Doors and Windows - Old Solid oak doors slamming problem

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doitmemyselfnIR
12-30-06, 11:58 PM
I have 5 front doors in 5 separate rental units with the same issues. They are all heavy, all have a 2' x 3' glass window, and they all are pulled shut with the flow of wind that has accumulated force from the back door or windows of each unit. They all have new weatherstrip, rubber tube w/ metal strip fastened to frame. The slam is quite loud and usually unexpected. I do not want to add a 'hydraulic'? arm as these doors are historical pieces in a one-hundred year old Victorian style building located in the Telegraph Hill district of San Francisco, CA. I need some options that will blend well...and dampen the sound of the slam.


twelvepole
12-31-06, 01:16 AM
Typically, people going in and out of doors would have control of the door. If leaving door open for carrying in groceries and other such activities, perhaps a kick-down door stop would hold door until they were ready to close the door. From the standpoint of safety would be if a small child got slammed by the door, especially if fingers were in the way. In that event, a pneumatic or hydraulic door closer would be recommended. Because the doors are so heavy, a hydraulic closer would likely be necessary.

chandler
12-31-06, 05:06 AM
I agree. Ryobi makes a rather innocuous closer which is pneumatic, but small. Even though they are in a historic area, they wouldn't be worth much if the constant slamming either broke the glass, caused the door joints to separate, or as stated caught little fingers. If they are rental units, you have to consider liability as well. Install the closers.


doitmemyselfnIR
01-01-07, 10:43 AM
Sounds like grade A++++ advice to me. Thank you both so much for sharing your knowledge.

johnam
01-01-07, 12:27 PM
Those small Ryobi closers may not be able to handle the weight or size of your doors. Check the specs before you buy it.

airman.1994
01-01-07, 01:49 PM
Would bending the pins work? I know it does on enterer doors!

twelvepole
01-01-07, 02:00 PM
Bending hinges would likely cause metal to rub on metal, creating friction. It would stand to reason that this would eventually affect the integrity of the hinge.

doitmemyselfnIR
01-01-07, 07:50 PM
The hinges are actually brand new Haegar and are just constructed too well to stand improvement from modification. I found a door closer at http://www.doorware.com/html/Door_Closers.html that seems to fit the bill. Let me know if I am wrong, as far as the certification specs. Of course it would help if we knew how much the door weighed. Any shortcuts to guesstimating this value?
I originally was excited to install one of the Ryobi CO Series, a concealed door closer; which I found on the Ryobi website but couldn't find a local distributor or make an order online.

twelvepole
01-01-07, 08:11 PM
Those are just peachy king! My research did not turn up those. Purchase the one with the specs for the greatest amount of weight, as you indicate doors are heavy. Keep us posted on how they work. Make sure they have a return policy or order just one to see how it works before investing in others.

DoorsandThings
01-02-07, 07:15 AM
Knock out one hinge pin at a time, lay it on something hard, hit it one good whack it in the middle with a hammer to bend it, knock it back in. This is a regular practice when doors close on there own ie... hung not plumb or wind blowing shut.

DoorsandThings
01-02-07, 07:31 AM
Spring Loaded Hinge

http://www.NOADVERTISINGINFORUMS.COM
Spring loaded hinges are made to order to suit your requirements. We stock a variety of springs that can be used with hinge series 1435, 1240, 1267 and 741. When inquiring, please inform us of the weight of the door to be held open or closed. We will be happy to assist you in choosing the proper spring loaded hinge for your application.