How to adjust a plastic balcony door?
Currently, wooden window frames and doors have been replaced by more practical and convenient metal-plastic constructions. They found their application in many areas of our lives: at home, at the office, in the country, in shops and other institutions. Excellent quality doors rarely cause complaints, but over time, even the most durable and reliable mechanisms require adjustment. If problems arose at the stage of warranty service, the installation will be provided by the installation company. And in case you have to rely on your strength, you just need valuable information on how to adjust the double-glazed balcony door yourself.
to contents ↑Common operation problems
A number of the following symptoms help identify malfunctions:
- Drafts of sufficient strength.
- Tight opening and closing the door.
- When using the door touches the box.
- The door is not parallel to the box.
to contents ↑Important! If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend that you think about setting up the door structure.
Reveal the reason
In addition to the characteristic features, there are practical methods that will help determine the need for adjustment.
Method 1
For the first method, you will need a piece of paper:
- Clamp the sheet between the door leaf and the frame, closing the doors tightly.
- Pull the paper.
If this is not possible, then adjustment is not required. If it turned out to be quite easy to pull out the sheet, then the adjustment of the double-glazed door is required, since, most likely, the mechanisms of the balcony door have weakened.
Important! We recommend carrying out such manipulations around the entire perimeter of the structure.
Method 2
For the second method, prepare a simple pencil. Use it to circle the sash outline in the closed position. All lines must be strictly parallel to the edges of the door frame. The presence of deviations indicates the imperfection of the design and the need for adjustment.
Thus, you can identify problems on your own in two ways, or different signs indicate this. There are several common problems with a balcony door:
- The door is loose against the box. As a result, streams of air will penetrate into the room, forming drafts in the house, since the seals will not be able to perform their functions. The solution to this problem is to configure the locking mechanism.
- The lower part of the door catches the threshold. This indicates a sagging sash under its own weight.
- Loose pens. Of course, the constant operation of the hardware leads to damage, but it can be easily and quickly adjusted.
- The door leaf touches the box in the middle. Such a flaw occurs if the door has shifted due to deformation. For example, this could contribute to the temperature difference. How to configure a double-glazed door in this case? Adjustment of door hinges will be required.
Causes of malfunctions
If suddenly the balcony door has stopped working perfectly, do not immediately blame the installers and complain about the low quality of the product.Although, we will be honest, in some situations, the cause may be poorly done work. But besides this, there are other sources of problems.
Reason 1
In the process of using the balcony door, the hinges gradually begin to weaken. This is a completely natural course of events, which is characteristic of all metal-plastic constructions. The main reason for this weakening is sagging.
Important! Doors that have a two-chamber system sag more quickly. This is due to the large weight of the structure, in contrast to single-chamber.
Such a malfunction occurs only after a few years. If you notice a weakening fairly quickly, after six months or less, perhaps the reason is different. Most likely, this is a negligent installation.
Reason 2
Temperature differences and humidity level. Such an effect is especially noticeable on doors that are installed on an insulated or open balcony. Carrying out the heat-insulating function, the design itself is located on the verge of tangible temperature changes, as well as the difference in humidity indicators indoors and out. Such an impact reduces the operational life of the product, as a result of which adjustment of the double-glazed door is required.
Reason 3
Poor quality materials, mechanisms and accessories. Unfortunately, in this situation, the adjustment of the design will not give any positive results.
Reason 4
Errors made during the installation process. Most often, such malfunctions become noticeable almost immediately, so immediately contact the installer with a complaint. During the warranty period you will be eliminated for free any flaws.
Reason 5
In addition to the manufacturer’s fault, there are cases when malfunctions in the operation of the balcony plastic door arise due to improper use of the device. Therefore, we recommend that you study some operating rules, as well as tips for the prevention of defects, which we will discuss later.
Reason 6
Another factor may be the shrinkage of the building, which is most typical of wooden houses.
to contents ↑Tools for work
In the process of setting up, you need to know not only how to adjust the plastic door, but also how to carry it out.
To do this, you will need the following tools:
- Hex wrenches of various diameters.
- Yardstick.
- A variety of screwdrivers: flat and Phillips.
- Pliers or pliers.
- Pencil.
- High quality PVC gaskets with adhesive layer.
After you stock up on everything you need, let's move on to specific malfunctions and their adjustment.
to contents ↑Vertical setting
This adjustment method is used in such situations:
- There are dents on the seal at the top or bottom of it.
- The door clings to the threshold.
How to adjust the plastic door in height? Raise or lower the plastic web using a special screw, which is located on the hinges.
Important! For carrying out manipulations, you do not need to remove the door from the hinges.
You need to act in this way:
- Install the door in rotary mode.
- Turn the screw in the desired direction with an Allen key. The screw is located near the upper hinge at the end of the door.
Important! Clockwise rotation of the screw raises the structure, and counterclockwise movement lowers the door.
- A couple of revolutions will be enough.
- Then remove the plugs that cover the upper adjusting screws.
- Using the same key, adjust the screws in the required direction.
Check the operation of the door, if defects remain - repeat the adjustment.
to contents ↑Horizontal adjustment
How to adjust the plastic door on the balcony, if there is a skew? Correct the canvas to the left or right side allows long screws that are placed horizontally. The screw is hidden by a plug, which must be removed in advance. To eliminate skew, tighten the screw on the center and top loops.Tighten the screw higher.
Important! If the door cannot be adjusted, try loosening all the horizontal screws, and then adjust them.
For such adjustment, the door must also be in the open state, it is not required to remove it from the hinges.
to contents ↑Door jammed in the middle
What to do if the balcony door touches the middle of the box? This solution, in fact, relates to horizontal adjustment, since the sash should be shifted towards the hinges.
To do this, use the hex wrench to turn the bottom screw clockwise. This way you bring the door closer to the hinge. After that, try to open and close the door. If the fault persists, continue the adjustment already on the upper loop.
to contents ↑Seal replacement
There is still a problem due to which the question will arise before you how to adjust the plastic balcony door. This is a significant deformation of the seal. It can occur due to several factors:
- A prolonged lack of door settings and their prevention.
- Operation of a door with a skew.
The only solution is to replace the sealing material with a new one. You can buy it at a hardware store.
When choosing it is important to consider:
- The shape of the seal.
- Cross section of the material.
Important! Both of these parameters should be identical to the old seal. The best option would be to take a small piece of material with you to the store, and according to the existing copy, choose a new one.
Replacing the seal is as follows:
- Old material is dismantled with a flat screwdriver. Manipulate carefully so as not to damage the plastic surface of the door. Hook up a sealant and pull it out from grooves.
- Cleaning. Remove all accumulated dust and dirt, the remains of old glue. It is convenient to do this with a brush, and then wipe the entire surface with a damp, clean cloth.
- Apply a new coat of adhesive.
- The next step is fixing the new seal.
Important! The whole cord must be placed in the grooves so that it does not sag, but also is not excessively taut.
- The excess material is cut with scissors, and the edges at the junction are joined with glue.
Door Density Adjustment
We bring to your attention a simple experiment with which you can determine the need to configure the door clip. The essence of the experience is as follows:
- Open the door 15 cm.
- Observe her movement for a while.
- If the door remains in the same position, then everything is in order. If the canvas arbitrarily moves, opens or closes, it is necessary to adjust the glass door.
Important! A prerequisite for this method is the absence of drafts in the room.
Depending on the season, establish this mode of fit:
- In the summer, the clamp should be weaker. The reason for this is plastic, which under the influence of high temperatures tends to expand.
- During the winter months, the fit should be maximized to prevent the entry of cold air and drafts.
Important! It is recommended to control the tightness of the door leaf in a constant mode. Do not wait for obvious problems.
You may ask how to adjust the plastic door? The design device is completely uncomplicated, so you can cope with this task without much labor on your own. To do this, you will need a hex key. And the actions are as follows:
- On the door leaf, locate the locking pin.
- On its surface there is a special notch, which indicates the degree of pressure.
- Turn the pin to the desired direction. Turning the notch in the direction of the frame weakens the tightness of the door, and turning in the opposite direction strengthens the clip.
Important! If the pin is installed at the extreme level, then the setting will not give a result.
In such a situation, adjustment of the position of the glass unit will be required:
- Remove the fixing beads.
- Position the gaskets in the required places. For these purposes, there is also a special device - a shovel.
- The correct arrangement of the gasket, as well as its thickness, guarantees the elimination of distortion.
- After debugging, install the glazing beads in place.
Door handles - hardware adjustment
Now let's look at how to adjust a double-glazed balcony door if the problem is the poor functioning of the handles.
There are two types of hardware problems:
- Laxity.
- Hard and tight crank handle.
Accordingly, there are two adjustment methods:
- To solve the problem of door handle looseness is very simple and quick. It is necessary to remove the protective pad from it, under which the screws are located. Tighten them with a screwdriver, and the handle will again fit snugly onto the canvas.
- In the second case, it is necessary to adjust the glass door, about the methods of which we described in detail above.
Important! If after adjusting the door itself, improvements in the operation of the handle are not observed, then it is necessary to dismantle the old accessories and install new ones.
Unscrew the screws that hold the product, and then remove it from the door leaf. Install new hardware and tighten the screws into place.
to contents ↑Fault Prevention
The best way to deal with faults is to prevent them. The first step is to provide for possible problems even at the stage of installation of the door. Therefore, the production and installation of a plastic door is best ordered from a company with a good reputation. The company must guarantee the quality of construction, fittings and mechanisms.
Having made the right choice, be sure to check the door installation process. After its completion, before acceptance of work, focus on such important points:
- The door should be easy to open and close, not to catch any parts of the box.
- The door leaf must evenly and tightly fit to the box around its entire perimeter.
- The canvas should be placed on loops strictly vertically. Do not be lazy and check this parameter using the building level.
- Check that the structure is airtight and that there is no draft.
- Open the door halfway and leave it in that position. The canvas should not be arbitrarily closed or opened.
Important! Video instructions that can be viewed on the Internet will help improve knowledge in proper installation. Watch such videos in advance, and control over the installation will become more meaningful.
If you do not want to think about how to configure a double-glazed door, then you can add to preventive actions:
- Regular lubrication of operating mechanisms.
- Seal treatment with silicone grease, which increases the life of the material.
- Installation of the door open stop. This mechanism protects the hinges from loosening, as it prevents them from contacting the door frame. In addition, such a device will protect the canvas from damage. As a result, the adjustment of the door will be much less necessary.
- Cleaning and maintenance of the structure.
- Microlift installation. This device redirects the weight of the door in a closed mode to itself, which prevents the canvas from sagging.
- Regular inspection of fasteners.
Terms of Use
Recall a few basic rules for using metal-plastic constructions that increase their service life and free you from unplanned product adjustment:
- In strong winds, the balcony door must be closed. The powerful pressure of the air masses on the structure will not affect it in the best way.
- Do not place foreign objects between the door leaf and its frame, as well as directly under the door leaf.
- Do not hang objects on the handle. The same applies to the door leaf.
- Do not apply excessive force or pressure to the structure when closing or opening.
- Do not be zealous when turning the door handle.
- Avoid mechanical impact on the surface of the plastic door in order to prevent scratches on the material.
Stock footage
Although malfunctions in the operation of such structures do not occur often, it is still worthwhile to have information on how to adjust the plastic door on the balcony if necessary. Of course, you can resort to the help of a specialist, fill out an application, wait for the appointed time and hope for his professionalism. By the way, not forgetting about the material side of the issue. You can fix all the flaws yourself, especially since it is very simple and fast. And timely preventive maintenance and proper operation guarantee you a long and effective use of doors.
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