I have a project with two troublesome pairs of outswing patio doors that need to be restrained, so they don’t bang into the adjacent glass. (Chalk this up to good solid planning on my part).
The site is exposed to high winds, fairly often. I’m looking for an interesting solution, akin to using a chain for a downspout (in the south) – one of those details that is remembered for its elegant simplicity. The deck outside the doors is <2″ lower than the door bottoms, the doors are 6’x8′ Andersen outswingers.
I have considered some wall holders such as this: link — but the commerical appearance is just not doing much for me. These doors need to swing back a full 180 degrees, which rules out some of the simpler commercial “holders” that mount in the head jamb. If anybody has ideas, or better yet pictures, I’d love to see some creative ideas. Descriptions ok too.
Thanks,
Scott
Replies
Scott, door closers may be what your looking for. There are closures that can be installed in the top of the door and can be adjusted for both opening angle and positive lock. The positive lock comes in handy when you want to hold door open. If it is a paralell arm installation only the arm bracket will show when door is closed.When doors are open the arm will show, the closure body is hidden in the top of the door.
These closures are not cheap, they are made for commercial applications. Norton is one company that makes them, there are many others.
How about a magnetic system? You'll see them in hospitals and other commercial applications where fire doors are held in the open position until deactivated to close the fire doors. You could mount them high or low depending on your wall situation and your house will blow down before they will give up the door to gusting winds. Also a neat conversation piece that doesn't have that obvious latch and bumper look.
Somewhat utilitarian is the Hoffman Electrical enclosure door stop. but it will only allow you 90 degrees plus a bit. Part #a-dstopk http://www.hoffmanonline.com/PDFCatalog/SpecifiersGuide/index.htm
Chapter 11 general accessories, then pages 11.04 & 05. Top of 11.05 is the doorstop.
It is spartan but the essence is simple. You could buy one or make one yourself. The profile is minimal so it won't mess up the door interior. Made in stainless it could be attractive even.
I'd opt to make one if I was in your shoes. Otherwise talk with the swingers at Andersen. They could have a 300 dollar option that is just right.
the hoffman link is now in my collection; the magnetic idea would have been great if I'd thought about it up front - tough to accomplish now w/o tearing up & tacking on...
all good ideas - thanks
Faced with a similar problem some years back, I got two hard-rubber owls from a garden centre (the kind you use to keep birds out of your garden, very realistic looking) and mounted them on short T-perches against the wall on each side of the door. Each owl has a chain around its neck and each door has a pattern of rare-earth magnets where it will stike the owl's necklace. The hard-rubber of the owl protects a 4'x8' plate-glass window above it from the door while the rare-earth magnets will hold the doors open.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario