Overhead Door Closers

To adjust the closing speed, locate the closing speed valve on the closer (marked with an S) – use a screwdriver to turn the valve clockwise to decrease speed, or counter-clockwise to increase the speed. To adjust the latching speed, locate the latching speed valve (usually marked with an L) and adjust to control the final few inches of the door closing. If the door is hard to open or closes too forcefully, adjust the spring tension by locating the tension adjustment and using a screwdriver to adjust according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For more detailed door closer installation instructions, see our Ultimate Guide to Door Closers blog

Slide arm closers can help minimise the risk of vandalism in schools and public buildings as there is no protruding arm. A slide arm design may also be ideal where traditional swing-arm models cannot fit, or where there are constraints around door clearance. Unlike traditional door closers, which use a pivot arm, the slide arm closer features a straight arm that moves in a horizontal, sliding motion to close the door.

The backcheck function slows the opening speed of the door, particularly when it's forcibly opened. This can help prevent damage being caused to the door, the fittings and particularly adjacent walls.

Yes, although pull side mounting is the most common installation. Door closer fitting options are categorised by the following:

• Standard: Arm Surface Mounted (Figure 1 - Pull side fitted to door)
• Parallel: Arm Surface Mounted (Figure 66 - Push side fitted to door)
• Transom: Mounted (Figure 61 – Push side fitted to frame over door)

The delayed action function slows the first part of the closing cycle down, allowing users more time to go through. It’s particularly useful for disabled and elderly people, and sometimes children, who might need additional time to pass through the door.

Overhead door closers are fitted to the surface of the door, while concealed door closers are installed either in the door jamb, the door itself, or the transom (the head of the door frame). Concealed door closers don’t have a protruding arm so aren’t visible when the door is closed – making them ideal for high-end offices and buildings where design is an important factor. Overhead door closers may not be suitable for areas prone to vandalism such as schools and prisons, as the arm can be subject to damage – in these environments a concealed door closer would be more suitable.

For more information on all the different types of door closers, check out our Ultimate Guide to Door Closers

Door closer power sizes are based on the height and weight of the door, so check these before selecting. Note that fire doors must have a minimum power size EN 3 to conform to BS EN 1154 standard. Our Ultimate Guide to Door Closers explains how to calculate the correct power size.

BS EN 1154 is the main British Standard for door closers and covers any self-closing device that provides controlled closure for pedestrian doors. The standard states that the door closer must fully close the door in a controlled manner from its maximum openable position. Electromagnetic door closers with hold open functionality must comply with BS EN 1155 to ensure they close automatically in the event of a fire.

No. Surface mounted overhead door closers are not generally handed and they can be fitted for left or right hand opening on either side of the door.