The key features to look for when specifying a door closer - from aesthetics to compliance
Adjustability: a closer may accelerate in its closing action during the final few degrees to allow the door to overcome the resistance of the latch, ensuring reliable closing. Adjustability closers allow alterations to the closer to control the speed of the door in the final 15° degrees of the door’s closing cycle to make sure that the door closes completely and latches securely.
Correct sizing: Power Size: the power size of the closer used on the door depends on the width, height, weight, and use of the door it is fitted to. This may be adjustable or fixed according to the closer type. It is important to fit the right closer considering door width and weight, air pressure, use and users. Bearing in mind the age and ability of the users, it is important for the closer to be "suitable and sufficient" for practical everyday use. Fire safety is vital but safety in use is also important. We are very happy to help with calculations and sizing queries.
Durability: because Astra closers are concealed in the door leaf, they are less likely to be damaged, vandalised or stolen so are more likely to give years of trouble-free operation than their overhead counterparts. With metal prices rocketing thefts of metal components are on the rise, the fact that concealed closers are hidden from sight, more compact, and more difficult to dismantle is no small consideration.
Good looks: Concealed door closers offer the opportunity to create doors that are fully compliant with standards and regulations without the clunky look of overhead closers to spoil design lines. Astra closers are available in a wide range of finishes to match any interior design or hardware scheme. Bronze finish closers – both dark and light – fit perfectly with the hottest ironmongery trend of the last few years, and a new copper fitting is the perfect match to the striking modern designer look of copper handles and fittings.
Fire Test evidence: Fire test evidence shows that smoke and flames usually breech the top edge of the door first, often exacerbated by the presence of a surface mounted closer. Astra jamb-mounted closers solve this issue in two ways. Not only are they extremely compact so less of the door is cut away for fitting, but also, they are fitted at the hinge edge of the door, not the more vulnerable top edge.
The Astra concealed closers are tested and certified to all British and international performance standards and programmes, including FD30 & FD60 fire tests conducted in accordance with BS EN1634-1:2000 (test report CHILT/ WF391562).
Compliance: The UK standards to look for door closers are:
- EN1634 – 1: Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door, shutter and openable window assemblies and elements of building hardware.
- BS EN 1154:1997 Building hardware. Controlled door closing devices.
Reliability: most door closers are tested to half a million cycles on specially designed test rigs. At Astra we are so confident in the reliability of our concealed closers that we offer a ten-year guarantee. In terms of maintenance, concealed closers require little or no maintenance. In fact, because they are concealed in the door leaf, they are less likely to be damaged, vandalised or stolen so are more likely to give years of trouble-free operation than their overhead counterparts.