Slamming fire doors

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by cloudy16, Apr 23, 2010.

  1. cloudy16

    cloudy16 New Member

    I am moving into a house with 7 fire doors that have a spring to slam them shut. Does anybody know how could I prevent the door slamming without having to spend a fortune?
    Many thanks
     
  2. flippin heck

    flippin heck New Member

    Hi,
    When you say spring, I take it that you mean a door closer? Door closers do have an adjustment that regulates the speed at which a door closes. The problem with a very slow closing door is that it can present a security problem, where an unauthorised person could also enter due to the time it takes for the door to latch shut. For this reason, most closers have is an additional adjustment that regulates the closing speed just prior to the door closing, which allows the door to close quite quickly and then slow down just prior to closing stage.
    To access these adjustments usually means removing the outer cover of the closer.
     
  3. the old un

    the old un New Member

    Assume they are perko door closures on all seven doors.
    Chain and spring fitted centre of door edge and frame to give you a fire escape corridor from first floor. Possible reason, loft conversion has been added or there is a bedroom that did not conform to building regs for window size for fire escape, or you have a habitable room, with a door way leading to another room and not on to landing.
    Unless the slamming is really winding you up, would suggest you keep them especially if you have young family.
    Perko closures normally only slam shut if window is open. Air pressure in room is released via window and door slams.
    Try easing perko. Open door, place U shaped wedge in chain, remove perko from door and wind into frame to release tension, refix perko to door. Mind your fingers whilst doing this.
    During day time put wedge under doors that are in constant use. If all else fails, take closures of.
    old un
     
  4. cloudy16

    cloudy16 New Member

    Thanks for the advice, you have described exactly the type of closures they have. They are all internal doors in a town house (2 storey). We are not planning to take them off since it could affect the insurance, just ease the slamming which as you guessed drives me round the bend,We'll have a go at your suggestion.
    Regards
     
  5. cloudy16

    cloudy16 New Member

    Many thanks for your thoughts
     
  6. the old un

    the old un New Member

    Cloudy, If you do attempt to release tension, Perko do make s metal U shaped wedge to hold the chain when catch is unscrewed and released from door.If you can not get one either clamp a mole clamp on chain against the frame or hook the claw on claw hammer on it against frame.
    As said watch your fingers, they spring back like a bat out of hell.
    old un.
     
  7. hallbeck

    hallbeck New Member

    Door closers are no longer needed under building regs.

    In fact the fire brigade asked for them to be no longer used. The reason being that if they self close then they tend to get wedged open and so are useless.
     
  8. gavin-t

    gavin-t New Member

    If you want to keep your doors as self closers, lose the perkos and get some sprung fire door hinges and they cant be adjusted.

    You will run into problems when the windows are open though like has been previously mentioned.

    Gavin.
     

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