A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Door Closers

Door closers are essential for controlling the movement of doors, enhancing safety, maintaining energy efficiency, and adding convenience. Whether you’re outfitting a commercial property, residential space, or outdoor gate, understanding the different types of door closers can help you make an informed decision. In this blog, we’ll explore surface door closers, concealed door closers, and gate closers, and provide a buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Types of Door Closers

1. Surface Door Closers

Surface door closers are the most common type of door closer. They are mounted on the surface of the door or frame, making them visible but easy to install and maintain. These closers come in various configurations, including:

• Regular Arm: Installed on the pull side of the door, offering excellent durability.

• Top Jamb: Mounted on the push side of the door, commonly used for glass doors or doors with narrow frames.

• Parallel Arm: Attached to the push side, flush with the door frame, making them ideal for low-profile applications.

Surface door closers are versatile and suitable for both residential and commercial applications. They’re available in various finishes to match door hardware aesthetics.

2. Concealed Door Closers

Concealed door closers are hidden within the door or frame, offering a sleek, unobtrusive look. These closers are popular in modern and high-end architectural designs.

Key Features:

• Aesthetically pleasing as they’re completely out of sight.

• Require precise installation, often during door construction.

• Ideal for spaces where design and appearance are priorities, such as luxury homes, offices, and retail stores.

Concealed door closers often provide adjustable closing speeds and strengths, making them suitable for various door weights and sizes.

3. Gate Closers

Gate closers are specifically designed for outdoor gates. They help ensure gates close securely, enhancing security and preventing gates from slamming in windy conditions.

Types of Gate Closers:

• Hydraulic Gate Closers: Offer smooth and controlled closing action.

• Spring Gate Closers: Simple, cost-effective options that use spring tension to close gates automatically.

Gate closers are typically weather-resistant, making them durable against outdoor elements like rain, snow, and UV exposure.

Understanding Door Closer Degrees and Features

When selecting a door closer, it’s important to consider its degree of opening, as well as additional features like hold-open functionality.

Degree of Opening

The degree of opening determines how far a door can swing open before the closer begins to engage. Popular options include:

• 90 Degrees: Standard for most residential and commercial applications. Provides a wide-enough opening for ease of entry and exit without overextending.

• 105 Degrees: Offers a slightly wider opening angle, which is helpful in high-traffic areas or spaces requiring greater accessibility.

Hold Open (HO) vs. No Hold Open (NHO)

• HO (Hold Open): These door closers can keep the door in an open position without manual effort. Ideal for spaces where doors need to remain open for extended periods, such as during deliveries or high traffic times.

• NHO (No Hold Open): These closers automatically close the door after it has been opened. Perfect for areas where security and energy efficiency are priorities.

Buying Guide for Door Closers

When shopping for door closers, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Door Type and Weight: Ensure the closer is compatible with the material and weight of your door. Heavier doors require stronger closers.

2. Mounting Preference: Decide between surface-mounted, concealed, or specialty options like gate closers.

3. Traffic Volume: High-traffic areas often require durable, adjustable closers to handle frequent use.

4. Environment: For outdoor applications, choose weather-resistant gate closers or corrosion-resistant finishes for surface and concealed closers.

5. Functionality: Consider the degree of opening and whether HO or NHO functionality suits your needs.

6. Aesthetics: Match the door closer’s finish and design with your door and overall décor.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right door closer involves balancing functionality, aesthetics, and durability. Surface door closers are versatile and cost-effective, concealed door closers offer a sleek look, and gate closers ensure outdoor security and convenience. By understanding the degree of opening and the differences between HO and NHO features, you can select the ideal door closer to suit your specific requirements.

Investing in a high-quality door closer not only improves safety and convenience but also enhances the overall experience of using your doors. Take the time to evaluate your needs, and you’ll find the perfect fit for your space.