Open doors are an invitation, and that can be good or bad…sometimes very bad. Relying on customers or employees to keep important doors closed ranges from annoying to risky. That’s where door closers come in.
Whether you want a door closed to keep in heat and air conditioning or keep out wind, fumes, varmints or thieves, door closers are must-have equipment that pay for themselves. Plus, building codes often require them as part of fire suppression measures.
Let’s look at a few types and what they’re best suited for:
Spring Closers: Remember grandma’s house and the screen door with a long spring running from the door jamb to the door frame? It could slam the door shut with enough force to rattle windows and enough noise to bring joy to a 7-year-old’s heart. Today that’s so ’90s—1890s that is. Now most spring closers are built into the door hinges, but they suffer from the same 19th-century problems—lack of control and gradually weakening springs. They may be suitable for some residential applications, but not commercial situations, especially where high volume use can cause them to wear out quickly.
Pneumatic and Hydraulic Closers: These are used on everything from storm doors to building and office entrances. They can be surface-mounted cylinders or heavy metal chambers. They use an air or oil-filled chamber much the way shock absorbers work on cars. The air or liquid acts as a damper that offers control over the door’s closing force and speed. Some models may use springs in place of air or oil and some may have a dampener for opening, too, keeping the door from being blown open by high winds. These closers range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars and many are designed for heavy commercial use.
Automatic Openers and Closers: Automatic door openers and closers function electrically, either with a pressure-sensitive mat, photoelectric cell, or a manually-activated switch. The switch triggers a drive gear that opens and closes the door. These openers are heavy-duty and can be used with both swinging and sliding doors. Widespread use in retail locations means we’re all familiar with this technology. Used for handicap entrances, senior living centers and hospitals, they add convenience and safety to every situation. They’re generally self-locking, as well, making them a good choice for security, too.
Regardless of the type of opener you choose, an incorrectly installed or improperly adjusted door closer can cause property damage and personal injury. Instead, have your door closers professionally installed to ensure they work properly right from the start. When installed correctly all models of door closers will operate better and last longer.
Alexius Security Lock & Key, Denver’s Hometown Locksmiths, has more than 16 years’ experience installing and maintaining entry systems, both manual and automatic. Besides installing commercial and residential entry systems, we offer ongoing maintenance for commercial automatic doors and other critical security devices.
Our staff is highly-trained, professional and courteous. Our business is bonded and insured and our products and services are guaranteed. That’s why we’ve received a Better Business Bureau Gold Star certification five years in a row and are part of Angie’s List and the Tom Martino Troubleshooter Network.
Our services go beyond simply working on locks. We can advise you about the best systems for your safety and convenience and recommend security measures for all of your property. Just give us a call at 303.617.3717 or use our online contact form for prompt, professional attention to all your security needs.
