Garage fires aren’t rare—they’re real. In the U.S. alone, over 6,000 garage-related fires happen every year, causing injuries, damage, and unnecessary loss. But once a fire starts, it’s no longer just about property or repairs—it can take away the people you love. And that’s a cost you can never recover.
So before you choose a garage door closer, ask yourself:
- Do garage-to-house doors really need to be self closing?
- Are soft close garage door closer strong enough for fire-rated doors?
- How soft close garage door closers help prevent injuries?
Do Garage-to-house Doors Really Need to be Self Closing?
Yes, in most cases they do—especially for homes with attached garages. Building codes such as NFPA 80 require self-closing mechanisms on garage-to-house doors to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and hazardous air into living areas. These codes serve as a critical safety baseline.
However, standard door closer, while technically compliant, may not offer the control or reliability needed in real-life scenarios—particularly where airflow, frequent use, or child safety are concerns. For homeowners seeking both compliance and everyday peace of mind, upgrading to a soft-closing solution offers a more complete approach to safety and comfort.
What Is a Soft Closing Garage Door Closer? How Does It Help Prevent Injuries?
A soft-closing garage door closer, also known as a hydraulic garage door closer, is a hinge system that combines mechanical self-closing with built-in hydraulic damping. Unlike traditional spring-only door closer, hydraulic models slow the door’s movement as it closes—minimizing impact, noise, and bounce. This controlled motion is especially valuable in residential settings where airflow or forceful use is common.
By preventing sudden slams, soft close door closers help reduce the risk of finger injuries—particularly for children and older adults—while also protecting the door frame and hardware from long-term stress and damage.
A combination of safety features, user-friendliness, and design appeal
Are Soft Close Door Closer Strong Enough for Fire-Rated Doors?
Yes, as long as they are tested and certified for fire-rated use. Soft close door closers that meet UL standards—such as the UL-list 3-hour fire rating—and comply with NFPA 80 are fully capable of supporting fire-rated doors. These hydraulic door closers are designed to combine controlled, quiet closing with the mechanical strength required for life safety applications.
Always verify the certification details before installation to ensure the hydraulic door closers meet the specific requirements of your project.
“What if I have elderly family members or toddlers at home, and the door are too heavy?”
If your household includes seniors or little ones, door operation force becomes just as important as safety. Only some outstanding soft-closing garage door closers are designed to meet ADA accessibility standards—requiring less than 5 lbs of force to open and allowing at least 5 seconds to close. This ensures the door is easy to use and safe for both older adults and toddlers, offering comfort without compromising performance.
Additional Features That Make a Difference
Most homeowners who install Waterson soft closing garage door closer quickly notice the difference—not just in how their doors close, but in how much quieter, safer, and smoother daily life feels. That’s why Waterson has become a trusted choice for those who value both performance and durability. From materials to real-world function, these hydraulic door closers stand out for a few key reasons:
- Stainless Steel: Made with 304 and 316 stainless steel to withstand the elements and heavy use.
- Self Closing: ntegrated spring mechanism ensures the door closes automatically after each use
- Anti Slamming & Soft Closing: Prevent doors from slamming shut and pose risks such as loose closers or damage screws holding. Close garage door without power.
- Load Bearing Capacity: Waterson garage door closers efficiently support significant loads – three door closers is 260 lbs, and four closers can be up to 330 lbs.
- ANSI/BHMA A156.17 Compliance: Waterson garage door closers meet strict quality and safety benchmarks.
- Adjustability: Features 3 adjustable setting speeds and buffering control over door closing speed.
- Ideal Dimensions: Perfect for doors measuring 1 ¾” thick, 3’-9” wide, and 8’-0” tall.
- Aesthetic: Elegant, concealed and minimal visual intrusion with PVD Finish. No overhead hardware needed.
Regarding door height:
- Up to 60 inches: 2 door closers
- 60-90 inches: 3 door closers.
- 90-120 inches: 4 door closers.
Regarding door weight:
- 150-330 lbs: 3 door closers.
- 260-440 lbs: 4 door closers.
For more information, please feel free to see our “How to Order” instructions
Waterson’s mechanical stainless steel garage door closers come with a 10-year warranty for both interior and exterior use. In contrast, hydraulic closers typically have a 5-year warranty for interior use and a 3-year warranty for exterior use, with certain exclusions from the warranty (See our warranty statement).
Go further with Mechanical vs Hydraulic Comparison here.
No, Waterson garage door soft closers are designed to meet ADA compliance standards, including a 5 lbs opening force and a 5-second closing speed from 90 degrees to 12 degrees. Additionally, they offer a buffering feature with three adjustable settings to control the door’s closing speed.
Go further with how to adjust the tension on door closer or watch the video below.
Waterson Heavy Duty Soft Closing Garage Door Closer
Waterson Hydraulic Door Closers combine an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door-stop features. These closers are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. The closers 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 door closers 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.
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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.
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