To prevent drafts and changes in the temperature inside the room by balcony door A balcony latch is installed, which helps prevent street air from entering the living space. After all, outside, most often, it is much colder or hotter than optimal room temperature. There are several types of latches, differing both in the principle of operation and in the materials from which they are made. Installation does not require special knowledge and skills, but the easiest way is to install a magnetic latch.
Varieties
There are two types of door latches - mechanical and magnetic, and various modifications have not yet been invented. About the most common and successful executions Now we will talk.
- Magnetic latches
An excellent option, since a balcony latch of this type has all possible advantages: the highest possible noiselessness in operation, ease of installation and operation, and a much longer service life compared to other types of this hardware. Magnetic latch action is based on adhesion metal plate, attached to the door, to a strong magnet attached to the door frame.
When the parts of the mechanism come together, the door itself is attracted and closes tightly, and there is no need to create additional force, as with mechanical types locks True, there is a small drawback in that it is impossible to regulate the strength of the magnetic door coupling; sometimes it is not enough, which can be easily corrected by installing another magnetic latch.
Magnetic latch is very easy to install
- Mechanical latches
There are different types, first of all, this is divided into plastic and metal, as well as roller, ball, halyard and so on.
Plastic ones are the cheapest, but they also perform the worst in operation, they have a short service life, jamming is possible or, conversely, which is most often, weak coupling.
Roller, metal more reliable option, they all consist of the same two parts, a fixing plate and a movable roller, which rotates on its axis and is fixed in the plate. Of the mechanical options, it is optimal; it has the ability to slightly adjust the rigidity of the coupling, while being more durable than other types of mechanical locks. Ball ones differ from roller ones in that the ball is often less securely secured in its grooves and therefore its service life is shorter.
Hazel latches are distinguished by the most reliable fixation; no wind will open such a latch; it is advisable to use it in wooden balcony doors. When used on plastic doors, it is worth considering that you will also have to make a through handle.
Mechanical latch is the most reliable option
Installation
It is advisable to install any latches in close proximity to the height of the door handle, since then you will not have to resort to additional pressure on the door at the location where the holder is installed.
Plastic doors usually already come complete with a latch, and therefore, when installing/purchasing a door, immediately select the desired balcony latch.
If the door already exists, installation will also not be difficult:
- Remove the screw closest to the door handle on the end of the door.
- Screw an additional part of the lock there (a roller or a holder bar); in this case, it is worth choosing a longer screw than the one that was unscrewed earlier in order to securely fasten the fittings.
- Close the door, mark with a pencil on the door jamb the place for the second part of the locking mechanism
- Screw the second part (holder or magnet) into the grooves of the jamb, exactly along the mark.
If the old fittings fail, you will have to dismantle them and install new ones according to plan.
Installation of magnetic locks is simpler; they do not require special precision as for mechanical locks, since the plate will be attracted to the magnet in any case, however, with a completely ugly installation, the magnet will attract much worse.
Latch for balcony mechanical principle operation requires an exact match between the locking plate and the coupling mechanism itself. It is also worth noting that the reliability of a mechanical latch is much greater than that of a magnetic latch. When installing such a latch on a plastic door, certain difficulties may arise. Also, when fastening, you should pay attention to the screws used - they should not protrude from their sockets, as this will lead to jamming and the inability to use the door in normal mode.
When installing accessories on wooden bases there are some differences:
- Often old wooden doors with outdated non-functional fittings are used, so the old parts of the locking mechanisms will have to be removed.
- Ball and roller latches will have to be recessed into door leaf also closer to the door handle. To do this, a hole is made in the wood for the latch (its main part) and securely screwed to the door.
- Precisely marking the place for the additional part on the doorway jamb, if necessary, make a hole in the jamb for the fixing plate and screw it in with screws.
When installing magnetic locks on wooden doors, it makes no difference what will be on the door, a magnet or a plate, it all depends on the desire of the master and the specific situation.
For the comfort of using any kind and type of mechanism, it is necessary to install it on outside doors, the so-called smoker's handle, so that it is convenient to close the door behind you and open it. Very convenient thing! Just a piece of plastic and a couple of screws, but there are so many advantages.
It is important to choose and install the latch on the balcony correctly
Malfunctions and how to deal with them
This paragraph mainly refers to mechanical types of latches. So often you have to tighten the spring on roller or ball mechanisms. If the door is beveled or sagging at mechanical devices you will have to re-screw the fixing plate, otherwise the ball or roller will not be able to fit into its groove.
In order to enhance the action of the mechanical mechanism, you will have to pull it out of the door, unscrew the nut securing the spring to back side. Then either pull out the spring and stretch it slightly, or place a nut or washer of a suitable size under it. Then screw the plug into place. Often you come across mechanisms without a fastening nut, but with slots on the sides of the spring. In this case, you will have to use a screwdriver to compress the spring and place a nut or washer under its base.
Magnetic latches do not require repair; the only damage may be damage to the magnet or its demagnetization, but in these cases the latch will have to be replaced.
Greetings to all blog readers! Today we will talk about adjusting the PVC door on the balcony.
A lot of my friends complain that there is a draft through the door, it doesn’t close tightly, and a bunch of other problems. I have to go and figure out what happened there.
In fact, there is only one reason - improper care of the fittings and sealing rubber bands. Every time we have to explain what needs to be done, how to care for the door. In this regard, I decided to write instructions for everyone, in case you have the same problem and cannot find a solution.
Today, almost every apartment has metal-plastic balcony blocks. As you know, both windows and doors can wear out over time. Most often, it is plastic doors that require repairs, because in just one day they can be opened and slammed countless times.
The door weighs more than window frame, accordingly, it is easier to deform, and sometimes it “slips” when the structure is lowered. There is a need for urgent repairs doors
To adjust a faulty balcony door, generally the same principle is used as in adjusting a window mechanism. However, door repair is distinguished by a number of characteristic properties. We will talk about problems that may arise during the operation of plastic doors and ways to solve them in this article.
First of all, when starting to adjust the door, you need to stock up on screwdrivers (regular flat-head and Phillips), as well as a 4 mm wrench for adjusting the screws on the door hinges, and pliers.
Sometimes it happens that the plastic door to the balcony does not close. This problem usually occurs due to sagging door hinges or broken hardware, in particular the lock. Often the sash itself becomes deformed. In this case, you need to find out the cause of the malfunction, and only then begin repairs.
If the door with its lower structural element, when trying to close it, clings to the threshold, and it must be lifted, holding on to the fittings, it means that the door has dropped under the weight of its own weight. Due to the impressive size of balcony doors, such misalignment often occurs. If the door touches the frame in the center, we can talk about a horizontal displacement of the sash or a change in its shape.
This sometimes happens when exposed to high temperatures. Sometimes the mechanism that presses the sash to the frame breaks. As a result, the door frame remains slightly closed and does not lock even when the handle is turned. This problem can be resolved by repairing the clamping mechanism.
Adjusting the balcony door fastening mechanism
If the structure sags, the upper door hinges are adjusted first.
It is necessary to fully open the door, set the product to the rotation position, then release the fastening element from the decorative cap (in general, on all metal-plastic doors, the hinges are covered with special caps, and it is under them that the screws are hidden).
After this, using a spanner, tighten the adjusting screw to the right several times. This will correct the crooked position of the structure and prevent it from sagging again. It happens that in order for the sash to rise, it is also necessary to tighten the hinges from below. They have top and side screws.
The door can be raised a few millimeters by adjusting the top end screw. If you turn the side screw with a key, the sash tightens or, on the contrary, moves away from the opening.
Thus, the sagging is eliminated by rotating the adjusting screws on the hinges in the lower and upper parts of the door leaf. They are designed to allow the sash to be slightly moved in one direction or another.
What to do if the canvas touches the frame when opening
In this case, the door with its upper border can touch the frame. This indicates that, when adjusting the sagging, the sash was shifted to a greater height than necessary. It is easy to fix this problem: just turn the end screw once in the lower hinge. Sometimes the door cannot be closed completely, and the resulting gap allows cold air to pass through.
To avoid drafts, the sealing material should be changed. To do this, we purchase a suitable sealant at the construction market or in a store.
Using a screwdriver, release the groove from the old profile, then clean it of dried glue and wash it with a damp sponge or cloth.
Then you need to let the groove dry, then apply a layer of glue and attach a new profile fastening side. In this case, the cord or insulation material must not be pulled. It must be carefully smoothed out with your hands or a special copper tube with a curved end. The ends of the profile must be firmly glued.
So that balcony owners do not have to frequently change the sealing cord in the future, it is recommended to treat it with a special silicone mixture. You can usually purchase silicone for lubrication from the supplier of the balcony block system.
The handle for the plastic balcony door deserves special attention.
Deformation of locks and fittings is a fairly common problem. Sometimes, the door handle does not make a full rotation and requires force to do so.
Such a malfunction can be eliminated by using horizontal door adjustment. In this case, you can specifically press the door leaf more tightly in the direction opposite to the hinges before the start of the cold season. This is fine.
However, in the spring it is better to reduce the force of the pressing sash mechanism, since this causes it to break faster and also wears out the sealing profile. In situations where the handle is severely damaged, it is better to replace the deformed structural element with a new one.
If the handle is loose and turns too easily, you need to rotate the bar at the base 90 degrees. There are screws underneath that need to be tightened. This simple procedure will quickly solve the problem.
In order to check whether the balcony door has been adjusted correctly, let’s try to close the sash. If this happens easily, with light pressure on the handle, then the adjustment has been completed correctly.
Lock breakdowns
The door frame locking mechanism keeps the door closed. At frequent use it fails and requires replacement.
The lock is screwed to the end of the product with screws. You just need to unscrew them, pull out the old balcony latch for plastic doors and screw in a new one.
Elimination of microdefects, scratches and chips
Over time, small cracks and damage may appear on the surface of the balcony door. To get rid of them, use a special mixture called “Cosmofen” or any other component similar in composition. It should be applied to visible areas with defects and wait until the surface dries.
After this, a special substance – plastic in liquid form – is also applied to the chips. Suitable for doors with lamination wax pencil or the so-called furniture touch. Sometimes, repairing a balcony opening can only be done by contacting a specialist.
This applies to such defects as the appearance of cracks and chips in the glass unit, holes in the plastic, and destruction of welds. This may cause the mechanism to break. door hinge. In some cases, it is even necessary to order the production of a new door or call a repairman.
Occasionally, when adjusting the overlap, it becomes necessary to move the glass unit. Using the adjusting screws you can move the door a few millimeters. If you need a larger offset angle, you need to combine both types of adjustment - screws and moving the glass unit.
The glass unit is secured with rods. They should be removed, and then squeezing blades should be placed under the glass unit, which will act as a lever, and with their help, move the glass unit in the desired direction. In this case, the spring effect begins to act and the plastic door moves along with the double-glazed window.
After adjustment, you need to secure the glass unit again with rods. These fasteners are different sizes for different parts structure, so care must be taken not to mix them.
Balcony door fixing
In some cases, it becomes necessary to completely remove the sash. For example, to carry out complex repairs or when it is necessary to leave the opening open when exiting to the balcony in order to remove large pieces of furniture there.
First, remove the special cap covering the top loop. Then the axial rod (pin) is pressed. The pressure should be on its head, which rises above door hinge. Using pliers, you need to hold the pin from below and also pull it out to the end.
The next step is to tilt the structure towards you and lift it slightly, 5–6 cm is enough. This procedure removes the fasteners from the bottom hinge, which allows you to remove the door and move it if necessary.
After some time, the sash needs to be put back in its place in the opening. The installation of plastic doors on a balcony is carried out in several stages: The lower hinge is placed on a rod for fastening with a special hole. The door is then installed in its working position.
With proper pressure on the top hinge pin, it will take its original position, protruding 5 mm from both sides of the hinge. Finally, the decorative hinge attachments should be put back in place.
Do not forget about the large weight of plastic balcony blocks.
The sash is quite heavy. If you drop it during dismantling, the hinge mechanism will break. In this case, you will either have to buy a new door, or seek help from professionals, experts in installing balcony blocks. In order to avoid such troubles, it is better to remove and hang the door by inviting an assistant.
Often, the installation of a metal-plastic balcony system is identical to the installation of any standard interior fabric or sashes. However, the opening method makes a significant difference here. This determines the specifics of the installation. It is carried out in stages.
First you need to remove the old ceiling. The next step is to clean the doorway. It is necessary to sweep away the remaining debris and wipe the sides of the hole in the wall from dust. Then you can proceed directly to installation door frame.
Moreover, if sliding products are being installed, it is necessary to attach guide profiles. The remaining gaps are filled with polyurethane foam, after which the door is put on the hinges. At the end comes the turn of fittings and adjustment of the handle.
As a rule, when purchasing a balcony door, they issue a guarantee. While the warranty period has not expired, it is better to use the services of a specialist for installing plastic windows and doors. Some defects and malfunctions are difficult to eliminate on your own.
In addition, if you additionally damage the door during adjustment or repair, you will no longer be able to count on the warranty and free troubleshooting.
You can set up a balcony door if it begins to function poorly with your own hands. However, you need to approach this process wisely so as not to accidentally damage the structure. Therefore, the main thing in installing and adjusting plastic doors to the balcony is strict adherence to the technology, accuracy and attentiveness when taking measurements.
If you make a mistake somewhere during the installation process, the door may begin to sag, bend, and simply not work well. Sometimes when adjusting a balcony door, the locking mechanism is destroyed. In this case, you need to replace it with a new one.
Source: zonabalkona.ru/dveri/ne-zakryvaetsya-plastikovaya-dver.html
When adjustment of a plastic balcony door is required
The price of a plastic balcony door is quite high, but buying an expensive high-quality model does not save you from frequent cases of mechanism breakdowns. It's all about its frequent use, which leads to a decrease in the tightness of the sash.
In addition, double glazing provides excellent sound insulation, and PVC guarantees durability. However, it is these materials that noticeably make the structure heavier, as a result of which it begins to sag under its own weight and ceases to close tightly. As a result, a noticeable draft appears in the room, and insulating the balcony does not help.
The normal position of the plastic door is as follows:
- if the door is open, it does not move on its own;
- no sash displacement;
- the leaf is pressed tightly against the door frame profile.
If this is the case, intervention in the door mechanism is not required. However, if you notice the slightest deviation, you immediately need repairs to your plastic balcony doors. You shouldn’t delay calling a technician, because with each opening and closing the situation will get worse. As a result, this can lead to balcony doors not closing at all.
Helpful advice! If the door installation warranty has expired and you do not want to contact a specialist, you can watch a video of self-adjustment of plastic balcony doors and fix the problem yourself.
Types of balcony door faults
If you adjust a plastic balcony door with your own hands, for the success of the repair it is important to determine the causes of the malfunction. Most often the problems are as follows:
| Type of malfunction | Cause of occurrence |
| Door sagging (when closing the door clings to the plastic threshold) | Most likely, the structure is too heavy, which leads to its displacement downwards |
| Hanging handle for balcony door | Usually the handle starts to dangle when the balcony door is opened very often |
| Plastic balcony doors do not close tightly (the leaf is not pressed tightly against the frame and you feel a draft) | As a rule, this is a symptom of a malfunctioning door handle or a misaligned door. |
| The door is shifted to the side (the door touches the middle of the frame) | Most often the problem is in the hinges; adjusting them will help eliminate the problem. This problem often occurs due to constant sudden temperature changes that affect the fittings for plastic balcony doors in case of insufficient insulation of the balcony |
To test the door for tight closure, slam the shutter with a regular landscape sheet of paper. Try to push the sheet around the perimeter of the door. If it moves easily, the structure has lost its density and needs adjustment.
Also evaluate the tightness of the seal: uneven pressure on the rubber usually indicates sagging. Determining the direction of displacement is simple: pay attention to the place where the seal is compressed and check whether there is a mark from the sash on it.
How to determine if a door leaf is skewed
If you suspect the structure is skewed, close the sash and then move around the perimeter closed door with a simple pencil.
Open the door and compare its outline with the drawn line. The presence of unevenness indicates that the door is warped. For accurate results, use a building level.
Table of values for door leaf adjustment Let's say, as a result of measurements, you find out that the width of the drawn strip is 8 mm (an error of 1 mm is permissible). This means everything is in order and the door is not warped. If the width of one strip is 12 mm and the other is 4 mm, this clearly indicates that the door is skewed by 4 mm.
Note! Sometimes it turns out that on the hinge side the width of the strip is 3-4 mm, and on the handle side 6-7 mm. Such indicators indicate that the door is narrowed by 4-6 mm - this is a manufacturing defect, and there is no point in moving such a door.
Also check the width of the opening on all sides of the frame. The difference in measurements should not be more than 1 mm. Otherwise, the opening will have the shape of a barrel - this happens when incorrect installation, when the middle of the frame is pulled towards the wall more than the top and bottom. Such errors also lead to loose clamping.
By measuring the width of the sash on all sides, you will determine the correct length of the impost. The difference between the three measurements should not be more than 0.5-1 mm.
If the indicators differ from the norm, the length of the impost differs from the required one and causes the door to skew.
How to adjust a plastic balcony door: step-by-step instructions
To avoid mistakes or accidental damage to the glass unit of a balcony door (the cost of which is quite high), you need to figure out how to adjust plastic balcony doors correctly.
When carrying out work, it is not necessary to overpay for a specialist: you can adjust the balcony door yourself - video instructions can be easily found on the Internet.
To work you will need very few tools:
- hexagon;
- crosshead screwdriver;
- flat screwdriver.
Instructions and video: how to adjust plastic balcony doors when sagging
If you notice that when opening and closing the door it scratches the bottom edge of the frame, this indicates sagging of the door. The adjustment in this case can be vertical or horizontal.
Vertical and horizontal adjustment doors Horizontal adjustment steps:
- Open the door wide to the swing position.
- There is a screw located near the top hinge at the end of the sash. Take the hex key and turn it clockwise 2-3 times.
- Remove the plugs covering the holes leading to the top screws.
- Turn all screws under the plugs clockwise.
- After adjusting the mechanism, check whether the door now closes freely. If necessary, tighten the screws again.
To understand how to adjust balcony doors vertically, do the following:
- Lift the door evenly and find the screw at the bottom end of the hinge, located along its axis.
- If the screw is covered by a plug, carefully remove it.
- If you twist the screw clockwise, carefully lift the door, if counterclockwise, lower it.
Adjusting the pressure of balcony doors and door handles
To tighten the handle for a plastic balcony door, you need to do the following:
- Slowly and carefully turn the plastic cap at a right angle.
- Under plastic cover find screws for fastening. Pull them up.
If the handle does not turn well, sometimes it is enough to lubricate the lock with a special material that does not contain resin or acid. In the event of a complete breakdown, you should buy a handle for plastic balcony doors, unscrew the screws, remove old part and put a new one in its place.
Helpful advice! A good option is to install a magnetic latch on the balcony door. This will allow you to avoid too much impact on the door handle every time you close and open the door, which will have a beneficial effect on its durability.
Schematic instructions for self-adjusting the position of the balcony door If there is blowing from plastic balcony doors, this is a sure sign that the sash is not pressed tightly. It is necessary to adjust the pressure of the plastic balcony door. To figure out how to adjust plastic balcony doors for pressure, look for locking elements on the door leaf. They are responsible for the pressure density.
Using a wrench or pliers, rotate the locking elements until the door is in the desired position. Professionals recommend periodically self-adjusting plastic balcony doors depending on the season.
Just figure out how to adjust plastic balcony doors for the winter, and you can easily loosen the pressure in hot weather and tighten it in the cold season.
Sometimes adjusting the hinges does not help solve the problem, and then the leakage of the clamp can be eliminated using a pin. To do this you will need pliers.
To achieve maximum door pressure, install the trunnion perpendicular to the profile. To, on the contrary, achieve minimal pressure, position the trunnion parallel.
Replacing the seal and adjusting the door when the frame is scratched
It may turn out that adjusting the door pressure did not bring the desired result. This happens because the rubber seal has worn out, and any adjustments to the door are pointless without replacing it. To do this you need:
- Pull out the old tires. This is done without much effort and additional tools you won't need it.
- Remove dirt from the inside of the groove.
- Place a new seal. Make sure that the side bend is at the end of the sash.
Helpful advice! To make work easier, remove the sash from the frame: this will allow access to the rubber gaskets from the hinge side. It is better to choose a seal from the same manufacturer as the installed doors.
If the balcony doors do not close well and touch the frame, scratching its center, follow these instructions for self-adjusting plastic balcony doors:
- Lower the sash to the bottom hinge.
- Insert the adjusting key into the side screw and tighten the sash.
- If the door position does not return to normal, repeat the procedure with the top hinge.
Prevention of malfunctions of balcony doors
If you had to build a house yourself, adjusting the balcony door fittings is more important, because you want the result of your work to last longer. To minimize the risk of future problems, try to follow these rules:
- reputable manufacturer - guarantee good quality products, because in terms of durability and performance characteristics, the quality of the materials from which the door and fittings are made is of primary importance;
- when purchasing fittings, make sure that all selected parts are suitable for the type and size of the balcony door: keep in mind that modern fittings are designed for a weight of 100-130 kg;
- so that you don’t have to figure out how to tighten plastic balcony doors, make sure you have a special microlift: this compensator part prevents the door leaf from sagging under the influence of its own gravity;
- To prevent the door from sagging and the sash from jamming, it is worth installing a special additional tire that limits the opening of the door.
Helpful advice! Microlift is especially relevant in case of double-glazed window, characterized by its impressive weight and size. The design of the microlift can be different, representing a small lever on the side of the sash or a roller at its bottom.
Also, even at the door installation stage, pay attention to the following points:
- Along the entire perimeter of the door frame, the frame should fit evenly and tightly against it.
- Opening and closing doors should be easy and effortless.
- When checking with a building level, it should be obvious that the structure is installed exactly vertically.
- There should be no drafts.
- If the door is installed level, in the half-closed position it should not open or close on its own.
Remember that adjusting the door yourself is possible, but requires attention, caution and careful diagnosis of problems.
Therefore, if you have a valid warranty on your balcony door, if you identify the slightest malfunction, you should contact specialists who will quickly determine the causes of the problems.
If you are sure that the malfunctions are due to manufacturing defects or installation problems, it is also better to turn to professionals - tightening the bolts yourself in this case will not correct the situation.
If you decide to adjust the door yourself, be sure to follow the instructions, and if you replace the fittings, choose products from the same company as your balcony doors.
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Calling a specialist is usually expensive, so you should only invite him in emergency situations. If we're talking about about how to adjust a plastic balcony door, you can try to carry out the work yourself, having first familiarized yourself with the basic principles.
The door to the balcony may need adjustment
Every door block has basic and additional details. Before starting adjustment work, a novice master should become familiar with the structure of such structures. He must clearly understand the operating principle of the fittings used.
The standard set usually includes:
- frame from PVC profiles, connected using special fasteners;
- a sash assembled according to the same principle as the box itself;
- hinges that allow the door to open and close;
- a handle with a lock, necessary to lock the sash in the pressed position;
- seals for tightness;
- glass unit
Helpful information! The set of accessories may vary slightly depending on functionality. The standard equipment is usually complemented by mechanical or hydraulic closers, stoppers and other parts.
Preventive measures
Before you begin to consider information on how to set up a plastic balcony door, you need to familiarize yourself with preventive measures that will help reduce the number of adjustments and other problems. They consist of careful operation and correct selection fittings elements.
After installing double-glazed windows on the balcony, various difficulties often arise in the operation of the door. They can be fixed using services service center(especially if the work was guaranteed). However, in most cases, it is quite possible to adjust a plastic balcony door on your own.
It is important to learn how to determine the cause of a problem and use the appropriate tools to repair it. To do this, there are several simple test and step-by-step instructions, which will be discussed in detail in the article.
Types and advantages of plastic balcony doors
Today, plastic doors are widely used, which have almost completely replaced their outdated wooden counterparts.
At the same time, they can be equipped with different mechanisms, depending on which the doors are distinguished:
In most cases, balcony doors are combined with windows, which can be located different sides from it (to the right, to the left and less often on both sides).
Available separately standing doors, and they also have their own classification:
- consisting of one half (unisexual)
- consisting of two halves (double-field).
These options are shown schematically in the figure.
All of them have their own characteristics in the door lock mechanism, however operational characteristics differ little. Accordingly, the problems associated with wear are approximately similar.
Along with plastic ones, metal, glass and even classic wooden doors are made, but the last two groups are much less common. Reason for popularity PVC doors in their simplicity and reliability:
- the doors are easy to use - they are comfortable to close, open and use in any mode;
- they are quite durable and correct installation and operating conditions can operate trouble-free for many years;
- they are easy to maintain in case of breakdowns;
- the doors are aesthetically pleasing and easily fit into different types design.
Balcony door installation
Before you understand how to adjust a plastic balcony door, you need to briefly understand its structure.
In most cases it is used classic version with two windows and one door located to the right or left of them, as shown in the diagram below.
The door consists of the leaf itself and fittings, which perform two important functions:
- fastening the door to the jamb;
- ensuring the door closes and opens in different positions.
Handle and lock
The main elements of the fittings are the handle and the lock, which ensure reliable closing of the door and comfortable opening. Depending on the features of the locking mechanism, locks can be with a latch (roller or latch) or without it, as shown in Figure 1.
The handle is usually mounted only from the inside of the room. This is inconvenient in cases where it is necessary to close the door while on the balcony (for example, in winter). In these cases, an additional handle is installed from the outside, allowing this function to be implemented.
NOTE. If you install a second (external) handle, it is important to make a lock from the inside so that strangers from the outside cannot enter the apartment.
You can clearly evaluate the convenience of such a device here.
Also, balcony doors can be made in different designs, color, glazing area - for example, as shown in the photo.
Possible problems with the operation of the lock may be associated with the following reasons:
- Incorrect use – excessive mechanical pressure, impacts on the mechanism.
- Natural wear and tear of components.
- Pressure from the door due to its skew towards the lock.
- Incorrect installation work.
- Poor quality materials.
Visual video instructions for repairing the lock mechanism
Latch
Along with the locking element, the door is often equipped with a special latch, with which you can adjust the desired width of the open door. This is necessary in cases where the door is not equipped folding mechanism, but you need to open it for ventilation. The latch also prevents children or pets from accessing the balcony.
Schematically, the latch consists of the door fixing mechanism itself, which is attached to the surface using self-tapping screws, and a regulator that determines the opening width, as shown in the diagram.
Video features of latch installation
Determining the quality of the door on the balcony
All problems that arise with the operation of a balcony door can be divided into 2 large groups:
- related to improper installation;
- appearing due to normal wear and tear.
Video - features of installing a balcony door and windows
Immediately after installing a new door, you need to check the quality of work. There are several simple tests for this:
- When closing the door, it is important to make sure that it is pressed tightly against the plastic surface along the entire perimeter.
- The door should not move vertically – i.e. Normally it runs perfectly parallel to the box.
- When open, the door must remain motionless unless there is any influence (wind).
- The door closes softly, without unnecessary effort;
- The door lock is fully operational and functions in any mode (if the door is equipped with a folding mechanism).
Of course, in addition to this, the product must not contain any external defects, scratches, damage, etc.
Diagnosing problems: step-by-step instructions
In order to correctly adjust the plastic door on the balcony, you first need to accurately determine the cause of the malfunction.
Door adjustment is needed in cases that are easy to determine yourself:
- The door closes tightly, with additional effort.
- When opening doors, you also need to apply force.
- There is a noticeable air flow coming from under the door.
- In a calm position opened door cannot fix itself in place, “crawls” to one side.
Replacing the rubber seal
Very often, the problem area of such a door (like many others) is the tightness of the closure. In winter and in windy weather, this can be easily checked by the air entering inside.
ADVICE. It is very easy to check whether the door is closed tightly. Walk along its perimeter with a lit lighter and pay attention to the flame. If it sways even a little from air currents, it means there is a small gap in this place.
Most problems are related to the condition of the special seal (usually rubber). Mechanical defects may be found in it:
- uneven occurrence;
- lag from the surface in certain places;
- relief, swelling of the layer;
- scratches, cracks.
Accordingly, the tires are replaced with new ones. This is the most correct option, since the seal is quite affordable, and repairing a damaged product will not allow it to last as long as we would like.
Typically, the seal lasts a long time and only needs to be replaced if there is obvious wear. The replacement sequence will be as follows:
- First you need to remove the old filler, carefully dismantling it around the entire perimeter.
- Then the new rubber mount is inserted into the groove.
- The seal is evenly lined around the perimeter, but it must not be stretched - in this case, when cooling, it will tighten even more, which can cause cracks.
- It is glued at the nodes with a special glue.
NOTE. The seal will last much longer if it is impregnated with a special silicone solution 1-2 times a year. You can purchase it from relevant companies that install plastic doors and windows.
The replacement of the rubber filler is clearly shown in the video
Here is an option with plastic windows, but replacing the seal on the balcony door is no different.
Door hardware repair
A problem with the rubber seal is the simplest problem. In this case, it is precisely this that needs to be checked first. The situation is more complicated with deviations in the lock or other door fittings, due to which it cannot lean against the surface perfectly tightly along the entire perimeter.
In this case, the diagnostic sequence will be as follows:
- First you need to open the door slightly and apply a sheet of paper to the surface.
- Next, close the door so that it presses the sheet tightly.
- Now you need to try to pull out the paper - normally it is very difficult to pull out.
If the paper is removed from the clamping space quite easily, it means that there are minor malfunctions. They can be eliminated by setting the constipation to maximum.
The sequence of actions will be as follows:
If the clamp is not tight enough, then you need to move on to a more complete study of the problem:
NOTE. If on the side of the jamb the width of the strip is about 3 mm, and on the side of the door handle it is 2 times larger, this clearly indicates a defective installation. In this case, you cannot fix the problem yourself. and the entire door will need to be reinstalled. To check this, you need to measure the width of the doorway at the top, middle and bottom. The values should fluctuate within 1 mm.
If it is discovered that the door is somewhat narrower than the required size, while it is narrowed evenly, then the problem can be solved in another way - sealing rubber needs to be replaced with the one supplied entrance doors made of plastic.
This rubber is wider and can easily compensate for the detected difference.
Balcony door: step-by-step repair instructions
To adjust a plastic balcony door, it is important to collect all the necessary tools so that during work you can perform all the necessary actions at one time:
- a set of different screwdrivers of all types;
- pliers;
- star keys;
- hexagons of different sizes.
The further sequence of actions depends on the type of problem and the mechanism of the door itself. If it is ordinary, i.e. works only in the “open-close” mode and does not have a folding function, repairs will be much easier.
- First you need to remove the white trim from the awnings, if any.
- There is a screw on the reverse side - you need to unscrew it with a hexagon.
- By carefully rotating the horizontal screw, achieve the optimal position of the door. For example, if the door is hooked from above, the top 2 screws are lowered.
- Next, you need to check the position of the door, how it closes, and, if necessary, make additional adjustments.
NOTE. If the door diverges greatly, you can adjust it by simultaneously rotating all three connecting screws.
To adjust the clamp, due to the weakening of which drafts occur, a counter bar is used.
There is a hole on it where a hexagon is inserted and turned halfway.
Video features of balcony door repair
The video discusses the adjustment of the pressure plastic window, but its mechanism is similar to a balcony door
Ensuring the Handle Works Correctly
It often happens that there is no need to adjust the plastic door itself on the balcony, but a loose handle interferes with the correct operation of the locking device. In this case, the problem is determined by extraneous sounds, cranking of the mechanism.
The situation can be solved very simply - first remove it from the handle decorative overlay, and then the screws that fix it to the surface are tightened until they stop.
Video instructions on how to adjust a plastic door on a balcony
Folding balcony door: step-by-step repair instructions
Repairing a door that operates in a tilt mode along with the normal mode is not fundamentally different. But since the fittings in this case are more complex, they have their own characteristics.
Door sagging
When the door catches the threshold and sag noticeably, the sequence of actions to resolve the problem will be as follows:
If the door is located higher than normal
In the opposite case, when the door clings to the top, the work takes a little longer. In this case, you need to adjust the position of the door using the screw in the scissors, as shown in the photo.
To do this, the door is opened, the screw is rotated with a hexagon until it takes the correct position. Then you need to check the correct operation - open and close several times.
Ensuring correct pressure
To properly adjust the clamp, you need to perform the following steps:
The door is opened and closed several times to check the quality of work.
NOTE. To ensure that the door works correctly and the fittings last as long as possible, you can lubricate them a little with machine oil every year.
Problems that cannot be fixed on your own
All considered short-term renovation work Balcony door maintenance can be divided into 2 large groups:
- Work related to leveling sagging or tilted doors.
- Work to regulate the force of pressing the door to the plastic surface.
However, there are some types of faults that are associated with manufacturing defects or mechanical stress on the door, which cannot be eliminated at home:
- Door hinges torn from the surface.
- Complete or partial destruction of hardware elements (lock mechanism or door hinges).
- Violation of the integrity of the seams of the frame or door during welding.
- Crack or broken glass in the package.
These types of violations can only be corrected by professional workers. Often the question arises of completely replacing a balcony door with a new one or replacing fittings.
NOTE. If a situation occurs that you need to get into the apartment through indoor balcony, then this can be done by simply breaking the glass. The fact is that replacing a double-glazed window is much cheaper than repairing the door itself, or even more so installing a new one. In addition, this is faster and easier to implement without calling additional services.
Repair of the balcony door is carried out only in case of obvious malfunctions. Even a person without professional skills can adjust a plastic balcony door.
Installation metal-plastic doors And window systems to the balcony - a frequently practiced scheme. It is convenient, has a reasonable cost and is durable, both in operation and in appearance. After a certain period of time, the door opening mechanisms begin to work worse. This period depends on careful use, the manufacturer of the mechanism, correct initial installation, and even on temperature parameters. If the balcony door begins to open or close poorly, this does not mean that it is time to change the entire unit - just adjust the mechanism. How to adjust a plastic door on a balcony? It is enough to know a few basic points.
When is it necessary to adjust the door?
You should think about adjusting the balcony door only when problems in the operation of the sash become noticeable - discomfort when using the door.
Remember when new windows and doors were just installed on the balcony. The handle turned easily and to the strictly required position, the door did not “get confused” - to open completely or to be set for ventilation. All movements of the sash were smooth and easy.
If any problems arise with the operation of the balcony door, even in the form of more rigid opening or closing, adjustment of the mechanism is necessary.
Common problems and why they occur
Plastic balcony doors have been widely used as balcony doors for several years now. During this period, companies performing technical and warranty maintenance of window and door mechanisms were able to easily compile a list of the most frequently occurring problems requiring adjustment of balcony doors.
Sagging under its own weight - the door leaf begins to catch on the threshold. At first almost imperceptibly, over time it becomes more and more obvious.
The sagging of the balcony door is caused by the natural mechanism of sagging hinges. The weight of such a sash is quite considerable and over the years the hinges get tired of holding it. The rate at which this problem occurs depends on the manufacturer and material of the hinges, as well as on the number of chambers and the thickness of the glass.
If you live in a climate with sudden changes in temperature and humidity, and your balcony is not reinforced with additional thermal insulation materials, get ready for the door to start jamming in the middle. This is how the door leaf moves to the side, towards the frame.
In 90% of cases it occurs as a reaction to climatic conditions - temperature changes, high humidity followed by drought.
Next common problem– the balcony door no longer fits tightly to the frame when closed. This problem not only causes inconvenience during use, but is also dangerous to the health of apartment residents. Unplanned in the dead of winter is a very unpleasant occurrence.
The cause of this problem is age - the period of use of the mechanism. Over time, the parts responsible for pressing the door leaf to the frame weaken and need to be adjusted.
Poor quality materials and rough handling will cause the door handle to become loose or even fall off. This problem is also not difficult to fix.
Other possible malfunctions in mechanisms occur much less frequently; some require the intervention of specialists.
Instructions for adjusting plastic doors
The problems described above can be resolved independently, having some knowledge and a general understanding of the operation of the door mechanism. Correcting such problems will not take much time - simple adjustment rarely takes more than 30 minutes. By observing due care, it is impossible to irreversibly damage something when adjusting the mechanism.
Sagging
To eliminate sagging of the balcony sash, the task is to raise the sash to a certain height.
- To do this, remove the decorative and protective plug from the bottom hinge.
- At the top of the loop there is a vertical hole into which you need to insert a hexagon ( standard size – 6 mm).
- Make circular rotations with the hexagon clockwise until the door is in place.
- Carry out a control check of the opening of the sash after each circle - rarely more is required 5 turns.
- If problems arise or the hexagon does not rotate, you need to slightly adjust the upper hinge in the same way.
- Make sure that the sash does not catch the threshold, but also does not rise too high - otherwise the tightness in the closed position will be broken.
Video
Sticking in the middle
When the sash sags, we resort to vertical adjustment, and when it jams in the middle due to climatic conditions, we resort to horizontal adjustment. 
- Open the sash wide.
- There is a hole at the end, near the inside of the hinges.
- If the mechanism elements are closed with plugs, remove them.
- Insert a hexagon into the hole near the bottom hinge.
- Start clockwise rotation similar to vertical adjustment.
- This will pull the door towards the hinge.
- Check after each rotation.
- If the problem persists and the sash still jams, do the same with the top hinge.
- Once successful, return the plugs to their place.
Loose fit
There are locking mechanisms at the end of the balcony sash. They will help relieve apartment residents from unwanted drafts and keep the house warm.
Majority plastic doors have 4 locking mechanisms each. They have two types of eccentrics.
To change the fit of the door, it is necessary to act on these eccentrics. Diagonal position for standard and central for i.s. indicate an average degree of sash pressure.
A shift towards the vertical or to the right weakens the degree of pressing of the sash against the frame, a shift towards the horizontal or to the left strengthens it.
For the cold season it is better to install stronger fit of the sash.
Now you know how to fix common problems associated with door mechanisms. There is nothing complicated about this, but the presence of a hexagon will help. If it is missing, you can try using a screwdriver.
If you are afraid of penetration into the mechanism of the balcony sash, invite a specialist who will not only make a competent adjustment necessary elements, and will also teach you how to adjust the position of the sash yourself in the future.
This problem is one of the most common and causes significant discomfort.
Fixing a loose handle is quick. The only tool you will need is a Phillips screwdriver.
Between the handle and the sash panel there is a vertical plastic cap - a plug. It needs to be turned to a horizontal position; you will see two screws. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screws.
They should be twisted tightly, but without excess.
Check - the handle should start working normally, without dangling. Return the plug to its original position.
If the malfunction does not disappear, there is a high probability that an almost imperceptible crack has developed in the plastic of the handle. This is a reason to purchase a new handle for the balcony door.
If the door handle does not hang loose, but is tight or unclear, try lubricating door mechanisms WD type lubricant.
With proper adjustment, the balcony door will last for many years.
