Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

62 THE door industry journal spring 2014 building hardware CONCEALMENT BRINGS HIDDEN BENEFITS The recent introduction of a Free Swing model has further enhanced the appeal of Samuel Heath’s Powermatic® controlled, concealed door closers and broadened the range of applications for which the door closers can be used. Powermatic® door closers are enjoying increasing popularity in both private and public sectors of the building industry thanks to their outstanding performance characteristics and the many benefits they deliver by being totally invisible when the door is closed. Performance matters From a performance perspective, both original and Free Swing versions of the door closer comply with relevant fire performance standards and enable doors to comply with accessibility requirements. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom under processes and systems that comply with BS EN 9001, both door closers comply with BS EN 1154, whilst Powermatic® Free Swing also meets the requirements of BS EN 1155, thereby allowing the closers to carry the CE mark. Beyond their performance, Powermatic® door closers find particular favour with architects, interior designers, local authorities, clinicians and estates managers because of their concealment between door and frame:- Enhanced aesthetics Designers have long-admired Powermatic®’s ability to retain a clean, unhindered appearance to the door, without intrusion from the unsightly boxes and mechanical arms which are an unavoidable feature of surface mounted door closers. In commercial situations, such as hotels, restaurants, apartments and offices, the appeal is, more often than not, purely one of looks. However, in clinical applications, particularly psychiatric units, mental health facilities and care homes, enhanced aesthetics can deliver some very real, practical benefits in improving the well-being of patients and residents by creating a more homely, less institutionalised environment. But, the benefits of concealment go far beyond aesthetic considerations:- Reduced vandalism Many buildings are susceptible to vandalism, particularly schools, social housing, healthcare facilities and other public buildings where the users’ duty of care may not be as high, or where constant supervision is impractical. A damaged door closer not only increases maintenance costs, but can also have dire consequences for a building’s occupants if it prevents a fire door from performing its intended function. Invisible when the door is closed, Powermatic offers less of a target for the vandal or would-be prankster. Even when the door is open, the fact that Powermatic®’s major mechanical parts are concealed within the door, or their exposure is limited, means that the door closer reduces the likelihood of damage through vandalism. Anti-ligature and anti-barricade Powermatic is the perfect choice where anti-ligature and anti-barricade measures need to be taken. It is particularly well- suited for use with continuous hinges. The risk of ligature can be present in any door installation that is not constantly monitored, whether in psychiatric facilities and secure accommodation or even schools and other educational establishments. Powermatic®’s total concealment, as well as the absence of surface mounted control arms and boxes, obviously mean that when the door is closed, the door closer is out of sight and cannot be used as a point of ligature. Additionally, Powermatic® can be installed within 300mm of the bottom of the door, a height at which harm through ligature is considered impossible in most circumstances. Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk