Project Description
A defining feature of Tuscan, Mediterranean, and French country architecture, arched top doors, has recently gained a great deal of storefront door popularity due to their elegance and aesthetics. Many companies around the world have been choosing arched top as their storefront choice. Balmain Fashion Company, the French luxury clothing, and perfume leader chose arched top doors for their flagship Moscow store in order to capture an aesthetic of traditional French culture and quality.
So can you find a solution for you storefront door?
How to Choose the Right Door Closer for Storefront Door
A storefront door closer is the front face of the store. The right door closer not only should match the door’s usage, weight, daily traffic operation but also the aesthetic appearance for the style and beauty.
Therefore, here are 5 key features to consider while choosing a storefront door closer:
- Traffic frequency: Choose a heavy-duty closer rated for at least 1,000,000 cycles to keep your storefront door moving smoothly under constant use.
- ADA compliance: Make sure the closer meets ADA standards: <5 lbs opening force; <5 seconds closing for better accessibility.
- Adjustability: Opt for a model with adjustable sweep, latch, and backcheck speeds to fine-tune motion and extend the closer’s lifespan.
- Mounting style: Match the mounting type—surface, concealed, or top jamb—to your door design for a cleaner, more professional look.
- Weather and corrosion resistance: Invest in stainless steel or powder-coated finishes if your storefront faces outdoor exposure.
However, finding compatible and attractive storefront door closer has been a challenge — until now!
A Go-to Storefront Door Closer Solution
Waterson self closing door closers are the ideal solution for all arched door closing system needs. With a simple design, these closers effortlessly solve all the concerns.
- Easy Installation: Simple setup with minimal effort.
- Self Closing: Reliable automatic door closing without external force.
- Adjustable Speed: Allows users to customize closing speed based on their needs.
- Stainless Steel: Constructed from 304 & 316 stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance.
- Weatherproof: Engineered for effective performance in various conditions.
- ADA Compliance: Meets accessibility clearance with 5 lbs of opening force and 5-second closing, fit for storefront door function.
- Diverse applications: Fit for glass storefront doors, aluminum storefront doors, storefront swing doors, etc.
Read more about the arch top door application here.
Self-Closing Door Closer vs. Traditional Closer Differences
Unlike standard rectangular doors, arched storefront doors create an elegant and distinctive entrance, enhancing a store or building’s visual appeal. However, their unique design poses challenges, especially when incorporating storefront door closers for smooth, self-closing functionality. Balmain’s flagship store in Moscow selected arched double doors with a storefront door closer, ensuring a seamless blend of sophistication and practical performance.
How Many Waterson Wall to Glass Hinges Do I Need for My Door?
Waterson’s glass to wall hinge sets are sized by door dimensions, weight, and the features you need: hold open, self closing, or both. The table below outlines the standard configurations for glass to wall doors with a wall width of at least 1 1/2 inch (38mm) and glass thickness between 8 and 12mm (5/16 to 1/2 inch).
| Door Size (W x H) | Max Weight | Features | Hinges Needed | Model | Hinge Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 6′ x 4′ | ≤150 lbs | Self closing, fluid motion | 2 | K51GWL-B2 | HS.SA |
| Up to 6′ x 4′ | ≤150 lbs | Hold open, self closing, fluid motion | 2 | K51GWL-D2 | HS.SB |
| Up to 7′ x 4′ | ≤260 lbs | Self closing, fluid motion | 3 | K51GWL-B3 | SA.HS.SA1 |
| Up to 7′ x 4′ | ≤260 lbs | Hold open, self closing, fluid motion | 3 | K51GWL-D3 | SA.HS.SB |
Commercial Door Closer Installation
Installing a commercial door closer correctly is what determines whether a storefront or office entrance closes smoothly for years or starts sagging, slamming, or failing within months. Unlike a residential door closer, a commercial unit has to handle heavier doors, higher traffic volume, and stricter code requirements such as ADA opening force and fire rating compliance.
Before mounting the closer, a few things matter most:
- Confirm the closer’s size and power range match the door’s width and weight
- Check the door and frame material to choose the right mounting screws or anchors
- Decide on mounting position (regular arm, top jamb, or parallel arm) based on the space above the door and any clearance restrictions
- Mark and pre drill mounting holes carefully so the closer sits level and the arm moves freely through the full swing
Once the unit is mounted and the arm is connected, the door should swing through its full range without binding before any fine tuning of speed or tension begins.
Commercial Door Closer Adjustment
Even a properly installed commercial door closer needs the right adjustment to perform well in daily use, since traffic level, door weight, and climate all affect how it should be tuned. Most issues people run into, doors slamming shut, doors swinging too slowly, or doors failing to latch, come down to a setting that no longer matches the space.
The main adjustments to check are:
- Closing speed: controls how fast the door moves through most of its swing
Latch speed: controls the final few degrees of closing, where the door needs enough force to latch securely
Spring tension: determines how much force the closer uses to pull the door shut, which affects opening effort too
Backcheck (if equipped): cushions the door near full open to prevent it from swinging too forcefully into walls or fixtures
Adjustments should be made gradually, one setting at a time, and kept within the manufacturer’s specified range to avoid overloading the closer or voiding the warranty.
Waterson Stainless Steel Spring Storefront Door Closers
Waterson Storefront Door 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 custom hinge 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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