Commonly used in commercial or public buildings, door closers can occasionally require adjustment in order to maintain optimum functionality over extended use.
Often set up to operate differently depending on the door and surroundings they are situated in, the correct set up of these products is imperative if you are to avoid issues such as doors slamming shut or failing to latch when closed.
The following points cover the main adjustments commonly required and the most common ways in which these changes can be carried out in order to achieve the best results.
Adjusting Valves
To make adjustments to a door closer it will need to be installed and have the closing arm positioned correctly. If the door closer has a cover, this will need to be removed in order to make adjustments.
To adjust a door closer you will first need to locate the appropriate hydraulic valve by consulting the instructions or specifications. Next, take the tool needed (this may vary depending upon the design of the door closer) to make the change and turn the valve; this will usually be clockwise to decrease the speed and anticlockwise to increase it. Make sure that you do not completely unscrew any valves as this could cause damage to your door closer, causing it to malfunction or break down completely.
Keep in mind that there isn’t an optimum valve configuration, as doors will usually be different widths, sizes and placed in a variety of environments.
After adjusting the valves on your door closer, always check the doors function to ensure that it is opening and closing in a safe and controlled way.
Sweep speed
The sweep speed of a door is the speed taken for the door to move between 150 degrees and 18 degrees. If the door is closing too quickly or slowly, the door closers sweep speed can be adjusted to offer a more suitable pace.
To adjust a door closer with this function, locate the sweep speed valve on the door closer and rotate the valve clockwise to decrease the speed, or anticlockwise to increase it (always consult your door closer’s instructions as methods of adjustment may vary). Ensure that you take time to test its functionality until the correct rate at which it opens and closes, is found.
Latching speed
The latching speed of a door is the speed taken for the door to close and latch shut over the last 15 to 0 degrees of its closing phase. As one of the most crucial stages of the closing process, if this phase is too slow the door may not latch, whilst allowing it to close too fast could create a finger-trapping hazard.
To adjust this you will need to locate the latch speed valve and turn it to increase or decrease the latching speed until the door latches safely. When adjusted, the door should allow traffic to safely pass through the door, whilst also latching effectively.
Power setting
If a door closer has a power setting, it will allow you to increase the amount of power exerted through the door to make it close effectively. This is often required if a door is positioned outside in a windy environment, or inside where there is a pressure difference between rooms.
To adjust the power setting, locate the power valve and increase or decrease the power setting until the door closes effectively. Be aware that the latch closing speed and sweep speed may be altered by changing this feature.
Back check
If a door closer has a back check function, the resistance of the door closer can be made proportional to the speed of the opening. For example, if the door was opened quickly there would be a high level of resistance to slow the door’s movement down.
To adjust this feature, turn the back check valve to increase or decrease the amount of resistance the door will provide, testing as you go to ensure you achieve the correct speed.
Delayed action feature
Allowing you to delay your door from closing whilst traffic passes through it, this feature is useful if there is a high volume of traffic passing through the door, or an extended amount of time is needed. For example this could be required for wheelchair users or for those that are using a pushchair; giving them longer to move through the doorway with ease.
To add this feature, rotate the delayed action valve in accordance with your door closer’s instructions in order to implement or deactivate its use. Remember, if you are using the delayed action feature please be aware of external doors that can be kept open by the wind.
Finally, after adjusting the valves on your door closer always check the doors function to ensure that it is completing its required needs. When you are happy with the result always reattach the cover to complete the process.
Doorfit offer a range of high end door closers; providing many of the features mentioned above including; sweep speed, latching speed, back check and a delayed action, some examples of which are listed below:
The 1759 Silver Budget Door Closer
Features: A 10 year guarantee, 2 to 4 power sizes, universal application, variable closing speed, latching action and is CE and Certifire approved.
The Briton 121CE Silver Door Closer
Features: A 10 year guarantee, 3 power sizes, variable closing speed, latching action and is CE and Certifire approved.
The Dorma TS72VBC Silver Door Closer
Features: A 2 year guarantee, 2 to 4 power sizes, universal application, variable closing speed, latching action, back check feature and is CE and Certifire approved.
The Doorfit IN9030 BC & DC Polished Brass Door Closer
Features: A 10 year guarantee, 2 to 4 power sizes, universal application, variable closing speed, latching action, back check function, delayed action and is CE and Certifire approved.
The Briton 2130BD.C Silver 2-6 Door Closer
Features: A 10 year guarantee, 2 to 6 power sizes, universal application, variable closing speed, latching action, back check feature and is CE and Certifire approved.
To find out more about the door closers that Doorfit offers drop into our sales counter to speak to a member of our team in person or visit our website, alternatively for some free, professional advice give us a call on 0121 418 3415 or email us on info@doorfit.co.uk.