dormakaba Door Closers
dormakaba is one of the best-known names in commercial door control and access hardware, offering door closer solutions for applications ranging from standard internal doors to high-traffic commercial entrances and fire-door assemblies.
The range includes surface-mounted closers, cam-action systems, concealed closers, floor springs and specialist electromagnetic or free-swing solutions.
Choosing the correct door closer depends on the door size and weight, required closing force, opening resistance, level of use, fire requirements and accessibility considerations.
Surface-Mounted Door Closers
A surface-mounted door closer is fitted to the face of the door or frame and provides controlled automatic closing after the door has been opened.
These closers are widely used in commercial buildings because they are accessible for installation, adjustment and maintenance.
dormakaba offers both slide-channel and traditional arm configurations, allowing the closer to be selected according to the performance and appearance required.
Cam-Action Door Closers
Cam-action door closers are designed to provide controlled closing while reducing the opening force experienced by the user.
They can therefore be particularly valuable on doors where ease of opening and accessibility are important considerations.
Models within the dormakaba range include surface-mounted and concealed cam-action systems.
The complete installed doorset should always be assessed when accessibility performance is required, as door size, seals, hinges, air pressure and other components can all influence the final opening force.
Concealed Door Closers
A concealed door closer is installed within the door leaf or frame so that most of the mechanism is hidden when the door is closed.
This creates a cleaner appearance than a conventional surface-mounted closer and can be particularly attractive in hotels, offices and higher-specification interiors.
The dormakaba range includes concealed slide-channel systems suitable for a variety of architectural applications.
Floor Springs
A floor spring is a concealed door-closing mechanism installed beneath finished floor level.
Floor springs are commonly used with substantial entrance doors and applications where visible overhead hardware is undesirable.
Depending on the individual system, floor springs can accommodate single- or double-action doors and are available in different power and control configurations.
Careful coordination with the floor construction and door design is required because the mechanism is installed beneath the finished floor.
Door Closers for Fire Doors
Door closers play an important role in many fire and smoke door assemblies by returning the door to its closed position after use.
However, selecting a fire-rated closer should never be considered in isolation.
The closer, mounting position, door construction, hinges, seals, lock and other components must all be compatible with the tested or certified doorset.
Where a fire-door specification applies, always check the individual dormakaba product documentation and the evidence for the complete door assembly.
Hold-Open & Free-Swing Door Closers
Certain applications benefit from doors being held open during normal use or operating with very little resistance.
dormakaba offers specialist electromagnetic hold-open and free-swing systems for these situations.
On fire and smoke doors, an ordinary mechanical hold-open arrangement is generally not appropriate because the door needs to close in an emergency.
Purpose-designed electromagnetic systems can release the door when triggered by the appropriate fire or smoke-control system.
Choosing the Correct Closing Force
Door closers are available in different EN power sizes to accommodate varying door widths and weights.
The closer needs sufficient power to close the door reliably against the resistance created by seals, latches and environmental pressures.
Choosing an unnecessarily powerful closer can make the door harder to open, however, so stronger is not always better.
Adjustable-power closers can provide greater flexibility where different door sizes or operating conditions need to be accommodated.
Closing Speed, Latch Action & Backcheck
Many commercial door closers allow several aspects of the closing cycle to be adjusted.
Closing or sweep speed controls the main closing movement.
Latch action controls the final part of the closing cycle, helping the door engage correctly with the latch.
Backcheck, where provided, helps control the door as it is opened towards the end of its travel and can reduce the risk of uncontrolled opening.
The exact adjustment functions vary by closer model.
dormakaba TS Door Closers
The dormakaba portfolio includes a number of established TS-series overhead door closers.
Depending on the model, these include cam-action slide-channel closers and traditional rack-and-pinion systems suitable for a range of commercial door applications.
Different models provide different power ranges, adjustment functions and mounting arrangements, so the closer should be selected against the actual door specification rather than simply by product family.
dormakaba ITS Concealed Closers
The ITS range provides concealed door-control solutions for projects where visible surface-mounted hardware is undesirable.
These systems allow the door closer mechanism to be integrated into the door or frame while still providing controlled automatic closing.
Concealed closer selection requires careful consideration of the available door and frame dimensions as well as the required performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a door closer do?
A door closer automatically returns a door towards its closed position after it has been opened.
It also controls the speed of the closing movement rather than allowing the door to swing or slam freely.
What is a cam-action door closer?
A cam-action closer uses a cam mechanism that can reduce the force required to open the door while still providing sufficient closing force.
This can be particularly useful where ease of access is important.
What is a concealed door closer?
A concealed closer is installed within the door or frame rather than being mounted visibly on the door surface.
It provides automatic closing while creating a more discreet appearance.
What is a floor spring?
A floor spring is a door closer installed beneath finished floor level.
It is often used on entrance doors or applications where visible overhead hardware is undesirable.
Can dormakaba closers be used on fire doors?
Selected dormakaba closers are designed for fire-door applications, but suitability depends on the exact product, mounting arrangement and tested doorset.
Always check the relevant certification and door manufacturer's evidence.
What EN power door closer do I need?
The required power depends primarily on the door dimensions, weight and operating conditions.
The closer must be strong enough to close the door reliably without creating unnecessary opening resistance.
What is backcheck on a door closer?
Backcheck helps control the door as it approaches the wider part of its opening movement.
It can reduce the severity of uncontrolled opening but should not normally be regarded as a substitute for a properly positioned door stop where one is required.
Can dormakaba door closers help with accessibility?
Selected cam-action and specialist closer systems are designed to reduce opening resistance.
However, accessibility depends on the performance of the complete installed door assembly, not the closer alone.
Need Help Specifying dormakaba Door Closers?
Choosing the correct closer requires consideration of the door width, weight, location, frequency of use, opening resistance, fire requirements and required control functions.
Roundtower Hardware can assist architects, contractors and door manufacturers with the selection of dormakaba door closers in Ireland for commercial and specification-led projects.
Contact our team with your door schedule or project requirements and we can help identify an appropriate door-control solution.
