Door Closer Installation

Surface-mounted closers attach visibly to the door or frame. They're the most common type in commercial applications - easy to install, service, and replace. The body mounts on the door (regular arm) or frame (parallel arm) depending on door swing direction and aesthetic preference. Regular arm mounting is more efficient mechanically but more visible. Parallel arm mounting is lower profile but requires slightly more expensive hardware.

Concealed closers hide in the door or frame, showing only a small cover plate. They're used in architectural applications where appearance matters - high-end offices, hotels, and design-conscious retail. Concealed closers cost more, require specific door preparations, and are harder to service, but they look cleaner.

Floor closers mount in the floor beneath the door, supporting the door on a pivot rather than hinges. You see these on heavy glass doors in retail storefronts and lobby entrances. They handle heavy doors better than overhead closers but require floor preparation and are expensive to replace.

Commercial-grade closers from Norton, LCN, Dorma, and Falcon offer features beyond consumer-grade hardware: adjustable closing speed, separate latch speed control, backcheck to prevent slamming open, and hold-open capability. They're rated for specific door widths and weights - using an undersized closer guarantees premature failure.

Proper installation starts with selecting the right closer for the application. Door width, door weight, traffic volume, fire rating requirements, and ADA requirements all factor into the choice. An undersized closer fails prematurely. An oversized closer makes the door too hard to open. We specify the correct closer before ordering or installing anything.

Mounting must be solid. Surface-mounted closers anchor through screws into the door and frame. If previous closers have been installed and removed, the screw holes may be wallowed out. We use larger screws, fill and redrill, or install backing plates as needed to ensure solid anchoring.

Adjustment makes the difference between adequate and excellent operation. Every closer has adjustment valves controlling closing speed, latch speed (the final few inches), and sometimes backcheck (resistance when the door is pushed open hard). We set these for smooth, controlled operation that meets ADA requirements and suits your specific door and traffic pattern.

After installation, we test extensively. The door should close smoothly without slamming or creeping. It should latch positively without assistance. Opening force should meet ADA limits if required. Temperature affects operation, so we may need seasonal adjustment - closers set perfectly in winter may be too fast in summer when the hydraulic fluid thins.

Door closers are mechanical devices that benefit from periodic maintenance. Annual inspection catches problems before they become failures. We check for oil leaks, verify adjustment settings, lubricate pivot points, and ensure mounting screws are tight. For high-traffic locations, semi-annual service makes sense.

Oil leaks indicate internal seal failure. Small leaks can sometimes be managed with fluid replacement and seal additives, but significant leaks mean the closer needs replacement. Closers are not field-rebuildable - the internal components aren't designed for service. When a closer is leaking badly, replacement is the practical answer.

Speed drift happens as closers age. The closing speed that was perfect last year may be too fast or slow this year. Sometimes adjustment corrects this. Sometimes the internal hydraulic components are worn beyond adjustment range and the closer needs replacement.

We stock common closers and can often complete repairs or replacements same-day. For unusual closers or specialty applications, we may need to order parts. Either way, we provide temporary measures to keep your door functional while awaiting permanent repair.