The market has a wide variety of door closers. You may wonder why you might choose to install floor springs rather than an overhead door closer. They do require more precision to install in comparison to rack and pinion closers.
In this article, we explore some of the key reasons that you might choose a floor spring for your external or internal door.
Aesthetics
- Invisible Closing - They look good once installed. They are not as intrusive as other types of closers such as door holders and overhead door closers. They are embedded within the floor in a cement box. The only part you see is the cover plate. The finish is usually stainless steel, but available in other finishes depending on the manufacturer.
- Glass Doors – You don’t want to affect the clean simplicity of a glass door by fitting a bulky door closer. You won’t be able to use a closer that can be embedded in the top of the door, like the GEZE Boxer. A good solution here would be to use a floor spring.
- Dual Functionality - Floor springs and their accessory packs hang the door as well as close the door. Hi-load or ball bearing butt hinges are not required when using a floor spring closer.
Convenience
- Despite the work involved with the initial installation, floor springs have a very shallow installation height. They can be used with many kinds of floor structures or flooring types.
- Some models suit both internal and external doors, including fire doors. Make sure that you install fire door closers at size EN 3 or above.
- Models such as the dormakaba BTS75 floor spring can be installed on single leaf or double leaf doors. Also on single or double swing doors. Simply select the relevant accessory pack to install with the mechanism.
- Standard (non-electromagnetic) floor springs can also be used on internal fire doors in conjunction with an electromagnetic hold open device. The separate door holder will release when the fire alarm is activated.
Adaptability
- Models are available to suit both interior and exterior use.
- Units are available that suit single or double action doors.
- Some single action floor springs are handed. Check the handing method or ask your supplier if you are unsure.
- A range of accessory packs is available. They include all straps, top pivot, fixing screws, and a model specific cover plate for all our floor springs. These kits ensure that you don’t miss anything when ordering.
- A floor spring door closer is particularly effective for use with oversized doors. Floor to ceiling height doors are often too large and heavy for conventional door closers. A floor spring with straps and a top pivot is a great option.
- Most models have adjustable closing force, adjustable closing speed, and adjustable latching action, such as the GEZE TS550NV. This allows you to make incremental tweaks to suit your door and its users. Some units also include backcheck function, variable power size, and hold open at 90° or 105°.
- Some floor springs are electromagnetic and have a hold-open function. This is ideal for use on fire/smoke protection doors that are located in areas of high traffic, such as corridors. Link it to the fire alarm using a relay or an interface. This will allow the door to close upon activation of the fire alarm or power failure. This provides effective fire compartmentation.
- These concealed door closers are perfect for facilities with limited space. With no projecting arm, channel, or body, they fit neatly within a recess in the floor.
- As they’re hidden from sight, floor springs are less prone to tampering than an overhead closer. So, consider these in facilities where users have less incentive to treat door hardware with care, such as schools and hospitals.
Never use a mechanical hold-open door closer on a fire door. For compliant hold open, use an electromagnetic door closer.
Some floor springs have a 30-minute fire rating. Where a 60-minute rating is required, it might be that you need to purchase additional intumescent.
- They allow for longitudinal, lateral, and vertical adjustment between the housing and the cement case. This helps with ease of installation.
- One of the main functions of a floor spring is to assist in the opening and closing of heavy doors, even in areas of high wind. A combination of weight and weather conditions could lead to injury to people or the doors themselves. This is where the right unit, adjusted correctly, pays dividends.
Budget
- Floor springs are available in models to suit most project budgets. They are an economic door closing solution for heavy doors.
The Benefits of Floor Springs
Floor spring door closers provide hidden closing without the need to mortice out for a chain closer. They hang and close a door, so no hinges are required. There are units that suit single and double doors, whether single or double swing. Plus, electromagnetic units provide compliant hold open for fire rated doors.
These concealed door closers are well-suited to a variety of situations; they are great for full-height or heavier doors, work equally well with single or double-leaf doors, and automatically combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.
You can view our full range of mechanical and electromagnetic floor springs and accessories. If you need guidance on your project or help selecting a door closer, contact our sales team today.
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