Door Closers Add Safety and Security to Your Business

A door closer does just what the name suggests -- it closes a door. Although most people going in and out of commercial buildings won't pay much attention to the door closer installed above their heads, the device ensures that the door closes securely behind each person. Door closers are most commonly found on entrance/exit doors, fire doors, kitchen and service doors, and restroom doors. In addition to providing security for your facility, door closers also keep out vermin and help maintain interior climate control. Several factors need to be considered when choosing door closers: size of the door, function of the door, level of usage, and whether it's an internal or external door.

Doors that don't get much traffic can use lightweight door closers. Manufacturers typically describe these openers as suitable for low to moderate traffic. These types of door closers can be used in both interior and exterior applications. These overhead door closers normally are adjustable for interior doors to 5 feet and exterior doors to 4 feet. These openers are ideal for restrooms.

Doors at busy entrances or restaurant kitchens should be fitted with heavy-duty door closers. When shopping for a heavy-duty closer, pay close attention to the size door the closer works with. Moderately heavy-duty devices usually accommodate doors from 36 inches to 48 inches. Many heavy-duty closers work on interior doors to 4 feet 6 inches and exterior doors to 3 feet 6 inches. Look for heavy-duty door closers that have been tested and certified under ANSI Standard A156.4, grade one.

Heavy-duty closers are also necessary for fire doors. You want a door closer that closes securely and can withstand sudden, constant use in case of fire. The best closers for fire doors are UL and cUL listed. You may also want to consider special, electric sensor fire door closers that hold the door open until current interruption releases the holding mechanism and the door closes. These types of fire door closers should always conform to life safety code, NFPA 101.

In order to comply with ADA requirements, businesses should look for door closers that meet ADA guidelines. Auto-equalizer door closers are specifically designed for this purpose. These doors use low-energy power to assist the disabled, frail or elderly in opening the door. Some designs even allow for automatic opening when necessary. Look for low-energy door closers that are UL 325 compliant and meet the provisions of ANSI A156.19.

In addition to function, door closers can be selected based on aesthetics. Closers often come in a variety of finishes including aluminum, brass and bronze. Concealed door closers are also available for use in both low traffic and high traffic situations. Expect to pay from $140 for a basic door opener to well over $2,000 for powered openers.