Storm doors play a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency and weather protection for homes. A properly installed and adjusted door closer ensures that the storm door closes smoothly and securely, enhancing comfort and security. This guide, based on detailed installation instructions from verified sources, provides step-by-step procedures for installing and adjusting an EMCO door closer, with practical insights on positioning, alignment, and tension settings.
Introduction
The EMCO door closer is a high-quality mechanical device designed for use with storm doors, offering durability and precision in operation. Unlike generic door closers, EMCO models often include advanced features such as “step-on” locking mechanisms that replace outdated tab-style locks, improving usability and aesthetics. Installation of these closers requires careful planning and attention to detail, particularly with regard to bracket alignment, pin placement, and tension adjustment.
The following guide outlines the installation process using a standard EMCO door closer, with a focus on precise positioning and adjustment. The instructions emphasize the importance of pre-drilling, bracket alignment, and testing the door’s close rate to ensure optimal performance.
Understanding Door Closer Components and Functions
Before beginning the installation, it is important to understand the key components of a typical EMCO door closer:
- Jamb Bracket: A metal plate that is mounted on the door jamb. It serves as the anchor point for the door closer mechanism.
- Door Bracket: A rectangular component that is attached to the door. It connects to the closer arm and ensures that the door moves smoothly during the closing process.
- Closer Arm: The adjustable arm that connects the jamb bracket to the door bracket. It transfers the force of the closer mechanism to the door.
- Adjustment Pin: A short or long pin included in the kit, used to align the closer arm with the jamb bracket and secure the assembly.
- Screws and Spacers: Standard hardware provided with the closer for mounting the brackets and maintaining tension during installation.
The EMCO closer functions by using hydraulic pressure to control the speed at which the door closes. The close rate can be adjusted to ensure that the door closes smoothly without slamming or failing to latch. Proper installation is essential to maintain this functionality and prevent premature wear on the mechanism.
Step 1: Determine the Door Closer Location
The first step in the installation process is to determine the optimal location for the door closer. EMCO door closers can be mounted either at the top or the bottom of the door, depending on the door’s weight and design. The location will influence how the closer performs and how much tension is required to close the door effectively.
When selecting the installation location, the following considerations are important:
- Door Rail Alignment: The jamb bracket must be aligned with the center of the door rail. The rail is the horizontal piece of wood at the top or bottom of the door. Vertical sections of the door are known as stiles.
- Jamb Bracket Positioning: The jamb bracket should be mounted 1/4 inch back from the front edge of the jamb (the edge closest to the storm door). This ensures that the rounded bulb at the end of the closer is pointing toward the door, allowing for smooth operation.
- Clearance and Accessibility: The closer should be positioned so that it does not interfere with the door’s movement or the surrounding structure. Typically, closers are installed at head-level or foot-level, where they are out of the way and less likely to be disturbed.
Once the location is determined, the next step is to mark the screw holes on the bracket and prepare the door for installation.
Step 2: Mark, Drill, and Attach the Door Closer Bracket
With the jamb bracket positioned correctly, the next step is to mark and drill the pilot holes for the screws that will secure the bracket to the door frame. This process involves the following steps:
- Position the Bracket: Hold the jamb bracket in place at the determined location on the door jamb. Ensure that the rounded bulb at the end of the bracket is pointing toward the door.
- Mark the Screw Holes: Use a pencil to mark the screw hole locations on the jamb. These marks will serve as guides for drilling.
- Pre-Drill the Holes: Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws provided, pre-drill at the marked locations. This ensures that the screws can be inserted smoothly without damaging the wood.
- Attach the Bracket: Place the jamb bracket back in position, aligning it with the pre-drilled holes. Secure it using the two supplied screws and a screwdriver or drill with a driver bit.
Pre-drilling is essential to prevent splitting the wood and to ensure that the bracket is securely mounted. Once the jamb bracket is in place, the next step is to connect the door closer arm to the bracket.
Step 3: Pin the Door Closer Assembly
After the jamb bracket is securely mounted, the door closer arm must be connected to it. This process involves the following steps:
- Insert the Closer Arm: Step inside the house and close the door. Insert the flattened rod of the door closer arm into the slot on the jamb bracket. This will allow the closer to operate in conjunction with the door.
- Align the Holes: A short pin is included in the installation kit. Line up the holes on the jamb bracket and the door closer rod. The pin should be inserted from the top down through these holes.
- Secure the Pin: Once the pin is in place, the door closer can be hung in position. The jamb bracket should be firmly attached to ensure that the closer operates smoothly. In some cases, a small rubber band may be included to prevent the pin from popping out, although gravity is often sufficient to keep it in place.
This step is critical to the overall function of the closer. If the pin is not properly aligned or the jamb bracket is not securely mounted, the closer may not operate as intended, leading to improper door closure or excessive wear on the mechanism.
Step 4: Position and Secure the Door Bracket
With the jamb bracket in place and the closer arm connected, the next step is to secure the door bracket to the door itself. This component ensures that the door moves in conjunction with the closer mechanism.
The process for installing the door bracket is as follows:
- Attach the Door Bracket: Pin the small, rectangular “door bracket” to the other end of the closer arm. Use the longer pin from the installation kit. The flat face of the bracket should directly touch the flat rail of the door.
- Adjust the Position: Rotate the door closer arm upward until it is parallel with the jamb bracket. This ensures that the door will close smoothly without binding or resistance.
- Mark and Drill: When the door closer is in the best position, draw pencil marks in the screw hole locations on the door bracket. Swing the closer out of the way and pre-drill at these marks. Then, move the closer back into place and attach the bracket to the door using two supplied screws.
Proper alignment of the door bracket is essential to ensure that the door closes smoothly and that the closer operates without resistance. Once the bracket is secured, the final step is to adjust the close rate of the closer.
Step 5: Adjust the Close Rate
The final and most important step in the installation process is adjusting the close rate of the EMCO door closer. This adjustment determines how quickly the door closes after being opened and is crucial for ensuring that the door functions properly in all conditions.
The close rate can be adjusted using the following steps:
- Test the Door: Open the door fully and release it. Observe how the door closes. Ideally, the door should swing to within several inches of the closed position, pause briefly, and then close gently on its own.
- Adjust the Tension: If the door closes too quickly or too slowly, adjust the tension on the closer. Most EMCO closers have an adjustment screw or dial that allows the close rate to be modified. Turn the adjustment in small increments and test the door after each change.
- Account for Air Pressure: Storm doors often behave differently when the main door is closed due to air pressure trapped between the two. Adjust the tension so that the door closes smoothly in both scenarios.
- Final Test: Once the adjustment is complete, perform a final test by opening and releasing the door multiple times. The closer should provide consistent and smooth closure without slamming or failing to latch.
Proper adjustment is essential to the long-term performance of the closer. A door that closes too quickly can be a safety hazard, while a door that closes too slowly may fail to latch properly, compromising security.
Conclusion
Installing an EMCO door closer requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the components involved. By following the outlined steps—positioning the jamb and door brackets, aligning the closer arm, and adjusting the close rate—users can ensure that their storm door closes smoothly and securely. Proper installation not only enhances the functionality of the door but also contributes to the overall energy efficiency and comfort of the home.
EMCO door closers are designed to provide reliable performance with minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. With the right tools and a clear understanding of the installation process, even those with moderate experience can successfully install and adjust an EMCO door closer.