulic or mechanical force to control the movement of a closing door. When someone opens a door equipped with a closer, they are essentially compressing the spring or releasing the oil pressure inside the mechanism. 

The two most common types of closers are hydraulic and pneumatic. Hydraulic closers use oil-filled chambers to control the speed and force of closing, while pneumatic closers use compressed air. Both types work in similar ways but differ in their internal mechanisms. When opening a door with a hydraulic closer, you compress the fluid in an enclosed chamber by pushing on it with your hands. As you open the door further, more fluid is displaced until there is enough pressure built up to keep the closer's arm extended fully. Once you release your hold on the handle or pushbar, this stored energy will be released gradually through an adjustable valve inside the body of the device. The fluid flows back into its original position while controlling both speed and power during closing. Pneumatic closers operate similarly by using compressed air rather than oil-filled chambers. With each opening motion, air passes through small channels within the piston and creates resistance that prevents rapid closure when released. In addition to these basic mechanisms, modern-day closers also come with various features such as adjustable closing speed and latching action. These adjustments can be made either manually or electronically depending on how sophisticated your chosen model may be. 

Regardless of which type you choose, all closers have one goal – to close doors safely and efficiently without causing damage or injury. They do this by using controlled force from their spring-loaded arms along with additional components like valves, seals, and pistons to ensure a smooth closing action. Door closers work by using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to control the speed and force of a closing door. They are designed to provide convenience, security, and safety for users while also extending the lifespan of doors and hinges. 

When to use a Mechanical or Electromechanical Automatic Door Closer.

There are two main types that you may come across: mechanical and electromechanical automatic door closers. Both serve the same purpose of automatically closing doors after they have been opened, but they operate in slightly different ways. Mechanical door closers use a spring mechanism to control the speed and force of the closing action. When the door is opened, the spring is compressed and stores energy which is then released when the door is released. This allows for a controlled closing speed, preventing any slamming or damage to the door and frame. These types of door closers are best suited for low-traffic areas such as residential buildings or small offices. They are also typically used on lightweight doors as their spring mechanism may not be strong enough to handle heavier doors. 

On the other hand, electromechanical automatic door closers use an electric motor to control the opening and closing of doors. This type of closer can be adjusted to suit different opening speeds and force requirements, making them more versatile than mechanical options. One major advantage of using an electromechanical automatic door closer is its ability to integrate with other access control systems such as keycard readers or push-button switches. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas such as commercial buildings, hospitals, or universities where controlling access is important. Another benefit of using this type of closer is its ability to hold doors open at specific angles. This can be useful in situations where people may need extra time to pass through a doorway, such as when carrying large objects or pushing a wheelchair. 

It's important to note that both mechanical and electromechanical automatic door closers require regular maintenance and adjustment in order to function properly. Springs on mechanical closers can wear out over time and need replacement while electromechanical ones may need their motors calibrated for optimal performance. In general, if you are looking for a simple and cost-effective solution for low-traffic areas, a mechanical door closer may be the best choice. However, if you need more control and flexibility in a high-traffic environment, an electromechanical option would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision to use a mechanical or electromechanical automatic door closer will depend on your specific needs and the type of building or space where it will be installed. 

Consulting with a professional can help you determine which type of closer is best for your particular situation.

Explore the different styles of Door Closers at Trademark Hardware

When it comes to choosing a door closer for your commercial or residential space, there are various styles available in the market. At Trademark Hardware, we offer a wide range of door closers to suit different needs and preferences. Let's take a closer look at the different styles of door closers that you can explore at our store. 

1. Overhead Door Closers: These are the most common type of door closers used in commercial buildings as they provide strong and reliable closing force. They are typically mounted on the surface of the door frame and have an arm that extends to the top of the door. Overhead door closers come in different sizes and strengths, making them suitable for both light and heavy-duty doors. 

2. Overhead Concealed Door Closers: If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing option, concealed door closers may be the right choice for you. They are installed within the frame or top jamb of the door, making them almost invisible from outside. Concealed door closers provide a clean and seamless look while still providing efficient closing power. 

3. Floor Spring Door Closers: These types of closers are commonly used in glass doors or other heavy-duty doors that require a strong closing mechanism. Floor spring closers are installed into either side of the floor and have an arm attached to the bottom corner of the door to control its movement. 

4. Surface Mounted Door Closers: Similar to overhead closers, surface-mounted ones also attach directly onto the face of a door frame but do not have an extended arm like overhead ones do. Instead, they have arms that attach directly onto both sides of the opening. 

5. Cam Action Door Closers: These types of closers use cams instead of traditional arms which give them more flexibility in terms of installation options. They can be mounted on either side or both sides depending on your preference. 

At Trademark Hardware, we also offer a variety of additional features such as adjustable closing and latching speed, hold-open functions, and backcheck options for most of our door closers. This allows you to customize the functionality of your door closer according to your specific needs. Whether you need a heavy-duty overhead closer or a sleek and concealed option, Trademark Hardware has got you covered with our diverse range of door closers. With the right choice of style and features, you can ensure that your doors close smoothly and securely every time. 

Visit our website or contact us today to explore more options and find the perfect door closer for your space.