What Is a Floor Hinge?
A floor hinge is a device that can support the load of a swinging door embedded in the floor.
It is installed on the shaft side of the door and is used for heavy doors such as large glass doors at the entrances of commercial facilities and condominiums. There are several types, including those for general doors, tempered glass doors, and fire doors.
It is installed on the floor below the door, and although it is not often noticed, it is an important part of the door opening and closing.
Uses of Floor Hinges
Floor hinges are used to adjust the angle and speed at which doors open and close, and serve the same function as door closers. Floor hinges have a built-in hydraulic damper, and by adjusting the damper, the speed at which the door opens and closes can be adjusted. This ensures safe passage and eliminates slamming and loud closing.
The door can be selected to match the floor finish material and door size, and some are compatible with a variety of materials to attach stone, carpet, tile floors, and other floor finishes used in the surrounding area. There is also the ability to adjust the door opening angle, which can be set to 90°, 120°, 180°, etc., depending on the installation location and application. However, the installation of a door hinge is mandatory.
Floor hinges are durable and can be used for a long period, but there is no possibility of removing dust from the interior or corrosion causing failure. Frequent maintenance is necessary, such as checking for water accumulation. The manufacturer’s recommended period of use is approximately 10 years.
Principle of Floor Hinges
The door is mounted on an axis on one side of the wall, and the open/close operation is performed from the opposite side of the axis, causing the door to open and close. The floor hinge body is attached to the axis of the door, and at the top of the floor hinge there is a component called the pivot, which is supported by the pivot and the top and bottom of the floor hinge, thereby mounting the door and controlling its movement and angle.
There are three major components of a floor hinge: the main body part, the cement case that is embedded in the floor side to house the main body, and the floor plate that covers the top part. In order to attach the main unit directly to the shaft of the door, the cement case that houses the main unit is embedded in the floor part.
If this cement case is unstable, the door will not open and close smoothly if it is not properly set up, so it is important to fix it firmly by mortar or welding. The arm portion of the main body to be placed on the main axis of the door is attached to the bottom axis of the door, and a metal plate is placed over the top to prevent the main body from being exposed.
Other Information on Floor Hinges
1. Precautions for Using Floor Hinges
The characteristics differ depending on the material of the floor surface. For stone, a plate called a floor plate is designed to fit neatly even when stone is applied, such as 20 mm or 30 mm, to create a sense of unity, while for carpeted floors, a thickness of 5 mm or 10 mm is secured.
By choosing floor hinges that match the finish, the metal floor plate can be hidden and will not spoil the atmosphere of the place. Conversely, it is important to note that this product is not compatible with thin materials, such as P-tiles and floor tiles. In such cases, the metal part of the floor plate will stand out.
2. Waterproof Floor Hinge
Some locations where floor hinges are installed are subject to water or moisture. Sealing material is used at various locations inside floor hinges to prevent water, moisture, and dust from entering. However, it is not completely waterproof, so overconfidence is not advised.
3. In Case of a Malfunction
Floor hinges are intended to be used for long periods of time, but because they are used frequently and support heavy loads, they can naturally fail. Failures are often caused by dampers, which prevent doors from closing fully, open and close too fast and too slowly, or prevent doors from closing.
If not repaired or replaced as soon as possible, the door or door frame will likely be affected, resulting in deformation or damage to the door or frame.