Hard close on a storm door

18 years ago

Our newly installed full view storm door closes very hard and loud. We adjusted the screws in the hydrolic closing mechanisms (sorry but I don't know the proper name for those cylinders at the top and bottom of the door that control closing) but that only seems to make the door pause futher away from the jamb and then slam shut. Does anyone know how to adjust for a softer close? Thanks in advance.

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jrdwyer

18 years ago

Our Anderson storm door with two closers does the same thing. When adjusted properly according to directions, the door closes too hard and too fast (especially in the summer with the screen on). If you don't make sure to hold onto the door the whole time, it can hit you in the ankles. This is very different than most peoples experience with the older style of storm door that is lighter and easier to push away.

Anderson was no help and basically said to just make sure and hold onto the storm door the whole time. This is easier said than done for kids quickly going through doors.

The solution was to remove the top closer making the push away much easier and the return much slower.

Not well thought out Anderson!

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Comments (12)

mike_kaiser_gw
18 years ago
Have you tried contacting the manufacturer of the door? They're the ones who will be most familiar with the product and can offer advice specific to your door. You'll probably need the model/serial number which is usually on tag on the edge of the door.

My experience has been that it's difficult to get a modern storm door to close "properly" because they seal so well. With the entry door closed and the glass closed air gets trapped and you need enough closing force to get the door to latch. When the entry door or glass is open, the storm door tends to want to smack you in the butt. :-) Basically you make fine adjustments until you find a reasonable compromise. The other alternative is to always leave the glass open a little bit to give the air a place to go. Then you'll need a bit less closing force.

Good luck!

Mike
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lithigin
18 years ago
Actually, we just installed a storm door (Larson storm door w/ retractable screen at top) here at the office that has the same problem. Before we adjusted it, it would slam so hard that I was afraid it would break someone's ankle. We have adjusted it, and now it slams to a foot away from the jamb, and then hydraulics kick in and it puffs closed. This is the best we can get. My boss spent $300 on this fancy door that closes very awkwardly; makes me feel better for buying a $97 storm/screen door that has a nice smooth, soft close!
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offdutyff
18 years ago
Make sure all other doors and windows are closed in the rest of the house. Could be something simple as cross ventilation entering through that storm door opening. I dealt with this same problem at an uncles house, he was amazed that was causing his problem.
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bydesignprez
18 years ago
I had the sme problem with our (somewhat) expensive door and although I liked the fact it closed quickly (saves energy when the kids go in and out) the Missus threatened to take my head off. So I experimented and found it did not need two closing devices as one was quite sufficient to close it adequately.

It's worked like a chram over the last year and I have hardly slept on the couch since then!
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jasper60103
17 years ago
Having a similar problem with a Larson Door (with retractable screen at top).
The door either stops short or slams shut. Guess, I have to play with the door closer adjustments.

If I had to choose, I rather for it to stop short than to slam shut.
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brickeyee
17 years ago
"When adjusted properly according to directions, the door closes too hard and too fast (especially in the summer with the screen on)."

You have to adjust them every fall and spring with the new panel in...
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mjcooley9_msn_com
13 years ago
These posts are reaffirming as I'm having the same issues. I was ready to buy new pumps but I will try these suggestions before I do. THanks.
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JW123
13 years ago
You can forget about adjustments! I tried every thing available at least 15 different times 15 different ways.
Talked to the company but they say thats the way the door was designed. The only way to get this door to close normally (soft) is go to Lows and purchase an LGR replacement closer or a Wright closer. I purchased the door from Lowes so they gave them to me for free. The door now closes like a dream!
You only need to replace one and I elected to replace the top strut and this did the trick!
I love the Larson storm door I think it's the best on the market but this shock/strut/closer has got to be from china and is worthless!
P.S. I recommended one today!
sigmund19
9 years ago
I have been struggling with our new Andersen storm doors slamming shut as well. After adjusting and removing the top closer, they still slammed. This morning I figured out a way to prevent it - move the bracket on the door to "pre-load" the door. I moved the screws on the bracket (pictured below) from one side to the other, and now it closes beautifully!
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maryellen_spencer
7 years ago
doesn't work on a short open and close however. a long open and close it shuts slowly and softly but closer into the sweep it shuts very quickly and slams. have to tell the kids to open it long before letting it go. its the only way. the doors are nice but this part is crap. why would they pair such a nice door with a junky spring?
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HU-487752702
2 years ago
To sigmund. Did you move the bracket itself or only the screws?19
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Hard close on a storm door

jrdwyer

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