Self-Closing Door Hardware: Fire Doors, First Line of Defense Against Fire

Self-closing door hardware may seem like a small detail, but its role in fire safety is huge. By automatically closing doors once they are opened, these unsung heroes can significantly slow the spread of fire and smoke and provide crucial extra time for building occupants to evacuate safely.

How Do Self-Closing Doors Provide Protection?

Containment: Self-closing doors help contain fire and smoke in a specific area by creating a barrier. This delay in spread can be vital in preventing the fire from reaching other parts of the building.
Safe Escape Routes: Self-closing doors increase the chances of safe evacuation for building occupants by maintaining smoke-free escape routes.
Protection for Firefighters: Self-closing doors can help control the intensity of a fire for firefighters, making their jobs safer.


Types of Self-Closing Door Hardware for Fire Safety:

Although various types of self-closing door hardware are available, specific requirements for fire safety apply.

Fire Rated Door Closers: These are specifically designed to meet fire safety standards. They usually have features such as back control (to control the opening angle of the door) and hold open functions (for controlled opening).

Spring Hinges: Although not common for fire doors, special fire-rated spring hinges may be used in certain applications.

Under-door automatic seals: Automatic door seals are used to seal gaps around door frames. Sound, light, drafts, moisture, fire and smoke can all be significantly reduced by sealing gaps in the door frame.

Basic Considerations for Safety:

Compliance: Ensure your self-closing door hardware complies with all relevant fire safety regulations and standards.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure proper functioning of self-closing door hardware in the event of fire.
Fire Door Integrity: Remember that the entire fire door assembly, including the frame, seals, and hardware, must work together to provide effective fire protection.
Self-closing door hardware is an essential component of any fire safety strategy. By understanding its importance and choosing the right products, you can significantly increase the protection of your building and its occupants.
fire doors

Remember: Always consult a fire safety professional to ensure your specific needs are met and you comply with all relevant regulations.

Want to dive deeper into a specific aspect of fire rated door hardware, such as installation instructions or maintenance tips?

Self Closing Door Hardware

Self closing door hardware is a system of components that automatically closes the door once it is opened. This seemingly simple mechanism offers numerous benefits for both residential and commercial spaces.

Why Choose Self Closing Door Hardware?


Safety: Self closing doors help control the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire.
Energy Efficiency: These doors provide better insulation by preventing air flow and contribute to reducing energy consumption.
Convenience: You no longer need to close the doors manually!
Accessibility: Self-closing doors are practical and comfortable for everyone, but particularly for children, older people and people with limited mobility.
Security: Can deter intruders by ensuring doors are always closed.


Self Closing Door Hardware Types:


Spring Hinges: These are the most common type that includes a spring mechanism in the hinge itself. They are suitable for a variety of door weights and sizes.
Hydraulic Hinges: In addition to spring hinges, they also have a slow and soft closing feature. Compact ones combine self-closing and slow-closing features in a single body. Some of them only have a slow closing feature and are used as a set with spring hinges.
Floor Closers: Those mounted at the bottom of the door are generally used for heavier doors or where a more controlled closing speed is required. Some of them are mounted recessed into the ground.
Overhead Closers: Those mounted at the top of the door are common. They are inexpensive and easy to install, but may be suitable for certain applications.
Sliding door closers: They can be hydraulic, pneumatic or a combination of the two systems and are used for sliding doors. Advanced models have additional systems such as a closing delay.


Factors to Consider When Selecting the Door Hardware


Door weight and size: Different hardware is designed for different door sizes.
Desired closing speed: Some hardware allows you to adjust the closing speed.
Door type: Internal, external, fire resistant etc. each has specific hardware requirements.
Aesthetics: Consider the style of your door and choose hardware that complements it.

While professional installation is recommended, many self-closing door hardware are DIY-friendly. Regular maintenance such as cleaning and lubrication may be necessary for optimum performance and longevity.
Self-closing door hardware is a worthwhile investment that offers several benefits. By understanding the different types and factors to consider, you can choose the perfect hardware for your specific needs.


self closing hydraulic hinges

 

So why is it important for doors to be closed rather than open? There are many reasons for this: legal regulations, safety, hygienic reasons, saving energy or avoiding drafts.

Installing door closers is often beneficial and sometimes mandatory. In fact, since fire and smoke doors must close independently, or swimming pool safety rules require the use of these doors.

Do you want to focus on a specific type of self-closing door or explore a specific application in more detail? If you want, take a look at our website

Pool Safe Sliding Door Closer

Pool Safety Regulation

pneumatic door closer

The pool safe door closer will comply with the Pool Safety Code, when installed correctly.
There are regulations and requirements for swimming pools and spas due to the risk of drowning, especially for children. Depending on municipal regulations, controlled access gates should be arranged to act as safety barriers for your swimming pool or spa.
Doors opening to the pool or spa area must have a quality, pool safe door closer 1500 mm above the highest point of the floor surface and a latching mechanism to ensure self-locking.

patio door latch

Self Closing Door Mechanism

The Slideback Sliding Door Closer also easily fits Australian Standard sliding security doors and aluminum patio sliding doors. It closes your sliding doors for you silently and steadily every time.
Self-closing door closer Slideback is suitable for almost all sliding doors, such as wooden sliding doors, aluminum patio doors, sliding screen doors and frameless glass doors. It is widely used in residences, shops, nursing homes, hospitals, data centers and schools.
When used in pool security projects, it not only eliminates the need to fence the pool, saving you thousands of dollars, but also gives you back the pool area divided by fences.

self close door latch

The Slide Back Door Closer is a great investment for any home and keeps your door closed, preventing insects, flies, mosquitoes and other pests from entering your home, improving hygiene and health levels and improving your family’s lifestyle. Suitable for DIY.
Self-closing door closers prevent the energy spent on cooling or heating from being wasted because they automatically close your doors. Additionally, when applied to screen doors, it prevents pests from entering your home.

 

 

To comply with the Swimming Pool Regulations in your State, you should check with your local Council and obtain a copy of the current regulations to understand what is allowed and what you need to do.

Automatic Closing Door Hinges

Automatic closing door hinges use an internal spring or hydraulic mechanism for heavy or large doors to automatically close the door after it is opened, providing long-term strength and reliability.

Self-closing door hinges work by compressing a spring or activating a hydraulic mechanism when the door is opened. The stored energy in the mechanism is then released, allowing the door to close safely. Hydraulic hinges are composed of basic components with hydraulic fluid, which plays an important role in facilitating the function of the mechanism, similar to blood in our body’s circulatory system.

Hydraulic hinges effectively automate the closing of the door and safely maintain specific open positions without slamming. They are ideal for precise control of hinge operations and are commonly used on both interior and exterior doors.

Self-Closing Door Hinges:

 

1. Spring Hinges

Spring hinges are common types that have an internal spring mechanism that creates tension and allows the door to close automatically. They are easy to install and suitable for a variety of environments.

 

 

 

2. Adjustable Tension Spring Hinges

These hinges use built-in springs to self-close, like spring hinges, but have adjustable tension for customized closing force. This versatility accommodates doors of varying sizes and weights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Hydraulic Self Closing Hinges

Self-closing Hydraulic hinges offer a compact and innovative solution for smooth door closing, combining the functions of a door closer, stopper, positioner, and damper in a single unit. Their design eliminates the need for traditional hydraulic closer arms, allowing compatibility with various door styles, including screen doors.This technology is particularly beneficial for spaces where traditional door closers may be cumbersome or unattractive, offering a sleek and efficient alternative. Whether in residential homes or commercial settings, self-closing hydraulic hinges provide a seamless operation that enhances overall convenience and safety.

 

 

4. Hydraulic Door Closers (Overhead Door Closers with Lever)

Hydraulic door closers use fluid-based technology to control the speed and force of the door closing. They allow for adjustable closing speeds and are often used in high-traffic areas or where precise control of the closing speed is important, and they offer a smoother, more controlled closing motion than spring hinges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Pivot Hinges

Pivot hinges, unlike standard hinges, are installed at the top and bottom of doors to provide pivoting rather than traditional opening and closing. Some have self-closing mechanisms that automatically return the door to the closed position. Often found on modern or architectural door designs, pivot hinges offer a distinctive aesthetic.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Hidden Hinges & Concealed Hinges

Hidden hinges, or invisible hinges, are installed so that they are hidden when the door is closed, providing a sleek, minimalist look. Some of them have automatic closing door hinges features, thus providing a perfect appearance.

 

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