In multifamily housing, such as apartments and student housing, details matter to residents’ comfort. Every element, including residential door hinges, should be thoughtfully selected.
It may seem simple, but architects must choose the right residential door hinges to avoid problems in the future. A regular traditional hinge often fails to function effectively.
3 Problems of Traditional Hinges Used in Multifamily Buildings
1) Slamming Doors
Traditional hinges lack an anti-slam feature, causing doors to slam shut. This creates disruptive noises in multifamily buildings with shared walls and hallways.
2) Maintenance Concerns
Doors are regularly opened and closed leading to faster wear. Over time these hinges may loosen, sag and cause misalignment. In the end it needed frequent maintenance, even replacements.
3) Safety Issues
- No self closing feature: sometimes rushing residents don’t have time or forget to make sure the door is closed properly, and may lead to unauthorized access.
- Not ADA and fire-rated: to maintain safety while giving smooth operation, multifamily buildings require fire rated and ADA certified hinges. Traditional hinges may not be able to provide the requirement.
What Features Should Architects Consider for Residential Door Hinges?
- Anti Slam Feature: Prevent loud door closure and preserve peace in multifamily housing.
- Heavy Duty: Support the door’s weight, maintain alignment, and prevent sagging
- Adjustability: Provide the desired door closure and easy correction to resolve misalignment.
- ADA Compliant and Fire Rated: Ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities and provide critical protection in the event of a fire.
- Self Closing: Makes sure doors close securely every time, offering safety and peace of mind for residents.
Compact Solution for Multifamily Housing: Spring Loaded Residential Door Hinges
Thinking about the frequent failure of traditional hinges, Waterson comes up with the complete solution for residential door hinges that deliver functionality and durability.
Soft Close Feature
Waterson residential hinges have two kinds of anti slam closing types; Mechanical and Hydraulic.
- Mechanical Hinges: Provides closing speed control that prevents slamming doors. They are great choices for higher frequency door usage.
- Hydraulic Hinges: Incorporates fluid dampers for precise control, with a buffering zone that provides a further control over door swing and closing speed. Ideal for breezy environments.
Adjustable Spring Feature
Waterson spring hinges are designed with a numerical panel. This allows users to adjust to the desired closing force helping to resolve misalignment, perfect for residential spring hinges.
Self Closing Mechanism
With built-in spring mechanism, Waterson residential hinges ensure a controlled closing every time. This feature provides convenience and helps maintain privacy of the residents.
Ensures Safety
Waterson hinges are 3-hours fire rated grade 1 UL listed and have gone through one million cycle tests meeting the NFPA 80 compliance.
Additionally these residential spring hinges are ADA compliant. Provide a clear opening width, controlled closing speed, and an accessible opening force. This way, everyone including disabled individuals can have access.
Elegant Finish Options
Waterson self closing hinges are available in a variety of refined finishes to match both modern and traditional architectural styles. They include Satin Brushed Stainless Steel (US32D), Flat Black (US19), Satin Brass (US4), Antique Bronze (US10B), and custom designs.
The finishes are not only stylish but also durable, designed to resist corrosion and wear over time — perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Backed by numerous case studies, Waterson has been trusted to provide self-closing spring hinges that deliver reliable performance, durability, style, functionality, and safety for interior doors.
Check out one of our recent case studies of the Clark Lindsey Project here.
Our spring loaded hinges provide all types of corners, including square corner hinges, ⅝ radius hinges, and ¼ radius hinges. To define which type is suitable for your door, read the ⅝ vs ¼ radius hinges here.
Waterson Spring Loaded Residential Hinges for Multifamily Housing
Waterson spring loaded self closing hinges combine an overhead closer and 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 soft close door 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.
Recent Post
Spring Loaded Residential Door Hinges: Safe and Durable Multifamily Solution
In multifamily housing, such as apartments and student housing, details matter to residents' comfort. Every element, including residential door hinges, should be thoughtfully selected. It [...]
Gate Hinge Adjustment: Why Your Gate Holds Open and How to Fix It
Recently, a customer reached out about his Waterson marine grade spring gate hinges installed on a beachside gate. Although he specifically requested non hold open [...]
How to Choose Glass Gate Hinges for Outdoor Applications
Glass gates sound like a great idea due to their clean and modern look—until you think about the risks. They’re fragile, hard to control, and [...]