Silent door closing mechanism

[christos0070]

Hi,
For some time now I've been suffering from an external door slamming extremely loudly. It's the fire door of the upstairs flat (HMO) which is controlled by a closing mechanism. I've asked the neighbour to adjust it, and they gave it a try but to no avail. They've even installed a fire resistant tape on the frame, but the slamming is still too violent.
The problem is that the external door (shared door) can be either open or closed which creates variable pressure, making the adjustment very difficult.

I've now agreed with the neighbour to change the closing mechanism and I've been doing some research, trying to decide the ideal setup for the situation. But the prices for closing mechanisms vary substantially, and I also came across other options (slide arms, floor springs, magnets etc). Money isn't an issue, but it seems that the more expensive mechanisms are for heavier applications (e.g. hospitals etc).

Do you have any advice as to which mechanism could handle the job? What I'm looking for is a mechanism that will always close the door (it's fire door after all) but will do so as quietly as possible, even when the pressure varies.

Thanks!

 

[JohnD]

An overhead closing arm (shaped like an elbow) can do it.

There is a piston moving in a hydraulic chamber.

You can adjust the closing speed and the final latch.

You have probably seen them in shops and offices.

IIRC there is also a concealed hydraulic Perko, but it is rather expensive. An ordinary spring Perko will not do it.

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/browse/door-closers-and-fire-exit-hardware/door-closers-and-controls/overhead-door-closers?fi=s

Read the spec carefully to check it does what you want and you can adjust it.

 

[christos0070]

Thanks. There is one of those installed already, but I'm assuming it's rather cheap.

In the link you sent (and elsewhere), price varies a lot (from £17-£170). Do you think that the price reflects the usage (e.g. heavy usage) or the quality as well? In other words, what price range should I be looking at, in your opinion?

Thanks again

 

[opps]

I have had to adjust the overhead door closer in my local pub in the past, however, it is the door in the "porch" area and does not have a lock. I guess that the lock mechanism will require the final close speed to be greater.

 

[HERTS P&D]

The 'latch' on the closer needs adjusting.

See if this helps:

Andy

 

[JohnD]

Yes, good move to try adjusting it first.

There are a few "weight" grades, varying with the load, and then there are different quality brands. I do not know more.