To Close or Not to Close?
We have all been there – a door slams shut behind us, or worse, stays open letting the freezing winter air in.
That is why you sometimes need a device called a door closer. It is a mechanical device that ensures your door closes smoothly and securely every time. But do you really need one on every single door?
Whether you are building a new office in Riga or renovating a home in the countryside, here is the simple breakdown of when they are mandatory, when they are optional, and how to choose the right look.
When is a Door Closer Mandatory?
In Latvia and the EU, you generally need a closer for three main reasons: Safety, Savings, and Access.
1. Fire Safety
If you see a “Fire Door” sticker, that door must have a closer.
Why? Fire doors only work if they are closed. If a fire starts, an open door lets smoke spread instantly.
The Standard: Look for EN 1154 certification. In Latvia, this is strictly monitored under regulation LBN 201-15.
2. Saving Heat
Latvia and Northern Europe is cold for half the year. An exterior door left open for 5 minutes is like throwing money out the window.
Why? A closer ensures the door seals tight against the weather strips immediately after someone walks through.
The Benefit: It lowers your heating bills and stops wind from damaging the hinges.
3. Electronic Access Control
Does your door have a key card reader, a magnet lock, or a keypad?
Why? Electronic locks cannot work if the door is hovering 5cm away from the frame. The closer ensures the door actually latches so the lock can engage securely.
When Do You NOT Need a Door Closer?
While closers are great for public buildings, they are not always necessary. Here is where you can save your budget.
1. Interior Residential Doors
You generally do not need door closers on bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen doors inside a private apartment or house.
Why: Most homeowners prefer to leave these doors partially open for airflow or accessibility. A closer here can be annoying for daily life.
2. Low-Traffic Storage Rooms (Non-Fire Rated)
If you have a small storage closet inside an office that is not storing hazardous materials and is not a designated fire barrier, a closer is usually optional.
3. “Free Swing” Requirements
In some specific logistical scenarios, users need a door to stay exactly where they leave it (fully open, half open, etc.). Unless you buy a specialized (and expensive) “Free-Swing” closer linked to an alarm, standard closers will fight you. In these cases, standard hinges are often preferred.
Which Type Should You Choose?
If you decide you do need one, here is how to pick the right style.
1. The “Standard Arm” (Link Arm)
This is the most common type. It has an arm that sticks out like an elbow.
Best For: Back doors, stairwells, and industrial rooms.
Pros: Strong, reliable, and the most affordable option.
Cons: Not very pretty; the arm is very visible.
2. The “Slide Channel” (Sleek & Modern)
Instead of an elbow, the arm slides flat along a track.
Best For: Schools, offices, and hospitals.
Pros: Very easy to open (great for kids or the elderly under LBN accessibility rules) and looks much cleaner.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than the standard arm.
3. The “Floor Spring” (Hidden)
The mechanism is buried in the floor, not on the door.
Best For: Heavy glass doors in shopping centers.
Pros: Completely invisible.
Cons: Requires cutting into the floor to install (hard to retrofit).
Size Matters (EN Standards)
In Europe, we measure closers by “EN Size” (1 to 7).
Too Weak: The wind will blow the door open.
Too Strong: The door will be too heavy to open comfortably by your grandmother.
Quick Reference Guide:
EN 3: Standard apartment entrance doors (up to 95cm wide).
EN 4: Most exterior office/shop doors (up to 110cm wide).
EN 5-6: Very heavy or wide industrial doors.
Pro Tip: For the Latvian climate, we recommend an Adjustable EN 3-6 closer. This allows you to increase the closing force during windy autumn months and lower it in summer.
Part 5: Aesthetics and Colors
Gone are the days when you were stuck with ugly silver boxes.
If you care about interior design, check with your hardware supplier about color options. Most major European manufacturers (like Geze, Dormakaba, or ASSA ABLOY) offer covers in a variety of finishes.
Silver (RAL 9006): The standard industrial look.
White (RAL 9016): Blends in with standard PVC or wooden white doors.
Black (RAL 9005): Increasingly popular for modern, loft-style offices.
Custom RAL: Many manufacturers can special order covers to match your specific door frame color perfectly.
Summary: Your Decision Checklist
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Is it a Fire Door? YES = You need an EN 1154 closer.
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Is it an Exterior Door? YES = You need one for heat/wind protection.
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Is it a Bedroom/Bathroom? NO = You can usually skip it.
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Is it for a School/Clinic? YES = Choose a “Slide Channel” for easier opening.
