Hydraulic Soft Close Hinges: Meet Waterson Distinctive Solution

Recently, an interesting request from Cape Town caught Waterson’s attention: the client needed hinges with a robust anti-slamming feature, but no self-closing mechanism! This unique demand seems unsolvable. However, Waterson rose to the occasion, tailoring a solution that precisely met these specifications.

Client Requirement Overview

The client was looking for a perfect solution with his 9 ft interior and timber door. “It’s to renovate a luxury penthouse apartment in Cape Town, South Africa”. The apartment tends to have strong draft winds coming through, so he wanted to avoid draft winds slamming the doors.

“The doors don’t necessarily need to be self-closing, but we need the soft-closing hydraulic function that brakes the door before it slams.“

The client emphasized the need for a hydraulic soft close function to gently brake the door before it could slam. Aesthetic considerations were also critical, as the doors were designed to be concealed. Compatibility with the client’s existing black door handles was a necessity, requiring a flat back design on the hinges.

Effective Hydraulic Solutions

Waterson delivered exactly what the client needed with the hydraulic soft close hinges. These hydraulic hinges perfectly matched all his requirements, from functionality to aesthetics. Here are the key features they offer:

Soft Closing: Oil-controlled dynamic braking responds effectively to sudden wind changes without leakage.
Anti Slamming: Contribute to the longevity of door frames by preventing the jarring effects of a slammed door.
Stainless Steel: Opt for the most durable material.
Hydraulic Hinge: Damper hinges work by using hydraulic fluid to control the door’s movement, ensuring a smooth and quiet closing.
Buffering Feature: Provides further control over door closing speed.
ADA Compliance: Meets ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for 5 lbs opening force and 5-second closing speed from 90 degrees to 120 degrees.
Flat Black Design: Craft a unified and stylish look in homes and businesses, complements modern design sensibilities.
Hidden Door Hinges: Improve entryway aesthetics by hiding closing mechanisms inside doors or frames.

Go further with Waterson Hydraulic Hinges application here.

Hydraulic Hinges Common Questions

Q: If we go with a self-closing option – will we be able to keep the doors open with a floor-mounted magnetic door stop without putting too much strain on the hinge?

A: You may go with the floor mounted door stop, it will not stress the hinge if the angle is not beyond 120 degrees.

Q: If I open the hydraulic hinge over 120 degrees, will it damage?

A: No, that is just a precaution to prevent the hinges from being easily damaged in the future. It will not damage directly, but it does make the hinge more prone to damaging, which lessens the lifetime of the hinge.

Q: Do you see the hydraulic soft-close without self-closing as a viable option? My only concern is if there will be too much resistance when you want to close the door.

A: It is surely a no option. Hydraulic without self closing is one of the options to prevent slamming and you are not the only one choosing to go this route.

The hydraulic buffer is adjustable. You won’t feel too much resistance if you are trying to close the door by yourself.

Waterson Hydraulic Soft Close Hinges

Waterson Hydraulic Door Hinges combine an overhead hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door-stop features. These hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. The hinges are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson hinges meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being suitable for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.

Request For Quote

Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.