How Long Do Door Closers Last

Assuming the door closer is installed correctly, a grade 1 door closer will last 30 years, a grade 2 closer will last 10 years, and a grade 3 door closer will last 3 years. Proper door closer installation including how it is mounted, the size of the door closer spring, the frequency the door is being used, the environment the door closer installed, and the testing certifications it has been approved for will affect the longevity of the door closer. In this article we explain each factor and how it affects how long the door closer will last.

1. Door Closer Grade

Door closers are graded 1, 2, or 3. Grade 1 door closers have been tested for up to 2 million door cycles, grade 2 door closers are tested for 1 million cycles, and grade 3 door cycles are tested for 500,000 cycles. The better the door closer grade, the longer the door closer will last. By purchasing a grade 1 door closer, you can expect it to last much longer life span than a grade 2 or 3 door closer.

2. Door Closer Installation Type

Door Closers can be installed in standard mount, top jamb, or parallel arm mount. The weakest mounting type for door closer life span is parallel arm mount, as the door closer is not operating as efficient as the other mounting types due to physics. Parallel arm mount is a desired installation type due to the aesthetics it provides for the building, however from an engineering stand point, the door closer life span is instantly reduced compared to installing the same door closer in standard mount.

3. Door Closer Size

Door closers range in spring sizes 1 through 6. With spring size 6 being the largest spring for big doors, and spring size 1 being the lightest spring for hollow core light duty doors. For example a spring size 5 door closer standard mounted is good for a 48" exterior door, while a spring size 3 standard mounted door closer is good for an exterior 36" door. Choosing the right spring size for the door closer will lengthen the door closer lifespan. Choosing the incorrect door closer size will deplete the door closer life span tremendously. A spring power size chart for door closers is illustrated below.

4. Door Frequency

Depending on how often the door closer is used, will determine how long the door closer's life will be. As an example, a door closer installed on the front entry door of a school will be used much more frequently than a custodian's storeroom door. As a result a door with heavy traffic such as a school entrance door should use a grade 1 door closer if a life span of 30+ years is desired.

5. Door Environment

Door closers are tested in controlled environments. In the real world, the environment is far from controlled. For example with a door in a school, the door may face obstructions like HVAC air and stack pressure, or abuse from children opening and closing the door abusively. A door closer installed in an abusive environment will not last as long as a door closer in calm environment. If the door closer is going to be installed in a abusive environment a grade 1 door closer should definitely be used.

6. Door Closer Backcheck

Backcheck is the opening speed range during the last 25 degrees of opening before the door reaches the full open position. The backcheck adjustment is not on all door closers and is typically an additional cost. The backcheck speed is completely adjustable and can be slowed down so that the door cannot be abusively slammed open. A door closer with a properly adjusted backcheck can increase the door closer's life span significantly compared to a non-backcheck door closer.

7. Door Closer Adjustment

All door closers come standard with 2 adjustment speeds for the closing cycle of the door: the main closing speed of the door and the latch speed of the door. The closing speed of the door ranges from the door closing from the full open position at 90 degrees to approximately 10 degrees. The last 10 degrees of closing range is operated at the latch speed. ADA states that in order for a door closer to be compliant the closing cycle of the door closer must be atleast 5 seconds. Properly adjusting the door closer speeds ensures the door will not slam, and will in effect lengthen the door closer's life span. A slamming door closer is one of the fastest ways to gurantee your door closer only lasts months to a year.

8. Door, Frame, and Hardware Condition

A door system is the culmination of a door slab, door hinges or pivots, door frame, and threshold all working together to function properly. Any one part of the door system can only function as good as the component. If the door hinges on the door are defective and are not properly hanging the door, then a brand new door closer will not function efficiently. Likewise, if the door's frame is damaged and bent, causing the door to not fit properly inside the frame, the door closer will not be able operate properly. For a door closer to have long life span, the door, frame, and hardware need to be in proper working order. Installing a door closer on a defective door system, will shorten the door closer's life span.

Conclusion

In summary, a grade 1 door closer properly mounted and adjusted will easily have a life span of 30 or more years. Similarly, a grade 2 door closer should last atleast 10 years, and a grade 3 door closer should last 3 years. Many factors can affect the door closer's life span. If you are in need of a door closer designed to last, we recommend Liberty door closers. Liberty Door Closers manufactures high quality grade 1 door closers designed to last. Liberty door closers feature heat treated spindles and a heavy duty spring. The premium quality o-ring seals in Liberty door closers ensures that they do not leak oil. Liberty door closers are available in all sizes and spring sizes so that they can be installed on virtually any door!


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