Complete Locksmith Services

Automotive - Residential
Commercial

Quality service is just a phone call away.

Advancedlnk aaa-approved-logo

Call Us 216-333-1550

Complete Locksmith Services

Quality service is just a phone call away.

Blog Post

Door closers installation

Door closers are an essential component to the flow of entry and exit at your place of business. So, you want to make sure that yours is well-suited to your space and in good working condition. 

Here at Advanced Lock and Key here in Akron, we can help you find the right door closer for your commercial and residential needs!

Why are door closers so important?

Door closers are mechanisms mounted on a door in order to control the door’s swing. They can be useful for some residential uses, for example, on a screen door or storm door. But, they’re most commonly found in commercial settings, where controlling a door’s speed is important for safety considerations. Indeed, door closers are required by law in most building codes.

The basic function of a door closer includes:

  • Preventing the door from slamming shut
  • Preventing the door from being opened forcefully
  • Holding the door in an open position

Choosing the right door closer for a space depends on a variety of different factors, from the weight of the door to the amount of traffic in and out of the space to the local building code. In this article, we’ll talk more about the common types of door closers for a variety of different settings.

Common types of door closers

In general, door closers fall into one of the following categories:

Overhead

This is the most common type of door closer used in commercial spaces as it’s affordable, reliable, and versatile for use in a variety of different settings. Overhead door closers are typically appropriate for internal doors with a moderate amount of traffic, but there are models designed for heavy foot traffic areas, as well. These more durable options can be used on external doors.

Jamb mounted

Jamb mounted door closers are installed along the door frame and are typically concealed from view with a pulley mechanism housed within the door itself. They are preferred for settings in which tampering is a concern, such as in schools, university dorms, or care homes and are a popular choice for fire rated doors.

Floor mounted

Floor mounted door closers or door springs are installed along the bottom of the door frame and are most commonly used with glass doors or settings in which a less noticeable door closer is preferred.

Choosing the right grade of door closer

Similar to door locks, door closers are graded on a 1 to 3 scale according to ANSI standards.

Grade 1

This is the highest grade for door closers, meaning that the hardware in these models has been tested to withstand the most heavy-duty usage, performing up to 2 million cycles. Grade 1 door closers are best for commercial settings with high foot traffic and demanding environmental factors, such as wind gusts, rain, and UV exposure.

Grade 2

Grade 2 door closers are a middle-of-the-road option rated for up to 1 million cycles. They are most popular for internal doors at commercial spaces that get a decent amount of foot traffic: restrooms, classroom entrances, hallways, etc.

Grade 3

These are door closers that are rated for function of up to 500,000 cycles, which makes them a good option for low-to-medium traffic areas. They are well-suited to storage closets or control rooms that require a door closer but don’t get too much use. While most residential door closers are not rated on the ANSI grading system, those that are tend to fall into this category.

Building code considerations

When choosing the right door closer for your business, it will need to comply with your building code regulations. Fire rated doors, for example, require the use of door closers which are designed to shut automatically in the event of a fire or other emergency. 

ADA compliance is another big consideration for business owners, as door closers play an important role in making a space accessible for people with disabilities. Indeed, touchless access door closers are required in some entrances to allow entry and egress for people who cannot physically open the door on their own.

Still not sure which door closer you need?

Whether you own a small shop in downtown Akron, are opening a financial institution in Lakemore or manage a manufacturing company in Kenmore, Advanced Lock and Key can help with your door closers! We’ve got years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining these devices, and can answer any questions you may have about code compliance, budget, functionality and more.

Call Advanced Lock and Key in Akron to learn more about door closers for your Summit County business!

Why choose us ?

With over 20 years of experience, our trusted crew will assist you in any problem you may have quickly and efficiently. Our main goal is to give you service as fast as possible, and let you go back to your everyday routine. 

Advancedlnk aaa-approved-logo

Our services