How to install a door closer? Complete guide
Doors are essential elements in any building, whether it's homes, offices, or commercial spaces. Beyond their functional role of delimiting spaces and providing privacy, doors also contribute to the overall aesthetics of an interior. However, a slamming door can be a source of discomfort, noise, and even damage to walls or furniture. This is where door closers come in - ingenious devices that ensure a smooth and safe closing of the door, extending its lifespan and contributing to a quieter environment.
This complete guide will help you understand how to choose the right door closer for your door and how to install it correctly, whether it's an interior or exterior door.
What is a Door Closer and What Are Its Benefits?
A door closer is an ingenious device, either mechanical or hydraulic, that controls the movement of a door, preventing sudden and noisy closing or opening. It works by dampening the force applied to the door, ensuring a smooth and controlled movement. The benefits of using a door closer are multiple and significant. First, it reduces the noise produced during closing, contributing to a quieter and more pleasant environment. Second, it prevents damage to the door and frame, thus protecting your investment in the door and extending its lifespan. It also improves user safety, avoiding accidents caused by rapid and uncontrolled closings. Last but not least, it facilitates door use for people with reduced mobility, offering them extra comfort and accessibility.
Why Invest in a Door Closer?
A door closer is a small investment with significant benefits. First, it protects the door from damage caused by slamming. A gentle closing of the door also protects walls and furniture, which are often affected when the door is opened too suddenly.
Another argument in favor of door closers is the comfort of use. An automatic and silent closing of the door contributes to a more pleasant acoustic environment in the room. In public buildings, such as offices or institutions, where doors are frequently opened and closed, door closers are even necessary.
We must not forget about safety either. A door equipped with a closer closes slowly and uniformly, which reduces the risk of injury, especially for children.
How to Choose the Right Door Closer for Your Door?
Choosing the right door closer depends on several factors, such as:
- Door weight: The heavier the door, the stronger the door closer needs to be.
- Door size: The width and height of the door also influence the choice of door closer.
- Door type: For interior doors, lighter door closers are sufficient, while for exterior doors exposed to weather conditions, door closers with a greater closing force are recommended.
- Mounting location: The door closer can be mounted on the door, on the frame, or on the wall. The choice of mounting location depends on the type of door and the available space.
- Additional functions: Some door closers offer additional functions, such as adjustable closing speed, "door open" function (locking the door in an open position), or opening dampening.
Types of Door Closers
Various types of door closers are available on the market, which differ in construction and operating principle. The most popular are:
- Hydraulic door closers: These are the most common door closers, characterized by smooth and silent operation. They use hydraulic oil to dampen the door movement.
- Pneumatic door closers: In these door closers, door movement is dampened with the help of compressed air. They are lighter than hydraulic door closers but may be less precise.
- Mechanical door closers: In these door closers, door movement is dampened with the help of a spring. They are the simplest and cheapest but may be less durable and less precise than hydraulic and pneumatic door closers.
Step-by-Step Installation of a Door Closer
Installing a door closer is not complicated, but it requires precision and adherence to the manufacturer's instructions. Here are the general instructions for installing a hydraulic door closer:
- Preparation: Prepare the necessary tools, such as a drill, screwdriver, level, measuring tape, and pencil.
- Marking the mounting locations: According to the manufacturer's instructions, mark the places where the door closer elements will be mounted.
- Drilling: Drill holes in the marked locations.
- Installing the door closer: Mount the door closer using the included screws (e.g., wood screws) and washers.
- Adjustment: Adjust the closing force and closing speed of the door according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Testing: Check if the door closes smoothly and silently. If necessary, make additional adjustments.
Maintenance of the Door Closer
For the door closer to function correctly in the long term, it must be periodically maintained. Maintenance consists of cleaning the door closer of dust and dirt and lubricating the moving parts. In the case of hydraulic door closers, the oil level should be checked occasionally and, if necessary, refilled.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing and Installing a Door Closer
Choosing and installing a door closer may seem like simple tasks, but there are several common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure optimal performance. One of the most frequent mistakes is not paying attention to the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Ignoring these instructions can lead to incorrect installation, affecting the performance of the door closer. It is also essential to choose the right door closer for the weight and dimensions of the door. An undersized door closer will not be able to effectively control the movement of a heavy door, while an oversized door closer can be unnecessary and costly. Making the necessary adjustments is also crucial. Proper adjustment of the closing force and speed ensures smooth and safe operation. Additionally, don't forget to periodically check the condition of the door closer and perform the necessary maintenance to prevent wear and damage. Regular maintenance will extend the life of the door closer and ensure consistent performance.