How to Replace an Overhead Concealed Door Closer on a Storefront Door

Hey guys, this is Gary with Door Closers USA. In today’s video, I’m going to show you how toreplace an overhead concealed door closer using an International Door Closers concealed closer.This guide applies to common storefront aluminum doors, especially center-hung, double-acting doors.

What Is an Overhead Concealed Door Closer?

An overhead concealed door closer is installed inside the top rail of the door or frame,making it hidden from view. These closers are commonly used on higher-end storefront doorsbecause they offer a clean, architectural appearance compared to surface-mounted door closers.

They are most often found on:

• Center-hung storefront doors
• Double-acting doors (swing both directions)
• Select offset pivot doors using track arms

Identify the Door and Arm Type

The most common concealed closer application is a center-hung, double-acting door.These doors sit centered in the frame and swing both inward and outward.

Most center-hung doors use a side load arm, which is identified by:

• A removable cover plate at the top of the door
• Three Allen bolts securing the arm block

Older storefront doors may use an end load arm, which is accessed by removinga snap-in aluminum channel at the end of the door to reveal two Allen bolts.

Step 1: Remove the Door

To replace the concealed closer, the door must be removed.Start by removing the three Allen bolts that secure the arm block.Be sure to retain the bolts and lock washers.

Once the block is removed:

• Push the door slightly to release the arm block
• Lift the door off the bottom pivot

Some bottom pivots use a retaining tab. If the door does not lift off easily,use a flathead screwdriver to depress the tab before lifting the door.

Step 2: Remove the Existing Concealed Closer

With the door removed, you can now access the concealed closer body.

• Remove the two mounting screws
• Remove the center retaining bolt
• Support the closer as you remove it so it does not fall

Many storefront doors use adjustable spring concealed closers.These are identified by a spring adjustment mechanism on the closer body.

Adjustable vs Fixed Spring Closers

Adjustable spring closers allow you to increase or decrease spring forceto compensate for door size, weight, or added weather stripping.

If your door previously had a fixed spring closer, you can upgrade to anadjustable spring model by replacing the mounting bracket with the notched versionincluded with the adjustable closer.

Step 3: Install the New International Concealed Closer

Slide the new concealed closer into the mounting bracket and loosely start the retaining bolt.Once aligned, install the mounting screws and tighten everything securely.

Before reinstalling the door, make sure the spring is in the neutral position.Installing the door with the spring preloaded can cause the door to spring open unexpectedly.

Step 4: Rehang the Door

Reinstall the door by:

• Setting the door onto the bottom pivot
• Aligning the spindle with the closer
• Sliding the door fully into position

Reinstall the arm block and tighten the three Allen bolts.

Important: tighten one bolt fully first, then alternate between the remaining bolts.This prevents the arm block from loosening or rounding out over time.

Hold Open vs Non-Hold Open Models

Overhead concealed closers are available in:

• 90° opening models
• 105° opening models
• Hold open or non-hold open versions

To identify hold open:

• Open the door fully
• Push slightly past the open position
• If it locks into place, it has hold open

Adjust Closing and Latch Speeds

Concealed closers have two primary speed adjustments:

• Closing speed: from full open to approximately 10°
• Latch speed: final 10° before closing

Make adjustments in small increments (1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time).Never remove adjustment valves completely, as this will cause hydraulic fluid to leakand permanently damage the closer.

Final Notes

This process applies to most storefront overhead concealed closers regardless of brand.When ordering a replacement, verify:

• 90° or 105° opening
• Hold open or non-hold open
• Arm type (side load, end load, or track arm)

All International concealed closers, arms, and storefront replacement parts are available atDoorClosersUSA.com. If you need help identifying your setup, send us photos or measurementsand we’ll guide you to the correct product.

Watch the Video

Watch the full video below for a complete step-by-step walkthrough of replacing an overhead concealed door closer.