If you want to keep your doors secure, you’ll need to put in effort and make a small investment. Lucky for you, technology has created advanced security systems you can leverage right now.
Have you heard of door closers? It’s a cool tool used to enhance your property’s security, conveniently and quietly.
This defensive gadget keeps your doors closed, mechanically or automatically, behind you without putting much effort into it.
But should you go for the traditional or magnetic type? Well, that’s the million-dollar question.
Let us help you make an informed buying decision and compare the two types of door closers.
Understanding Door Closers
A door closer is a security device used to keep your doors closed. This mechanical tool is built to regulate the swing of your door and ensure it’s fully and properly shut without making any noise after being opened. If you’re looking to enhance your property’s security, consulting a reliable locksmith can help you choose and install the right door closer to your needs.
Types of Door Closers
There are two main types of door closers: one that uses a spring and the other that uses electricity.
Traditional door closers rely on mechanical force to latch the door. It’s a spring-loaded door closer that uses hydraulic systems and pneumatic components to generate and manipulate the motion of the door’s swing.
While this traditional type is noted for being durable, it has a noisier operation with constant maintenance requirements.
As the name suggests, magnetic door closers utilise magnetic attraction between the magnet and metal plate to control the door’s movement and speed.
This type of door closer is more resistant to wear and tear and has a stealthy operation.
How Magnetic Door Closers Work
Magnetic door closers are designed to close your doors automatically, as quietly as possible. With the power of magnets, it provides a practical solution to satisfy modern spaces.
So, how does it operate?
Magnetic door closers rely on the pull of magnets. As the door opens, the magnet and armature plate, which is a hardened steel that clamps magnets together, move apart and create a gap.
Conversely, when you release the door, they move back and close the gap, thus preventing movement and closing the door completely.
Advantages of Magnetic Closers
Silent Operation Compared to Traditional Models
Unlike traditional door closers, magnetic door closers don’t make a sound or produce any slamming noise when the door closes. This makes it ideal for spaces where noise control is a priority, like the library or the bank.
Enhanced Security Features
Your magnetic door closers ensure that your entryways automatically shut the moment you open them. As such, you can prevent any unauthorised entry and altogether improve your property’s security.
Energy Efficiency
Magnetic door closers leverage magnets to close your doors without relying on mechanical force and putting more energy into them. It’s a securely fastened locking mechanism that keeps the door snuggled close to the frame.
This can minimise air leakage, and as a result, the conditioned air in your office or home is kept inside, conserving energy and saving costs consequently.
Advantages of Traditional Door Closers
Proven Technology
The traditional door closer’s spring-loaded mechanism has been tried and tested. It’s the same reliable mechanical principle that has been used to safeguard entryways for decades.
That’s why this door closer type is often the go-to choice to secure doors for congested commercial settings.
Variety of Options
If you’re into having varieties with your door closer, then going traditional is the right choice. It has different types that are suited for various environments, from tile to hardwood.
Adjustability Features
Since traditional door closers rely on springs to maneuver your doors, it’s a lot easier to customize them. It has adjustable features for speed and latching action, giving you better control over your passage’s operation.
Safety and Security Considerations
In the following situations, you can really see how door closers can make a huge difference in improving safety and security.
Fire Safety Compliance
Door closers are important in securing fire safety. How so? In the event of a fire in a building, they can ensure that the doors are tightly sealed.
This security device seals your door automatically the moment you open it, slowing the progression of fire or the spread of smoke between rooms. This will give people time to evacuate, resulting in very few injuries and a low death toll.
Impact on Theft Prevention
Both the traditional and the magnetic door closers are capable of warding off would-be thefts from ever barging into your property uninvited. They just use different mechanisms to get the job done.
Traditional door closers have a mechanical system that discourages unauthorized entries. Meanwhile, magnetic door closers take advantage of the pull of magnets to ensure full door closure.
However, even though both of these door closers work great at deterring thefts, traditional closers offer more durable protection due to their adjustable features and overall structural design.
Aesthetic and Practical Considerations
No, door closers don’t have to be only functional; they can be visually appealing too and address your contemporary style and preference.
This is the well-balanced approach that you ought to consider when choosing your door closers to achieve a great user experience and your desired effect.
Design and Installation
In high-traffic areas like commercial settings, traditional door closers are the prime option. They’re more reliable and practical and can withstand heavy usage. Then again, their physical design is typically more apparent and sizeable, taking up more space.
On one hand, magnetic door closers have that minimalistic, contemporary appearance. It’s more discreet and aesthetically versatile, perfect for residential spaces.
And since they’re smaller in size compared to the usual door closers, they can blend well and appear more polished.
Ease of Use
Magnetic door closers are automatic and require very little effort to use or maintain. They have a sleek and simple design that allows for silent and seamless operation, making them ideal for diverse applications.
Conversely, traditional door closers can be a bit challenging to operate. Nevertheless, they possess the strength and flexibility to cover high-security areas and provide comfort of use for individuals with mobility issues.
Cost Analysis
To provide you with an insight on the cost associated with each type of door closer, take a look at below.
Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings
When weighing which door closer is a better investment, you have to know the type you’re going for.
Traditional door closers have a cheaper initial cost. This is because they’re made of traditional materials, prompting their massive availability in the market.
On the other hand, magnetic door closers are a little pricey, mainly because they’re more modern and have sophisticated styles.
But despite the higher costs, this type of door closer offers energy efficiency, which makes them sustainable for the long term. They can prevent drafts and encourage good insulation for your cooling or heating systems, leading to potential savings.
We can’t say the same for traditional closers; they don’t promote energy savings. Anyhow, they’re still the more affordable option between the two.
Conclusion
In today’s world, door closers are an important addition to enhance your property’s security. That’s why choosing between a traditional closer or a magnetic closer is vital.
Traditional door closers offer reliability and longevity. They have been tested to be effective and perfect for high-traffic areas with major security concerns.
Plus, they’re more economical, which is ideal for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option. On the flip side, magnetic door closers offer seamless operation, design range, and energy efficiency. Although they can be costly, they have financial benefits in the long run.
Ultimately, the best choice rests on your individual requirements. So, before making a decision, we advise you to assess your custom specifications and needs. Or you could contact a reputable lock and key cutting service.
