Continuous Hinges

Continuous hinges provide uninterrupted support along the entire length of a door, offering superior strength and durability for high-traffic commercial applications. You'll find various styles, including geared, pin, and barrel designs, that distribute weight evenly to prevent sagging and reduce maintenance costs. Each hinge type—from full mortise to half surface—serves specific installation needs while providing long-term performance in demanding environments. Whether you require aluminum geared options for standard applications or stainless steel pin hinges for heavy-duty use, our selection ensures the right solution for your door hardware requirements.

Understanding Continuous Hinge Types and Applications

What Makes Continuous Hinges Essential

Continuous hinges, also known as piano hinges, distribute weight evenly along the entire door edge, reducing stress on door and frame. This prevents sagging and alignment issues common with traditional hinges and offers unmatched durability for high-traffic environments.

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Types of Continuous Hinges

Geared Continuous Hinges

  • Interlocking gear teeth for heavy loads (300–600 lb capacity)
  • Clear or dark bronze anodized aluminum finishes
  • Standard and heavy-duty options

Pin and Barrel Continuous Hinges

  • Continuous pin runs full length for extreme-duty strength
  • Weight capacities up to 600 lb
  • Stainless steel finishes for maximum corrosion resistance

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Mounting Styles for Every Application

Full Mortise

  • Leaves mortised into both door and frame for concealed installation
  • Most secure and cleanest aesthetic

Half Surface

  • One leaf mortised into frame, one surface-mounted to door
  • Ideal for retrofit projects

Full Surface

  • Both leaves surface-mounted to door and frame
  • No mortising required, perfect for existing doors

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Performance Features to Consider

  • Weight Capacity: 300 lb standard, 600 lb heavy-duty
  • Electrical Preparation: Electric power transfer (EPT) ready
  • Finish Options: Bronze anodized aluminum or stainless steel
  • Fire Ratings: UL-rated for fire doors

Installation and Maintenance Benefits

  • Reduced door sag and alignment issues
  • Lower maintenance and extended door life
  • Improved weather sealing and energy efficiency
  • Enhanced security via tamper-resistant design

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight capacity do I need for my commercial door?

Standard doors use hinges rated for 300 lb; high-traffic or oversized doors benefit from 600 lb heavy-duty models.

How do geared hinges compare to pin and barrel?

Geared hinges offer smooth operation and even weight distribution; pin and barrel provide greater strength for extreme-duty use.

Can continuous hinges retrofit existing doors?

Yes—full surface hinges mount directly to door and frame without mortising, making them ideal for retrofits.

Are continuous hinges compatible with access control?

Many models include EPT prep for wiring through the hinge to electronic locks and card readers.

What’s the advantage over standard butt hinges?

Continuous hinges distribute weight along the entire door edge, preventing sagging and reducing maintenance over time.

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