Blog Overview: Stop fire doors slamming by investing in a fire door closer
Slamming fire doors are more than just annoying. They are a serious hazard. A slamming fire door can injure building occupants and may even fail to contain smoke and fire during an emergency. So, when you need the fire door to work the most, it may fail.
Preventing fire doors from slamming can easily be fixed through two types of fire safety equipment.
1. Fire door closers: Hardware fitted to fire doors to keep them closed at all times. If the fire door is pushed open, the closer will automatically activate and will successfully and safely close the fire door. This removes the risk of someone forgetting to shut the fire door during an evacuation.
2. Fire door retainers: A floor or wall-mounted electromagnet that safely holds the fire door open at all times. However, once the fire alarm system detects fire or smoke, the door will be automatically released. This achieves two things:
- Allows constant airflow through high-traffic buildings like schools or hospitals
- Ensure the fire doors are safely shut in an emergency
In this guide, we explain why fire doors slam and how two types of fire door safety equipment can prevent it.
Why Fire Doors Slamming Shut is Dangerous
Fire doors are a critical part of any fire protection system. Indeed, they help to prevent the spread of fire and other hazards, such as toxic fumes. However, if not properly maintained, they can also cause problems in your facility. This includes slamming shut fire doors and shutting off ventilation systems.
We can help ensure that your fire doors will remain open during an emergency situation. There are several ways to stop fire doors from slamming on their own.
How Do You Prevent a Fire Door From Slamming?
To prevent a fire door from slamming shut, you need to install a pressure-sensitive door closer. Alongside this, you must:
- Choose the right type of pressure-sensitive closer for your specific needs
- Install it correctly with all necessary components
- Test it regularly
Installing a fire door closer prevents the door from closing too fast, slamming or accidentally hitting someone with force.
Is it Safe to Wedge a Fire Door Open?
No, wedging a fire door is illegal and can have dangerous consequences.
It is never okay to wedge open a fire door because this prevents the door from shutting when needed. Therefore, your fire door will fail to contain the smoke and fire and will instead allow fire to spread.
What Are Overhead Fire Door Closers?
An overhead door closer is a type of fire exit hardware that prevents loud bangs from slamming doors.
These closers are similar to other types of door closers, but they have a special function. Using springs and counterweights, we can hold a fire door open at all times. Or slow the speed drastically.
Fire safety expert insight: Fire door closer installation takes less than 15 minutes. Using basic tools, this requires no more than a screwdriver and drill.
What Are the Benefits of Overhead Fire Door Closers?
Firstly, the door closer will slow down the speed at which your door moves. This allows it to gently close rather than forcefully slam shut. Secondly, the closer is capable of holding over 100kg, meaning we reduce the weight of the door and therefore reduce the bang.
Other benefits include:
- Slowing the door speed (adjustable closing speed options stop fire doors from slamming).
- Reducing the Weight: (A lighter door is easier to handle and far less likely to slam).
- Providing access for children and people with disabilities.
- Preventing draughts
- Reducing noise levels
- Automatically Closing
- Eliminating constant slamming
Are Fire Door Closers a Legal Requirement?
This answer depends on where your fire door is installed and what purpose it serves.
For example, all fire doors in non-domestic buildings like schools, offices and hospitals will require fire door closers to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Additionally, installing fire doors throughout non-domestic buildings is a legal requirement. That being said, investing in fire door closers is not always a necessity.
Ultimately, fire door closers are not automatically legal requirements. However, they may become one if the fire door cannot close fully or reliably without their assistance.
What Are Wireless Door Closers?
Wireless fire door closers utilise a keypad to control the operation of the device. This enables it to work without any wiring from an external power source.
Wireless fire door closers are a great solution for fire doors that are opened and closed frequently. Since these units do not require wiring, we can install them quickly without interfering with any other electrical systems in place within your building.
What Are the Benefits of Wireless Door Closers?
Perhaps the biggest benefit to wireless door closers is their ability to be programmed to automatically close at certain times of the day. Or we can focus on certain events, e.g. after the building has been vacated. These units also include battery-powered backup systems, so there is no loss of functionality if external power fails during an emergency.
- Adjustable Holding Angle of 65-105°
- Programmable Daily Release Times
- Battery Powered
Our expert engineers program these to operate when the volume of the alarm is above a certain threshold. Once the threshold is met, the door closer will shut the fire door. Lastly, in most residential settings, a fire door is legally required to be self-closing.
What Are Fire Door Retainers?
Fire door retainers are a type of door closer that uses a spring to hold the door open. Commonly referred to as “door openers” or “door stoppers,” they are used on fire doors so that they will not close unless there is smoke present in the building.
If you’re looking for ways to prevent your fire door from slamming shut on its own without compromising safety, we recommend investing in a professional service provider who can install high-quality hardware like rope holders instead!
What Are the Benefits of Fire Door Retainers?
Fire doors are vital for safety, but they can’t legally be wedged open. That’s where fire door retainers help.
They hold doors open safely during normal use and automatically release them when the fire alarm sounds, allowing the door to close and act as a protective barrier.
Key Benefits of Fire Door Retainers:
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Hold fire doors open legally – Keep doors open for convenience without breaking fire safety regulations.
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Prevent slamming – Doors stay open until released by the alarm, stopping noisy and potentially dangerous slams.
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Easy to retrofit – Retainers can be fitted to existing fire doors without major changes.
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Improve accessibility – Heavy doors become easier to manage for wheelchair users, children, and people carrying equipment.
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Better ventilation – Helps air circulation in busy buildings, reducing stuffiness and even limiting the spread of viruses.
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Standards compliant – EN1155 certified, ensuring safety and reliability.
Dorgard Fire Door Retainers
Dorgard is a trusted, compliant solution for holding fire doors open legally. This battery-operated fire door retainer keeps your fire doors open during normal use and automatically releases them when the fire alarm sounds, allowing the doors to close and contain smoke and fire.
Key Benefits of Dorgard retainers:
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Automatic release in a fire – Closes fire doors when the fire alarm sounds for 14 seconds or more.
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Quick installation – We can fit a Dorgard in under five minutes, with no hard wiring.
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Low maintenance – Once installed, Dorgard requires minimal monitoring and maintenance.
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Versatile and non-damaging – Its rubber plunger/stopper works with most door types without causing damage.
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Improve safety and compliance – Helps your building meet fire safety regulations while improving convenience and accessibility.
What Are Electromagnetic Release Devices?
Electromagnetic release devices are one of the most common types of fire door closers. Consisting of a magnet and a metal arm, we love this simple design. These devices are activated by an electrical current. When the current is interrupted, the door is released.
As fire doors are designed to keep fire and smoke from spreading, we need to be able to close them quickly and seal them tightly.
What Are the Benefits of Electromagnetic Release Devices?
Electromagnetic release devices are attached to fire doors to allow them to close quickly in the event of a fire. Approved electric hold-open systems provide a more effective way of protecting your building from fires than conventional wedge devices.
Key Benefits of Electromagnetic Release Devices:
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Automatic fire door closure – When a fire alarm sounds, the electromagnet disengages, allowing the door to shut instantly and contain smoke and fire.
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Legal & compliant alternative to wedges – Approved hold-open systems meet fire safety regulations and help protect your building and occupants.
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Quick, simple installation – Most devices can be fitted with minimal disruption and require little ongoing maintenance.
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Space-saving design – Electromagnetic door releases take up less space than mechanical hold-open devices, ideal for busy areas.
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Improved safety during evacuations – Doors close automatically to create fire barriers but release instantly to prevent injury and speed up escape routes.
Electromagnetic release devices are a smart, compliant solution for holding fire doors open safely in offices, schools, hospitals and other high-traffic buildings.
About Us – Why Choose OHEAP’s Fire Door Services
OHEAP units are certified to EN1155. As a result, they are suitable for most business and public sector applications. With our wide range of options, you can find the perfect acoustic fire door retainer for your needs.
