Heavy Duty Door Closers
for Apartments & Multifamily

Do Apartment Doors Need Door Closers?

In most multifamily buildings, yes. Corridors that serve apartments are usually fire-resistance rated, and the International Building Code (IBC) requires doors in rated corridor walls, including unit entry doors, to be fire-rated and self-closing or automatic-closing. Doors to exit stairs, trash chute rooms and other rated enclosures must also self-close and latch. Requirements depend on the construction type, sprinklers and the code edition your jurisdiction has adopted, so confirm with the building official.

• Unit entry doors: often 20-minute rated in rated corridors; the closer must close the door fully from any open position.
• Stairwell doors: part of a 1- or 2-hour exit enclosure; closers are part of the listed assembly.
• Main entrances and vestibules: the busiest doors in the building, often exposed to wind; size up the closer.
• Trash, mechanical and storage rooms: rated doors that must stay closed.
• Amenity spaces: fitness rooms, pool gates, clubhouses and package rooms.

Fire Codes, Annual Inspections and Common Violations

Fire doors are inspected under NFPA 80, and fire marshals routinely cite apartment doors that do not latch, closers that leak or have been removed, and doors propped open. A Grade 1 closer with a positive latch and a durable arm is the simplest way to reduce those findings. The DN-9500 is UL listed and 3-hour fire rated when installed on a rated door assembly.

Under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (section 404), interior hinged doors must open with no more than 5 lbf, and a closer must be adjusted so the door takes at least 5 seconds to swing from 90° to 12° from the latch. Fire doors are the exception on opening force: the authority having jurisdiction sets the minimum. Always check local code and your AHJ.

Accessible and adaptable units are also covered by the Fair Housing Act design requirements and ICC A117.1, depending on the building. Set opening force and closing speed after installation, and re-check after seasonal temperature changes.

Replacing Closers Across a Property

1. Survey every opening: unit entry, corridor, stair, lobby, service and amenity doors.
2. Note door weight and width, handing, mounting side and fire label.
3. Standardize on one adjustable Grade 1 model to simplify turnovers and spares.
4. Adjust each door so it latches without slamming, then log it for your annual fire door inspection.

Need help choosing the arm position? See our door closer mounting guide and the door closer size chart. Property managers buying for many buildings can also see hotel door closers, which face similar corridor conditions.

DRIWON DN-9500 Specifications

Need the lighter-duty option for interior doors? See the DRIWON DN-8220 Grade 1 door closer. Full details on the DN-9500 product page.