It's mid-December in Iowa, and Mother Nature has decided to leave the freezer door open for a few weeks. Temperatures have dropped to the mid teens for highs and dip down to below zero overnight. Not only does your face hurt when you go outside, but now your entrance door is slow to close, catching on the latch, and just generally causing you problems. If you're wondering why, we've got an easy explanation and can get you back up on your feet in no time.
Temperature changes significantly affect the viscosity of hydraulic fluids used in commercial entrance door closers, impacting their operation. Door closers typically rely on hydraulic dampening mechanisms to control the speed at which doors open and close. As temperatures drop, the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid increases, making the fluid thicker and more resistant to flow. This can cause doors to close too slowly or not latch properly. Conversely, in higher temperatures, the fluid becomes thinner, reducing resistance and potentially causing the door to close too quickly, leading to safety concerns and excessive wear on components.
Building materials used around commercial doors, such as aluminum, steel, wood, and concrete, expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. This movement can affect the alignment of the door frame and the door itself, leading to improper seating of the door closer. For instance, metal frames may expand in high temperatures, causing increased friction or misalignment, while contraction during colder temperatures can create gaps that make it difficult for the door to close fully. These alignment issues not only hinder the door closers operation but can also create air leaks, reducing building energy efficiency.
The combination of altered hydraulic fluid performance and shifting building materials can exacerbate operational problems. For example, if the door closer is adjusted to compensate for fluid viscosity changes in winter, these adjustments may be inappropriate for summer conditions when the fluid thins and the door frame expands. This cyclical adjustment process can lead to inconsistent door performance and additional wear on the closer mechanism, ultimately reducing its lifespan.
Regular maintenance and the use of temperature-resistant materials can mitigate these issues. Hydraulic fluids designed to maintain stable viscosity across a wide temperature range are available and can significantly enhance door closer performance in variable climates. Additionally, modern door closers often include temperature-compensating valves that automatically adjust for viscosity changes, reducing the need for manual recalibration. Installing flexible gaskets or thermal breaks in door frames can further minimize the effects of material expansion and contraction.
Overall, understanding the impact of temperature changes on door closers and surrounding building materials is crucial for maintaining the efficiency, safety, and longevity of commercial entrance doors. Architects, builders, and facility managers should consider these factors during design, installation, and maintenance. Proactive measures, such as selecting high-quality components and scheduling seasonal inspections, can ensure consistent door performance despite environmental fluctuations.
If you need help correcting these issues on your entrance, please reach out to the entrance door experts at MGSI Glass to schedule service or seasonal preventative maintenance.
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