Project Description

Spring loaded gate closer is essential for a smooth operation, especially in high-traffic or safety-sensitive areas like pools, public beach, or commercial properties. It helps maintain controlled access, enhances safety, and improves overall convenience.

For outdoor applications, gate closers must withstand constant exposure to harsh weather conditions. That’s why it is critical they comply with industry regulations and weather-resistance standards to ensure long-term durability.

Safety and Code Compliance

In regions where outdoor and pool gates are common, regulations for gate closer are legally advised and sometimes necessary.

ADA (American with Disabilities Act)

The ADA regulations prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Thinking about gates, everyone including people with disabilities also must be able to access it. Some requirements that gates must follow according to the ADA standard:

• Have a clear width and vertical opening
• Require no more than 5 pounds of force to open
• Feature easy-to-use hardware.

2012 The International Residential Code (IRC)

AG105.2. Outdoor Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements – A code that outlines specific safety requirements to protect children’ s safety around pool areas, including points related to the function of spring loaded gate closer:

• Must be self closing to ensure an automatic close of the gate
• Accommodate a locking device, self latch, that be mounted at least 54” above the ground, or be inaccessible to children under 5.
• The gate open outward away from the pool area

In short, the ideal gate closer must be able to accommodate the code standard. They must be ADA compliant to accommodate people with disabilities, while having a self close feature with a latching device. In addition, it is a plus point for gate closer if they are weather resistant especially for outdoor applications.

What Makes a Gate Closer Truly Weather Resistant?

Gate closers are constantly exposed to harsh environmental conditions like wind, rain, corrosive air, temperature fluctuations, and UV radiation. These conditions can gradually reduce their durability and performance over time. To ensure long-term durability, corrosion resistance is key, and the industry standard for testing this is the salt spray test.

Salt spray test is universally accepted as the yardstick for corrosion resistance:

• BS EN ISO 9227:2022: European standard corrosion test in artificial atmospheres to detect defects, pores and discontinuities in metallic, organic, anodic oxide and conversion coating.
• ASTM B117: American standard testing to evaluate the product/material that is exposed continuously to fog salt solution along with a controlled temperature must be able to withstand corrosion.

Why Traditional Solutions are not the Right Choice?

Traditional solutions like overhead door closers, floor springs, and electronic floor hinges often fall short when it comes to meeting the demands of heavy-duty gate applications.

1. Overhead door closers may be weather-resistant but are often unusable outdoors due to the lack of transoms or mounting structures.
2. Floor springs face installation challenges and are vulnerable to moisture damage, reducing their lifespan.
3. Electronic floor hinges support heavy loads but require frequent maintenance and come at a high cost.

Innovative Solution from Waterson Spring Loaded Gate Closer

Waterson heavy duty spring loaded gate closers are specially designed to provide all the essential features, even offering more advanced features as follows:

• Self closing feature: With built-in spring mechanism, Waterson self closing gate closer ensures a controlled closing every time, providing safety and peace of mind.
• Durable material: Made with 304 and 316 stainless steel.
• Rust free and corrosion resistant: Withstand harsh environment conditions, like rain and humidity. Guaranteed by the warranty, ensure long term exterior application.
• Adjustability: Designed with a numerical panel that allows users to adjust to the desired closing force and ensures an effective gate closing, helping to resolve misalignment, perfect for residential spring hinges.
• Load bearing capacity: Waterson spring loaded gate closer efficiently supports significant loads – three hinges can bear over 260 lbs, and four hinges up to 440 lbs.
• Anti slam feature: Protect gates and its frame from sudden closing, wind force, preventing injuries and eliminating disruptive slamming noises with controlled closure.
• Low Force Opening: ADA compliant, allows smooth and effortless gate operation, enhancing user experience, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Modern design: Enhances the aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality for any gate applications.

Backed with a lot of experience across various situations and environments, Waterson has been trusted to be the solution in many types of self closing gate closer applications. Check out our gate closer case study here.

Waterson Outdoor Spring Loaded Gate Closers

Waterson Heavy Duty Gate Closers combine the function of an overhead closer and a hinge into a single, sleek component—complete with optional hold-open and door-stop features. Designed for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors, these hinges are easy to install and adjust to meet ADA and ICC A117.1 standards for opening force, while ensuring quiet and secure closure. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they are NFPA 80 compliant, UL 3-hour fire-rated, and built to perform reliably in both interior and all-weather exterior environments. See all our features.

In addition to these performance advantages, Waterson offers flexible customization services. As a direct manufacturer, we can tailor hinge sizes, finishes, and especially hinge leaf designs to meet the specific structural needs of your doors. This makes our hinges an ideal solution for door manufacturers seeking custom options that integrate seamlessly with their existing frames.

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