What is the Correct Position for a Door Closer?

A major question that comes up when you’re installing doors in your spaces is the correct mounting position of a door closer. The position of a door closer affects how smoothly the door operates, so choosing the right position is important. But how do you find out what the right door closer installation position is for your specific needs?

In this blog post, we’ll explain different door closers installation positions, and which one is the best for your needs.

Why Does the Position of the Door Closer Matter?

First things first, why is the position in which the door closer is installed so important? The door closer’s position is important due to many factors that affect its operation, durability, and even safety. 

A properly positioned door closer ensures your door operates smoothly without any slamming or leaving any gaps. However, if you’re not careful during door closer installation, it can put excessive stress on the door and cause increased wear and tear, which reduces the door’s durability. That’s why choosing the right position is important not only for aesthetics but also for increasing the durability of the door.

Which Position Should You Choose for Door Closer Installation?

When you’re installing a door closer, it’s important to consider these factors for installing it at the right positions:

Door Type and Weight:

Heavier doors might require door closer positions like regular arm mounts that can handle more wear and tear and also provide more power.

Usage Frequency:

If the door gets used often, you might need to consider some more durable option as the increased usage can cause more wear and tear leading to potential problems.

Aesthetic Preferences:

If you are looking to create a more aesthetically pleasing space, options that don’t have a visible arm or bracket might be better. However, if you’re aiming for practicality, you can explore different options without aesthetic restrictions.

Read More: When to Repair vs. Replace Your Wooden Door 

Common Positions for a Door Closer Installation

While there is no single correct position for door closer installation, you can find out which position is better in your use case by comparing the pros and cons of different common positions. You also have to keep in mind that the door closer arms are not interchangeable, and you can’t use a parallel arm in place of a track arm. So, you need to be careful when installing the right arm in the right place.

Here are some common mounting options for door closers, each having its own benefits and shortcomings.

Regular Arm Mount

Regular arm mount is the most common installation position for a door closer. Regular arm closers are installed on the pull side of the door, and have the closer body attached to the door top, and arm connected to the door frame.

Pros

• It is easy to install
• It is more suitable for heavy doors

Cons

• The arm extends out when the door is closed and can look unaesthetic
• It can get damaged more easily due to the extending arm

Parallel Arm Mount

The parallel arm mount is installed on the push side of the door. In this mount, the closer body gets installed on the top of the door while the arm is attached to the frame’s soffit instead of the door itself. This makes it look cleaner than the regular arm mount as the arm doesn’t extend out in the open.

Pros

• Looks cleaner and aesthetically better
• Door closer speed can be adjusted more accurately

Cons

• Requires a wide top rail for proper installation
• Installation can be difficult

Top Jamb Mount

If your door has a narrow top rail, the Top jamb mount might be more suitable for your door than the parallel one, as it allows the closer body to be mounted on the frame while the arm attaches to the door. This mounting position is often used in commercial buildings.

Pros

• Its sleek design gives a unique look to the door
• It’s space-efficient and is the perfect choice for tight spaces

Cons

• The reveal (distance from the door face to the frame) can restrict its effectiveness.

Still Need Help With Door Closer Installation?

If you’re still unsure about which position you should mount your door closer to, you should contact a professional door closer installation service to get an expert consultation specific to your needs.

At Alpha Doors New Jersey, we understand how important a properly installed door closer is, and help you choose the right type based on your specific needs. From selecting the best door closer to expert installation, our experienced team takes care of everything and ensures smooth and reliable functioning for years to come.

Don’t risk choosing the wrong installation position—contact us today and let us take care of your door closer installation!