Door Industry Journal - Summer 2016

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 114 THE door industry journal summer 2016 building hardware the door is open, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage through vandalism. Risk reduction Powermatic door closers already form part of many manufacturers’ anti-ligature and anti-barricade solutions, but the risk of self-harm through ligature can also be present in educational learning and accommodation facilities. Whilst full anti-ligature measures might be unnecessary, the risk can be significantly reduced by removing opportunity and offering concealed door closers as a lower risk alternative to more obvious surface-mounted closers. Aesthetic appeal Great looking interiors are not the sole preserve of the designer who wishes to create interiors unencumbered by unattractive mechanical devices. Many health and care professionals recognise the contribution that more homely, less institutionalised interiors can make towards the well-being and recovery of clients in mental health, psychiatric and elderly care facilities. The highly visible mechanical boxes and control arms of surface-mounted door closers spoil the appearance of doors and decorative schemes, but they can also give interiors a functional, industrial appearance. Powermatic concealed door closers are jamb-mounted and present no such problems. Totally concealed when the door is closed and hardly noticeable when the door is open, they offer the ideal solution for aesthetically-pleasing and more therapeutic interiors. A matter of convenience For applications where fire doors need to operate manually without resistance or left open, such as care homes and certain health applications, Powermatic is available in a Free Swing version. Connected to the building’s fire alarm system, Powermatic Free Swing delivers all the benefits of the standard model, but can be simply set to free swinging mode when required. The door closer remains in this mode until it is cancelled or the door closer is activated by a power failure or the building’s fire alarm, at which point the door is closed automatically at a controlled rate. Challenging situations Powermatic door closers also offer a viable solution to more challenging project conditions and door configurations, such as 90-degree reveals, half-leaf doors, shaped door heads, raised floors and heritage restorations. Making the right choice Being aware of these factors will certainly help the door manufacturer in developing doorsets that meet the varied needs of building projects and in offering solutions which can set them apart from others. Further details of Powermatic door closers and Samuel Heath’s technical support services are available at www.concealeddoorclosers.com or by calling 0121 766 4200.