Do you ever wonder how the door at your office, clinic, or school closes on its own? Maybe you don’t give it much thought, but that little mechanism on the top of the door that controls its closing is called the spring door closer. It might just be a small device, but it’s essential in ensuring that the door is securely shut and that the room remains private.
The spring door closer comes in different types and sizes, but the most common ones are the Surface Mounted and the Concealed models. Surface mounted types are usually found on the surface of the door, while concealed models are placed inside the door itself.
The main purpose of the spring door closure mechanism is to create a pressure difference between the rooms. When one door opens and another door is closed, the air flows between those rooms. This creates an air pressure difference which often causes a slam sound when the door shuts. The spring closer absorbs some of that pressure and regulates the speed of the door closing, so it doesn’t slam. By doing so, it keeps the door and the frame safe from damage.
A standard spring door closer is composed of five parts: the cylinder, the pinion gear, the rack arm, the closer body, and the adjustment screw. The cylinder holds the hydraulic fluid, and the pinion gear controls the door’s momentum. The rack arm connects the pinion gear to the closure body. The closer body is responsible for regulating the pressure applied to the cylinder, and the adjustment screw makes it possible to fine-tune the closing tension.
How does the spring door closer work? The hydraulic cylinder holds the hydraulic fluid that gets pushed through a small valve as the door opens. This fluid then creates resistance that slows down the door’s momentum, eventually closing it while keeping it under control and preventing a slam. The closed door retains its seal, so no unwanted air flows through, and no noise escapes.
Surface mounted closers can withstand different door weights and heights and control the door’s speed by hydraulic adjustment via the adjustment screw. Concealed types, on the other hand, are integrated into the door to remain hidden. They require professional installation and service, but provide a clean and sleek look.
Spring door closers require relatively little maintenance; however, they need periodic checks to ensure proper operation. They should be appropriately adjusted, cleaned, and lubricated to avoid issues with the hydraulic fluid. Dirt, corrosives, or other particles might find their way into the closer and affect its performance. It’s essential to inspect the closer body and assess the cylinder’s condition from time to time. This will avoid unexpected closure that might injure someone or damage property.
The spring door closer is an essential mechanism that provides convenience, safety, and security. It regulates the pressure difference between two rooms and keeps the door from slamming shut, protecting the structure from deterioration and keeping noise levels under control. Two common types are available: surface-mounted and concealed, both of which are necessary depending on the architectural design. Its maintenance – cleaning, lubrication, and regular inspection – is crucial to ensure the longevity and functionality of the device.
Next time you walk through your office or school’s door, try to pay attention to its spring door closer. You might not notice it in plain sight, but it plays a vital role in your safety, privacy, and wellbeing.
