Overhead door closer question UK

[Doug S]

Hi, this might be a dumb question but I don't have much experience of overhead type door closers.

I fitted an external door on an office last week, as people will be in and out a lot they did not want a normal style handle and latch on, instead just a push plate on outside and large pull handle inside, relying on the overhead closer to keep it shut. I got a message today saying it was blowing open a bit in the wind (it was very windy), can I just put the closer on a higher setting to stop this happening? Don't want to make it too hard to open. Its a mid range Briton closer from Howden Joinery (think about £40), was told it would do the job?

Thought I would ask before I start fiddling with it tomorrow.

Many thanks, Doug

 

[Wuffles]

Doesn't help you, but if fitted correctly the ones I've done wouldn't open at all in a bit of a gust. Have you done one before?

 

[Pykie]

Depending on what the closer looks like, you might have to slide the faceplate off, but there will be a couple of adjustment screws, for the closer strength, the kickback strength etcyou can adjust with a screwdriver, have a play around with them and you will definitely be able to strengthen it, as long as you have a big enough closer to suit the door weight.

 

[Doug S]

Only done a couple before and they were internal so no problem with wind. There were 3 power levels on it, I put it on bottom setting for doors up to 850mm wide which is exactly what the door is although it is 7' high so might need to be on next setting? There were a couple of screws under cover for closing speed so will have a play with them also. It was only a "lightweight" fire door blank I cut to size so sure the closer is strong enough.

Thanks, Doug

 

[Wuffles]

Only done a couple before and they were internal so no problem with wind. There were 3 power levels on it, I put it on bottom setting for doors up to 850mm wide which is exactly what the door is although it is 7' high so might need to be on next setting? There were a couple of screws under cover for closing speed so will have a play with them also. It was only a "lightweight" fire door blank I cut to size so sure the closer is strong enough.

Thanks, Doug

Sounds about right to me. I've only done a few myself but it might be the easy start part of the mechanism that's allowing the wind to move it. If you follow me.

Hope you sort it.

 

[Locks14]

You can tighten the closer, depending on what one you have, it might be in steps or on the better closers it might be infinitely variable.

However, I don't think this is your answer, as tightening it too much will make it difficult to open and also might exceed limit to be disabled person compliant with the amount of force required.

If I had to guess, I'd put my money on you installing the closer too close to the hinge side of the door rather than a little closer to the latch side. It's surprising how only a centimetre or so in either direction can change the fulcrum point and make the door either too tight or too loose to open.

 

[Doug S]

Locks 14, the closer came with a template and to put it on the next strength setting you use different holes in the closer, this will move it about 25mm towards the latch side which is just what you are saying so will try that.

Thanks for all the advice, Doug

 

[Deansocial]

Theres normally speed 1 and 2 to adjust and baack check on some. On the end is a 6 mm allen key unless is a crap un and that adjusts the power

 

[joiner1970]

If you can't get it to work what about putting a roller catch in the door ? That might be just enough friction to stop the wind blowing it open but not enough to stop people easily opening it.

 

[CrazyLarry]

If after all of the above adjustments you're still stuck with either too much  / too little and a roller catch is no go you could fit an insert brush strip down the edge of the door, the type with a polythene spine between two runs of bristles, it'll provide a little bit of friction as well as stopping any draft.

 

[rst]

I do commercial door work and use magnets on doors that have positive air pressure or subject to wind suction.  The magnets hold the door but do not hamper actual opening force.