Door Industry Journal - Spring 2016

building hardware Comfort The concealed door closer can make a valuable contribution towards the well-being of a health establishment’s clients. In both frontline health services and provision of care for the elderly and mentally ill there is broad recognition that providing a homely, less clinical atmosphere aids recovery and enhances the lives of the service’s consumers. The concealed door closer can help to create a less institutionalised appearance to interiors, making for a more therapeutic environment as well as enhancing comfort. Powermatic Free Swing is particularly well-suited to the care home market, as it allows residents and staff to leave doors open during normal use without compromising fire safety regulations. Hotels Enhanced aesthetics are probably the main reason that architects and designers specify Powermatic door closers for hotel applications, although many of the health, safety and well- being considerations are also relevant. From a practical perspective, the jamb-mounted closer has been shown to contribute towards the sound insulation properties of a door installation, with tests undertaken by architects on one high profile project showing that Powermatic offers some advantage over other concealed closing devices. Furthermore, the absence of protruding mechanical control arms and surface-mounted boxes means that a jamb-mounted door closer offers an ideal solution in situations where door clearance is restricted, such as with 90° reveals. In addition, the jamb-mounted closer’s position within the door facilitates quick and easy fine-tuning, unhindered by the restricted headroom experienced in some guestroom reveals. Commercial Offices and other commercial developments will undoubtedly benefit from the enhanced aesthetics achievable by using Powermatic. However, the door closers are particularly favoured by designers and their clients where raised access floors are present, as they offer a viable alternative to potentially costly floor-mounted door closing devices. Housing Prestigious apartment buildings have always been a prime market for Powermatic concealed door closers thanks to their ability to retain the high-end aesthetics that are paramount in such developments. However, private and social housing at all levels, particularly homes in multiple occupation, also reap the benefits that Powermatic’s concealment brings in reducing the risk of damage through vandalism and, potentially, enhancing safety for vulnerable residents. Opting for Powermatic door closers offers significant benefits in costs, convenience and safety, both to those responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of properties as well as for the residents themselves. Heritage and refurbishment Powermatic door closers are highly suited to heritage and refurbishment projects, as they facilitate the introduction of modern fire safety, accessibility and convenience features, whilst enabling historically significant, features and finishes to be retained. Powermatic also provides a simple and extremely effective solution where shaped door heads prevent the use of overhead door closers or where floor-mounted devices require the excavation of floors. The benefits of enhanced aesthetics, improved safety and increased reliability are desirable across all sectors of the building industry. Powermatic and Powermatic Free Swing offer the performance, reliability and versatility to deliver many benefits, possibly in hitherto unseen circumstances. Considering the needs of clients and occupants of buildings is vital to maximising these benefits, and specifiers can benefit from Samuel Heath’s technical specification team when considering the selection and application of door closers for specific projects. Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 103 THE door industry journal spring 2016