Concealed door closer vs overhead closer

Concealed door closer vs overhead closer

Automatic door closers are installed in multi-occupancy buildings such as social housing, care homes, education sites, hotels and healthcare facilities for the purpose of automatically closing doors after use.

Door closers are installed on fire doors to prevent or slow down the spread of smoke or fire. They are also installed on non-fire doors for other purposes such as improving security and climate control, or reducing noise.

A concealed door closer is installed between the door and the door frame whereas an overhead door closer is surface mounted on the wall and the top of the door or door frame.

When specifying a concealed door closer vs an overhead door closer, many facilities managers and property developers now choose concealed door closers due to the safety and aesthetic benefits they provide.

Benefits of concealed door closers

The benefits of concealed door closers when compared to overhead door closers include:

• Safety and anti-ligature

Overhead door closers provide an obvious ligature point which, particularly for mental health facilities, is a significant safety risk. Concealed door closers are hidden away and positioned much lower so don’t pose the same risk.

• Reduced vandalism

Concealed door closers don’t offer the same potential for vandalism or damage as overhead door closers. Some residents are frustrated by doors that automatically close so they deliberately damage them. In other cases, overhead door closers are vandalised because they are an easy target. A vandalised overhead door closer can damage the integrity of a fire door which leads to the entire unit having to be replaced which is costly and dangerous.

• Less institutional

Overhead door closers are synonymous with institutional settings. In healthcare facilities it is acknowledged that homely and comfortable surroundings can help to improve mental and physical wellbeing, and accelerate recovery. Concealed door closers take away the institutional feel of residential settings.

• Hygiene

Concealed door closers are more hygienic than overhead door closers because they are easier to clean and inspect, and don’t provide the same exposed surface that collects detritus and harmful bacteria.

Concealed door closer – Powermatic R100

The Powermatic R100 from Samuel Heath is globally acknowledged as an industry leading concealed door closer product. Found in buildings across the world, the Powermatic R100 is the only Certifire approved concealed door closer which means it has been independently tested and verified to Certifire safety standards.

Concealed door closer – Powermatic R108

The Powermatic Axis R108 from Samuel Heath is a fire rated concealed door closer that was developed for integration with Simonswerk’s Tectus concealed hinge system, working with the hinge’s central pivot axis. Its height can be adjusted post-installation. The Powermatic R108 is CE marked to EN1154 and UKCA marked to BS1154.