Installation of 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 operation 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 in case of jamming in the middle caused by climatic conditions - 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 appeared 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 stiff or unclear, try lubricating the door mechanisms with WD type lubricant.
With proper adjustment, the balcony door will last for many years.
In each modern apartment installed plastic doors to the balcony. They are distinguished by many advantages: ease of use, low maintenance and speed of installation. Possible problem, which occurs after long-term operation of the mechanism - misalignment and loose fit of the sash. Therefore, it is useful to know how to adjust a plastic balcony door to eliminate loosening due to regular opening, closing and ventilation.
Before you begin diagnosing the problems that have arisen and subsequent repairs, it is worth understanding the structure. There is a base unit, as well as spare parts for a plastic balcony door. Moreover, among the accessories there are both irreplaceable and optional parts. As a rule, in door block includes the following elements:
- frame made of PVC profiles, which are connected by special fasteners;
- a leaf assembled according to a principle similar to a door frame;
- hinges, thanks to which the structure closes and opens;
- handle and latch for PVC balcony doors;
- a seal that ensures the tightness of the sash closure;
- double-glazed balcony door.
In addition, the device may include additional elements, expanding the functionality of the balcony door: stoppers, mechanical or hydraulic sensors and other parts.
The design of the handle may also differ: it can be stationary or movable, one-sided or two-sided; shell handles for balcony doors are popular. The latter option is in demand in families with children, as well as among smokers, because the shell handle allows you to conveniently close the door while on the balcony. For an apartment on the ground floor, a good idea is a handle with a lock - a balcony latch for plastic doors, which allows you to secure the balcony from intruders.
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 him frequent use, leading 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 sash is pressed tightly to the profile door frame.
If this is the case, intervention in door mechanism 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.
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. Adjustment in in this case can be vertical or horizontal.
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 help avoid too frequent exposure to door handle every time the door is closed and opened, which will have a beneficial effect on its durability.
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. For this you will need. 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 rubber compressor worn out, and any door adjustments are pointless without replacing it. To do this you need:
- Pull out the old tires. This is done without special 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.
Plastic windows and doors are an excellent option for apartments and houses. But they do not last forever, and it happens that problems arise with the balcony door. If this happens during the warranty period, professionals from the installer will deal with the problem completely free of charge. But after the warranty ends, repairs can be expensive. We will tell you how to properly adjust a plastic balcony door with your own hands and save money.
When the door needs adjustment
Balcony doors made of metal-plastic usually do not require preventive adjustment. If you have no complaints about how they work, then you don’t need to do anything.
But if you notice that the door is starting to function differently than it should, then this is a sure sign that adjustment is necessary.
The most common signs are the following.
We make the adjustment ourselves
Whatever the cause of the problem, you may need the following tools to fix it:
When sagging
If, when opening, the balcony door touches the frame with the lower edge of the sash, the sagging should be eliminated by adjusting it. To do this, the door leaf is “moved” up and shifted to its upper hinge.
Step-by-step instruction:
Note! Some hardware systems are equipped with adjusting screws for an asterisk key, and not for a standard hexagon. If necessary, it is better to buy such a key in advance.
When touched in the middle part
In this case, the sash needs to be moved closer to the hinges.
Usually this procedure is enough for the sash to stop clinging to the frame.
Pressure adjustment
The pressing force of the door leaf to the frame is adjusted using locking elements. They are located on the sash itself. Most fittings are equipped with locking elements in the form of eccentrics. Rotate them using pliers or an adjusting wrench until the pressure is optimal.
To achieve greater efficiency, before the adjustment process, read the corresponding diagrams in the instructions or on the hardware manufacturer’s website.
Pressure adjustment
It is usually recommended to adjust the pressure twice a year: in the winter, set a tighter pressure, in the summer - looser.
Handle adjustment
This is the simplest task that you can easily complete in a short time. A common problem with handles is that they become loose over time.
Handle adjustment
- Rotate the plastic cap at the base of the pen 90 degrees.
- Tighten the exposed screws with a screwdriver. Do this carefully so as not to damage the pen body.
- If the play does not disappear after tightening the screws, this may indicate a crack in the handle body. In this case, the handle needs to be replaced.
Preventative measures for problems
It is very important to be able to correctly adjust balcony doors in case of problems. But it’s even more useful to know how to prevent these problems, or at least make sure you encounter them as little as possible.
- When choosing windows and balcony doors made of metal-plastic profiles, pay attention to the characteristics of the fittings. They must exactly match the weight of the door leaf. Most fitting systems from modern manufacturers Allows installation of sashes weighing up to 130 kg. Usually this is enough.
- The so-called microlift, or sagging compensator, will help prevent the sash from sagging due to its own weight. This detail is necessary for heavy door leaves with large dimensions or with a two-chamber package. The design of this element can be different: from a small lever on the side of the sash to a roller on its lower part.
- Install an opening limiter - a special support rail. This will help prevent the sash from jamming and sagging.
In addition, it will be useful to check the installation of the door. Please pay attention to the following parameters:
- how tightly the door is pressed against the frame profile around the perimeter;
- whether there is a vertical displacement of the sash;
- How static is the door leaf when in the open position.
If the installation of the plastic balcony door was carried out correctly, then you may need adjustment very soon.
Video about the process of adjusting a plastic balcony door
By using our advice, you will protect yourself from unnecessary financial expenses. Share with us your experience in adjusting PVC doors. Good luck to you!
Greetings to all blog readers! Today we will talk about adjustment PVC doors 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 rubber seals. 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 open the sash completely, set the product to the rotation position, then release fastener from a decorative hat (mostly 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 specially press it more tightly before the start of the cold season. door leaf in the opposite direction from the loops. 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. With frequent use, it breaks down 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 one balcony latch for plastic doors and screw 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 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. Next step is cleaning 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 installing the door frame.
Moreover, if sliding products are being installed, it is necessary to attach guide profiles. The remaining gaps are filled polyurethane foam, after which the door is put on its 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 an installation specialist 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 draw a pencil around the perimeter of the closed door.
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 installed incorrectly, 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.
Scheme of vertical and horizontal door adjustment 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 the plastic cover, find the 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 the 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 can be done without much effort and you won’t need any additional tools.
- 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
Each door block has basic and additional parts. 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.
