The plastic balcony door sagged. Adjusting the balcony door - how to do the work yourself. How to diagnose weak clamping density

The plastic balcony door sagged.  Adjusting the balcony door - how to do the work yourself.  How to diagnose weak clamping density
The plastic balcony door sagged. Adjusting the balcony door - how to do the work yourself. How to diagnose weak clamping density

Replacing a wooden balcony door with a plastic one is a popular and very effective way to make your home more comfortable and warm. But all PVC structures have one feature: even the highest quality windows and doors have to be adjusted at certain intervals. If you feel that something is wrong with your door, do not rush to the phone in a panic to call an ambulance in the form of a team of locksmiths. If you carefully study the instructions, adjusting plastic balcony doors is not difficult.

When should the door be adjusted?

Adjustment of a PVC balcony door should be carried out immediately if:

  • you have to use excessive force to open the door;
  • when closing, the door leaf clings to the door frame;
  • the lock handle is difficult to turn or, conversely, is too loose;
  • when the lock is open, the door does not stay closed;
  • even a tightly closed door lets cold air in from outside.

All these signs are, so to speak, critical. They indicate that the door is already in disrepair. It is possible that in this case, simple adjustment will not solve the problem and some parts will have to be repaired or replaced. This can be avoided if you adjust the plastic balcony doors yourself and do it in a timely manner. Here are some ways helping to identify subtle violations in the position of the door leaf:

  1. Open the balcony door slightly and leave it in that position. If it spontaneously tends to slam or open (of course, in the absence of wind or drafts), it’s time to start tuning.
  2. Take a simple pencil in your hands and take a position on the side opposite to the side of the door opening. After closing the door, outline its perimeter using the edge of the door frame as a ruler. Now open the door and take a close look at your own art. If the lines you drew are parallel to the edges of the door leaf, then everything is in order. If not, then there is a slight misalignment and it’s time to prepare the tools.
  3. Take a notebook sheet or a fragment of a newspaper page and slam the balcony door so that the paper is caught between it. Now try to remove the sheet, paying attention to the force you had to apply to do this. Thus it is necessary to check the tightness of the pressure along the entire perimeter of the door. Ideally, the force with which you had to pull out the paper will always be the same. If the sheet is pressed unevenly in different parts of the door perimeter, then it is necessary to adjust the pressure.

Self-adjustment of a PVC balcony door should also be performed with the arrival of cold weather or, conversely, with warming: in the first case, the door pressure is strengthened, in the second, it is weakened.

Tip: Loosen the pressure in spring and summer should definitely, because when closed tightly (winter mode), some parts of the door block wear out faster.

Instructions for adjusting a plastic door

The first thing you should worry about is the availability of such tools:

- screwdrivers with Phillips and flat profile;

- pliers;

— a set of hex keys (for some models you will need keys with an asterisk profile);

— PVC gaskets;

The design of door fastening units in PVC door blocks provides the possibility adjusting its position in three directions:

— horizontally (the gap between the door leaf and the hinge post is adjusted at the top, bottom or along the entire height);

— vertically (the height of the door hanger relative to the door frame changes);

— frontally (the density of pressing the door to the sealing elements of the doorway is adjusted).

The adjusting screws can be accessed by removing the decorative panel from the hinge with the door open (use a 3 mm hexagon).

Let's look at all three adjustment options in more detail.

Horizontal direction

The movement of the door leaf to the right or left (toward or away from the hinge post) is controlled by a long adjusting screw located horizontally under the decorative trim. If the door when closing clings to the box from the latch side in the middle part or along the entire height, the screws should be turned clockwise one or two turns in all three hinges. If the lower edge of the canvas farthest from the hinges touches the threshold, you only need to tighten the screws in the upper and middle hinges.



Vertical direction

The vertical adjustment screw on the hinge is responsible for moving the door down (turning the screw counterclockwise) or up (clockwise). Such adjustment is resorted to in the case when if the bottom edge of the door rubs against the threshold when closing or opening or it closes normally, but Dents are visible on the upper or lower seals. Use a 5mm hex socket to rotate the screws. The same key, but 2.5 mm, will be needed to adjust the position of the strikers at the top and bottom of the door frame. For this operation, in addition to the hexagon, you will need a flat-head screwdriver. The main locking bar will also have to be moved using a Phillips screwdriver.


Front direction (pressure adjustment)

Before adjusting the plastic balcony door, it is important to know that the tightness of the door to the frame is adjusted differently in different models:

  1. At the vertical end of the door, on the side opposite the hinges, there may be three eccentrics that must be turned using the appropriate tool.
  2. Some models have a pin on the door hardware that must be turned using pliers. For maximum pressure it should be given a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door block, for minimum pressure it should be given a direction parallel to it.
  3. Sometimes the clamp can be adjusted by frontal displacement of the strike plate. For this purpose, there is a hex head screw under the bar.

Adjusting screws cannot always save the situation. It happens that a defect exists, but the corresponding screw is already in its extreme position. In this case, use another way to adjust a door with double glazed windows. Carefully prying it up with a chisel, you need to remove the glazing beads holding the glass unit. Then, using special blades, PVC gaskets are installed between the glass unit and the plastic in the right places (depending on what defect needs to be corrected). By correctly selecting the location of the gaskets and their thickness, you can change the geometry of the door and thus eliminate the distortion. When installing glazing beads in place, they should be carefully tapped with a rubberized hammer.

Tip: When removing glazing beads, mark them so that you can then install each one exactly in its place. Manufacturers often use different types of glazing beads to fix a double-glazed window from the inside and outside.

Plastic door handles are characterized by two problems:

1. The handle is difficult to turn or does not turn completely

Most often, this problem is caused by the incorrect position of the door leaf and after adjusting it using one of the methods described above, the lock mechanism should work properly. If the adjustment does not help, the lock will have to be replaced.

2. The handle is loose

If the trim installed where the handle is attached to the door is rotated 90 degrees, access to two screws will open. By tightening them with a Phillips screwdriver, you will correct the defect.


Replacing the seal

If the door is used skewed for a long time, it may become deformed. In this case, it must be replaced with a new one having a similar cross-sectional shape. The old seal is removed from the groove using a screwdriver, which is then cleaned of dirt and glue residues. When installing a new seal, make sure that it is not under tension. Before installing the profile, the groove must be coated with glue, especially in those places where the ends of the seal will be located.

Prevention

In order for your plastic balcony door to last longer without adjustment, equip it with two very useful devices: microlift and opening limiter. The microlift supports the weight of the door in the closed position, preventing it from sagging. The opening limiter prevents the hinges from becoming loose when the door rests against the jamb (when fully swinging open).


You should not hang bags with heavy contents on the door handle (especially an open one). The plastic door itself is heavy and additional weight can lead to rapid sagging.

Periodic lubrication with a silicone compound will help extend the life of the seal and make it more flexible and susceptible to deformation.

Don't forget to lubricate the lock regularly, too. If its handle is difficult to turn, users begin to put pressure on it (and at the same time on the door) with all their weight, while strongly pulling the door towards themselves. Under such conditions, distortion is inevitable.

Adjusting plastic balcony doors video

In this section, we invite you to watch a video on the topic of our article “Adjusting plastic balcony doors: instructions for setting it up yourself.” You will see how the procedures we described above are performed in practice.

In the modern world, plastic windows and doors are very popular. They have a low weight of the entire structure, tightness and relatively low cost. However, over time, problems arise during their operation, which may require adjustment of the mechanisms.

We identify defects

The identified damage is usually visible to the naked eye:

  • The door allows cold air into the room, the tightness of the structure is broken. In order to confirm the specified flaw, you need to perform some actions. A sheet of paper is clamped between the frame and the door, and the structure is locked. Afterwards the paper is pulled out. If it gives in, then the pressure is broken. The operation is carried out along the entire perimeter of the door leaf. In addition, the defect appears with the onset of frost. If the seal is broken, condensation forms on the double-glazed windows.

  • Skewed or sagging door leaf. If the door has sagged, this can be easily identified using a pencil, which is used to trace the door when it is closed. In the case when, with the door open, the drawn line is parallel to the frame, it can be argued that there are no distortions. Under its weight, the door structure may sag. This becomes noticeable when, when opening, the sash touches the threshold, and when closed it forms a gap in the upper corner. Causes: constantly open doors, improper wedging during installation.

  • Friction on the box. The door movement is difficult, the door leaf catches on the frame or creaks. If adjustments are not made for a long time, the top PVC layer is worn out, which can result in damage to the profile. Friction brings discomfort to the operation of the fittings, wearing them out and resulting in failure.

  • The handle is loose, fastenings are loose. Usually the reason is frequent use or wasteful attitude.

  • It takes some effort to turn the handle. In this case, damage to the lock core or handle is likely, as well as various types of debris or wear. The handle does not close completely. A deficiency occurs if the following is noted:
  1. subsidence of the door leaf makes it difficult for the trunnions to work;
  2. littering.

  • Locking mechanism jammed. The reasons can be different - from the simplest in the form of pollution to more complex ones depending on the design.

Required Tools

To adjust the plastic door yourself, you need to stock up on a set of tools:

  • Hex keys of different diameters (from 2.5 to 5 mm).
  • Flathead screwdriver.
  • Crosshead screwdriver.
  • Roulette.
  • Pliers.
  • Set of plastic covers.
  • Lubricant and seal care product (if necessary).
  • Instructions.

Instructions for self-configuration

Manufacturers complete plastic entrance doors with various fastening fittings and control elements. However, the principle of setting up the door structure is the same for all models. It should be noted that such products are characterized by the absence of a tilt-and-turn mechanism, as well as the presence of a special type of hinges.

There are three door configuration schemes:

  • The height of the structure is adjusted by tightening the loop from below. For this purpose, the decorative plug is removed from its end part to free access to the central adjustment screw. Rotating the hex key clockwise will raise the door, and counterclockwise will lower it.

  • The shift of the canvas to the right or left is adjusted using the side and top loops. The door is fully opened to unscrew the trim on the middle and top hinges, which performs a protective and decorative function. Afterwards it can be removed, but initially the canvas is closed. Adjustment is made using a long adjusting screw located horizontally. Uniform shift is achieved by equally tightening the horizontal screw in the middle and top hinges. If the canvas sag, then in the upper part - more.

The degree of pressing of the mechanism is changed by twisting the trunnion. This element is also called an eccentric. Usually there is a mark on it - an indicator. If the eccentric is turned towards the room, the pressure decreases; the direction towards the street will increase the sealing.

If you hear a creaking noise when opening, you need to lubricate the hinges. To do this, remove the protective caps and put the product into the opened holes. Lubricants must take into account climatic conditions and withstand temperature changes well.

Setting up hinges and awnings

Closed overhead hinges are most often installed on plastic and metal-plastic entrance doors. Their number is calculated individually depending on the functional characteristics of each model.

If there is no glass unit in the design, its weight is significantly reduced. This means that it is enough to equip such a door with two canopies. Accordingly, if the base of the sash is glass, as in the case of metal reinforcement, the structure can have three or more curtains.

To adjust them, there are three methods described above. It is important to understand that by tightening only one part, you can cause the entire profile to bend, since the change in position will occur only at one point. Illiterate adjustment leads to squeaks and distortions.

If defects were identified during the warranty period, it is best to contact the specialists of the selling company. It will be free and hassle-free.

In order to avoid breakdowns, it is better to promptly identify reasons indicating the need for adjustment. Tight closing of the door, drafts, gaps between the frame and the canvas are the first signs of problems. Prevention of malfunctions in the operation of hinges and awnings of PVC doors significantly increases the service life. It can be done either independently or with the help of specialists.

If you decide to independently adjust the door structures, be sure to be patient, carefully read the instructions, and check that you have all the necessary tools. If you have questions, consult with specialists.

In addition, professionals advise not to place high hopes on adjusting the door elements, since it can only provide a displacement of a few millimeters. If the door structure was initially installed with technological violations, then the adjustment will not help.

How to increase the height?

Door designs with a tilt-and-turn mechanism are more complex than entrance ones, but are easily adjusted. If the bottom edge of the door leaf rubs against the threshold, then it’s time to adjust the vertical adjustment screw, that is, you need to lift the door up.

The algorithm for setting up is as follows:

  1. Inspect the fasteners for damage and to select the necessary tool. You may need an asterisk wrench instead of a hex key. If broken hinges are identified, unfortunately, you will have to call a specialist. If they are intact, you can start setting up.
  2. Remove the decorative protective covers from the hinges.
  3. Open the door to allow easier access to the adjustment hole.
  4. Find the hex screw on the top hinge and turn it clockwise, making sure the sash is vertical. With a small offset this will be enough.
  5. In case of strong shift, the screw on the lower hinge is tightened. Clockwise adjustment raises the door, counterclockwise lowers it.

Using an angle adjustment screw in the upper end of the frame, you can eliminate the problem of the upper part of the frame catching on the sashes. If after adjustment in the closed state of closing the door still has imperfections, the adjustment must be repeated.

How to level?

In order to align the balcony door in a horizontal plane, you need to use the adjusting screws located under the technological holes of the hinges.

You can make it easier to access the screws by opening the door. The door leaf is shifted to the right by turning the adjusting element counterclockwise. If you turn it clockwise, the shift will be to the left. This method provides a door stroke of 2-3 mm, allowing you to eliminate various types of distortions.

Experts note that sometimes in order to make adjustments, it is necessary to remove the door leaf from the standard clutch. To do this, when the sash is open, press the tab at the end and switch the structure to the “ventilation” mode. This will allow you to reach the adjusting screws for the top canopy. After adjustment, the door must be returned to its original state.

What can I do to close it tightly?

If it blows from under the door, it means that the function of pressing it to the frame is broken. To eliminate the defect, perform frontal adjustment of the eccentrics. Changing their position by turning makes it possible to change the degree of pressure of the door to the frame. For the upper part it is possible to adjust by rotating the trunnion, for the lower part - with a screw located on the side edge of the canopy.

Scheme of actions for adjusting the pressure at the bottom of the door:

  1. Release the hinges from the decorative protection.
  2. Open the door. Press the blocker against the seal.
  3. Pull back the top of the door leaf to provide access to the eccentrics.
  4. Turn the screw to adjust the desired degree of pressure.
  5. For prevention, lubricate moving parts.
  6. Press the lock, set the sash to its original position.
  7. To increase the pressure, turn the eccentrics to the maximum level, for which lower the locking bolt, move the elements, tighten the fastening.

The position of the eccentrics must be adjusted depending on the time of year. Experts advise reducing the gap between the frame and the door in winter, and loosening the pressure in summer so that the seals do not dry out and to provide additional ventilation.

Difficulty closing

There have been cases where it takes some effort to close the door. Often the reason is that the door is set to “winter mode”. Then just loosen the adjusting screws.

Sometimes the root cause of poor closing is a clogged latch. Elimination consists of either blowing out the lock and lubricating it, or disassembling the door and cleaning all mechanisms.

For preventive purposes, the lock is adjusted every time the door frame clamping mode is changed from summer to winter, and vice versa.

If the sash hangs on one hinge, this indicates that the door was opened in two modes at once. To eliminate this, you need to find a tongue-shaped lock in the middle of the end and move it to a horizontal position. Pressing the door against the frame, set the handle to the “ventilation” mode, and then to the “opening” mode. This way the defect will be eliminated.

To prevent the causes of sagging of the sash, a supporting element is installed - an opening limiter. Sometimes it is also called a door closer. The element is not mandatory equipment, but is popular.

Functionally, the closer is designed not only to support the open door, but also to regulate the closing speed.

Adjusting the hinge

The durability of door structures is ensured through the use of durable materials. For example, loops are made from Teflon.

Due to the fact that plastic door hinges are a hinge mechanism, adjustment work involves understanding the operating principles of such a design.

Ball bearings built into door hinges provide ease of opening and reduce wear. They need to be lubricated and adjusted to work well.

Depending on the identified deficiency, there is the possibility of horizontal, vertical and frontal adjustment.

The main thing is not to delay, otherwise, if used poorly, the door will become loose and the moment of complete destruction of the mechanism will come. It will no longer be possible to restore it.

Changing the seal

If there are drafts, even after adjusting the pressure of the blade in different directions, we can conclude that there is a poor-quality seal. The service life of the seal is several years, but it can become unusable as a result of external damage or improper use. Door gaskets cannot be restored, they can only be replaced.

Types of seals:

  • Rubber and caoutchouc. The most common, with increased wear resistance to climate change.
  • Polymer based on PVC. The service life is short, it is afraid of temperature changes.
  • Polyethylene.

If you follow certain preventive rules, the seal can be replaced much less frequently:

  • When carrying out renovations in an apartment, the windows must be closed to avoid dust settling on the seals.
  • Washing windows gives an excellent effect, but only if you use non-caustic household chemicals.
  • Treating the gaskets with silicone grease or regular glycerin will significantly increase their service life.

DIY replacement

A competent operation to replace the seal will require scissors and silicone glue.

Repair stages:

  1. Purchase a seal with the required parameters. This needs to be taken care of in advance. If necessary, visit a hardware store with a sample of the old gasket, where, with the help of a consultant, select an analogue.
  2. Removing the old seal from the groove using available tools. The operation must be performed carefully so as not to damage the canvas.
  3. Thorough cleaning of the grooves. Dirt will not allow the new insulation layer to be laid properly.
  4. Applying silicone glue to the corners. This will prevent the elastic from moving.
  5. Laying the insulation into the groove, starting from the attachment point of the old gasket. An even distribution is required, without sagging, folding or tension.
  6. Fastening the joint tightly. Sometimes the seal is cut at a 45 degree angle to ensure a tight fit at the end.
  7. Quality checking. Cold air should not enter the room.

When carrying out this procedure, it is important to ensure that the rubber does not break, otherwise you will have to change the seal again.

Setting up the handle

Balcony handles are classified into movable and stationary. The stationary function is the point of application of force to open the door. Movable models are necessary not only for operating the blade itself, but also for adjusting the lock. They, in turn, are rotary and push-type. Based on the installation method, door handles are divided into mortise and overhead.

For balcony doors, double-sided models are most often used, since they open on both sides. Among the advantages are a durable mechanism, a variety of options, and among the disadvantages is low security for doors that are generally accessible.

The simplest way to adjust a door is to repair a loose handle mechanism. To do this, set the door to the “open” position, remove the protective cover at the base of the handle, opening access to the screws. Using a Phillips screwdriver, tighten the fastening, thereby eliminating the defect.

If the handle turns tightly, as a rule, the reason is the incorrect position of the door leaf. When this factor is eliminated, the opening function should return to normal. Otherwise, the handle along with the lock will have to be completely replaced.

You can replace a broken handle yourself. First you should set it to the “open” mode, then unscrew the screws from the fastening, remove the entire mechanism along with the core. Insert the pre-selected new handle in place of the old one and secure it with screws.

How to adjust for winter?

Pressure adjustment is associated with the expansion and contraction of the seal material during temperature fluctuations. Depending on the season, it is possible to adjust the modes using eccentrics. When they are shifted towards the street, the winter position will be ensured, since the door leaf is pressed tighter. Summer mode involves a shift in the opposite direction, creating a sufficient gap between the door and frame elements. As a result of such prevention, the doors will last much longer.

It is worth noting that eccentrics are advised to move in one direction, in the same way. Rotation can be done either manually or using special tools, such as pliers.

In addition to the above steps for insulating a balcony structure, you can also check the quality characteristics of the insulation and, if necessary, change it or lubricate it with silicone grease.

How to properly repair a metal-plastic balcony door?

With prolonged use, metal-plastic doors require repairs, and this does not depend on their price. Major troubles, of course, will require the involvement of a specialist, but prevention and adjustment of mechanisms can be done independently.

You should remember how to adjust the door leaf:

  • Vertical elements move the door up and down.
  • Horizontal mechanisms make it possible to move the upper and lower corners, and move the canvas left and right.

You can troubleshoot other minor problems yourself.

Depressurization

There are two ways to eliminate the deficiency:

  • Replacing the seal. With prolonged use or extreme climatic conditions, rubber gaskets lose their elasticity. Today, the construction market offers a huge selection of seals from various materials. Before replacing, you must carefully remove the remnants of the old gasket; if it is difficult, use a screwdriver or other available tool. The main thing is not to damage the grooves. Degreasing the surface is also an important step, after which it is necessary to apply glue and, without stretching, lay the seal.
  • Trunnion adjustment. The eccentrics that ensure the sash is pressed against the frame relax over time, which requires their regular adjustment. Since the elements are located around the entire perimeter, each one should be configured individually. Standard trunnion positions:
  1. Summer mode is characterized by loose pressure, the eccentrics are directed towards the street.
  2. The winter mode causes tight compression and the trunnions are adjusted towards the room.
  3. The demi-season position of the eccentrics in the center provides an average degree of compression.

Problems with fittings

All running elements of the door structure must be lubricated from time to time with machine oil or special products to improve their functionality. If the handle becomes loose during operation, it can be easily tightened with a screwdriver. However, the main thing here is not to overdo it. If the hinges are loose, just tighten them with a hex wrench.

If the lower fastening is torn out, you will have to change the hinge. There can be two reasons for this defect:

  • Irresponsible manufacturers, when installing a door, use conventional window fasteners instead of reinforced ones, and therefore the hinge cannot withstand the load of a heavy door leaf.
  • The presence of short reinforcement inside the door. In this case, the fixing screws only cling to the plastic part of the frame, so the door cannot withstand the weight.

A previous failure may result in deformation of the upper hinge. Due to the fact that the lower fasteners no longer support the sash, it hangs on the upper one, which is not designed for vertical load. In this case, the hinge also needs to be replaced.

When doors are frequently opened and closed in public places, the handle mechanism produces extraneous noise. Since it consists of moving parts, frequent movement wears them out. If after lubricating the parts the problem does not go away, then it is time to replace the locking system.

In addition, damage to the lock may be caused by a breakdown in the connection between the handle and the core or damage to other internal elements. To troubleshoot problems, you need to remove the protective caps and unscrew the mounting screws.

To learn how to properly adjust the door, see the following video.

If you find a cut pin connecting the handle to the core, you should knock out its remains and insert a new one. If the handle itself is faulty, it will have to be replaced. If the lock is broken, you need to pull out the core. By unscrewing the lock at the end of the door, the mechanism is removed. Install a new one, repeating the steps in reverse order. If there is a need to purchase a new lock, it is recommended to choose an analogue from the same company as before.

Other defects

Scratches and other deep defects are common in door structures in families with small children. Dents are common on public doors. Experts advise purchasing the substance Cosmofen at a hardware store. It is a liquid plastic that is used to treat the scratched surface.

Algorithm for eliminating defects:

  1. Clean the surface of the canvas using any household means.
  2. After complete drying, it is necessary to degrease the parts to be treated.
  3. Apply a thin layer of putty with a spatula.
  4. After drying, the surface is sanded with fine sandpaper.
  5. Depending on the door material, the door leaf is coated with matte or glossy varnish.

A misaligned door frame always leads to unpleasant consequences. Sometimes it is necessary to call a qualified specialist to eliminate them. But in the vast majority of cases you can cope on your own. Therefore, we will figure out how to adjust plastic balcony doors with our own hands. But before we give step-by-step instructions, we list the most common malfunctions:

  • Cold air passes through the vestibule areas.
  • The door handle is tight or does not close completely.
  • It takes a lot of effort to cover the canvas.
  • The sagging frame clings to the box.

Fixing these problems takes no more than half an hour, so there is no point in postponing the work until later.

If a little time has passed since the installation of the structure, and it is under warranty, it is better to entrust the adjustment to specialists.

Main elements of control mechanisms

To avoid confusion, let us explain the meaning of the special terms that we will use in the step-by-step instructions:

  • Hinges are hinge elements in the upper and lower parts of the frame, rotating around which it opens.
  • Trunnions are cylindrical bushings at the end of the door frame, located along its perimeter. They move when the handle is opened and closed.
  • The counter (clamping) strips are metal stops. They are located on the box and engage with the trunnions.

How to adjust a plastic door on a balcony yourself

First of all, let’s make sure that the cause of the problem is a malfunction of the mechanisms. The malfunctions described above may occur due to failure of the rubber seal. If in winter it froze to the frame, and you sharply pulled the handle, damage cannot be avoided. Therefore, we visually check the integrity of the seal. If necessary, replace the rubber band with a new one.

If the problem is in the mechanical part, in order to provide access to the adjusting screws, remove the decorative trims from the hinges.

In the vast majority of cases, a No. 4 hex and a Phillips screwdriver are sufficient for the job. Less commonly, you may need a #3 hex wrench, sprockets, pliers, or a flat-head screwdriver.

Before starting work, we recommend that you pay attention to the relative position of the canvas and the box. This will avoid unnecessary actions and install the elements in the correct position. To do this, close the frame and outline its perimeter with a pencil. The resulting contour should be parallel to the inner edges of the door frame. If this is not the case, you need to adjust the plastic ones yourself.

We will describe the procedure for dealing with common faults.

The canvas is sagging and catches the threshold

This problem is typical for wide, heavy structures with double-glazed windows. Additional load can be created by heavy bags hanging on the handle, or children who like to ride on the door wings. Often it is after this that they begin to sag.

The lower hinge allows you to lift the sash. We insert a hexagon into it from above and rotate it:

  • clockwise - raise;
  • counterclockwise - lower.

This helps with even sagging. If only one corner catches, it is necessary to eliminate the distortion.

To do this, we use the lateral adjustments of the upper and lower hinges. We rotate the screw with a hexagon: when turning to the right, the blade moves towards the key, to the left - in the opposite direction.

In the correct position, the outer contour of the balcony door and the inner frame should be parallel.

If the range of movement with the adjusting screws is not enough, the geometry is corrected with shims under the glass unit. It is better to entrust this work to qualified specialists. They dismantle the glazing beads and install calibrated wedges according to the diagram. If the technology is not followed, the load on the glass is distributed unevenly, and it may burst.

The canvas touches the edge of the box or is not covered tightly

This problem can be encountered in the autumn-winter period if the fittings were moved away from the corner as much as possible. The frame deforms slightly and engages with the axles. To fix the problem, you need to move the sash horizontally. It is important to do this evenly and avoid distortion. The mechanism is adjusted in two places: on the upper and lower loop.

Before you can adjust the plastic balcony door yourself, you need to open it completely. This will provide convenient access to the mechanisms.

Sequentially rotate the screws of the upper and lower hinges. We control the moment when the pins stop clinging to the door frame. After this, the adjustment can be stopped. But it is better to achieve a position in which both edges of the sash are equidistant from the inner edge of the installation box. This can be easily checked by tracing the outline of the closed canvas with a pencil.

Please note: the head of the upper adjustment screw may be located on the corner side or above the door leaf.

Cold air blows through the closed flap

The first thing to do is to identify the place of a loose fit:

  1. Hold a sheet of paper in the opening.
  2. We close the sash.
  3. Pull out the paper.
  4. We repeat the operation, moving the sheet around the entire perimeter.

This allows you to determine the clamping density. When adjusted correctly, the leaf should be pulled equally tight at all points. If it passes freely, you will need to adjust the gap by turning the trunnions. On one side they have a mark: a slot or a stamped dot. In the factory state it is directed upwards.

To make the clamp tighter (winter mode), turn the trunnion with a hexagon or a screwdriver with the mark facing the room. If you need to loosen the door, turn the mechanism in the opposite direction - with the mark facing the street.

Modern fittings allow you to additionally change the clamp using the lower loop. If you look at the opening with the door panel closed, you will see a screw on the front. By rotating it, you can achieve the necessary pressure in the loop area.

Sometimes it is not possible to achieve the desired effect using this method. This means that the cause of the malfunction lies in the deformation of the structure itself or a violation of the installation technology. The defect can be temporarily eliminated by twisting the strike plate a couple of millimeters towards the street. But it is better to call qualified specialists for repairs.

The handle of the plastic balcony door dangles or is difficult to close

The handle is attached to the blade with two screws. Over time they become loose. To tighten the fastening, turn the plastic plug that closes it 90 degrees and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws until they stop.

Loose screws rest against the decorative plug and prevent it from turning. Therefore, we first pull the handle towards ourselves.

If the handle closes tightly, not completely, or the fittings move with a creak, the cause of the malfunction is improper engagement of the pin with the strike plate. In spring and summer, the frame may be slightly deformed due to warming. Therefore, the problem is solved by turning the axle with the mark towards the street.

Sometimes a defect appears after adjusting the balcony door. In this case, we look at how the mechanism engages when closing:

  1. In the opening area on the fittings there is a petal that blocks the handle when the sash is open. We press it and lower the handle to the “closed” position.
  2. Cover the sash so that the trunnion is slightly visible.
  3. We put a mark opposite it on the door frame.
  4. At risk, we control the engagement with the clamping bar.
  5. If necessary, we reinstall it so as to ensure complete and unhindered engagement.

If the above methods do not help, then the problem lies in the tape mechanism of the fittings. It is better to entrust repairs to a qualified installer.

For clarity, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the technical aspects by watching the video.

How to avoid adjusting a plastic balcony door

How often the position of the sash rebate will have to be adjusted directly depends on the condition of the belt mechanisms. To extend their trouble-free operation, preventive maintenance must be carried out once a year. This avoids malfunctions and extends the service life of the product.

Three operations need to be performed:

  • use a brush to remove dust and larger mechanical contaminants from the surface;
  • treat rubber seals with silicone grease;
  • Lubricate the belt fittings with mineral oil.

Lubricant application points are marked on the product with a “drop” or “grease can” symbol. After processing all the components, open and close the mechanism 3-4 times to distribute the composition over the entire surface.

Now you know how to adjust plastic balcony doors yourself and can quickly fix the problem.

  • Material prepared by: Igor Stepankov

The balcony door undergoes numerous opening and closing cycles throughout the day. In such a situation, over time, even the most reliable fittings can fail. If you have problems with the operation of a PVC double-glazed window, you should not immediately turn to professionals for help. Often, adjusting a plastic balcony door can be done independently. This will require some knowledge and a set of hex keys.

Main design elements

Each door block is equipped with basic and additional parts. Before proceeding with the adjustment, a novice home craftsman should become familiar with the structure of this design. Besides, you should understand the operating principle of the accessories used s. If the owner has extensive experience and managed to build the house himself, adjusting the balcony door fittings will not become a serious problem for him.

The standard kit includes the following items:

  • frame made of PVC profiles, which are connected using special fasteners;
  • a sash assembled in the same way as the box;
  • hinges for opening and closing doors;
  • handle with lock;
  • seals;
  • glass unit

It should be remembered that the set of accessories largely depends on the functionality of the door unit. Standard elements can be supplemented with stoppers, hydraulic or mechanical closers, as well as other parts.

In order to adjust plastic balcony doors less frequently, you need to become familiar with the basic operating rules. Compliance with them will significantly reduce the number of breakdowns. First of all, we are talking about careful treatment of the product, as well as the competent selection of accessories.

Even at the time of purchase, you should make sure that the closing mechanism is able to withstand the weight of the sash. Today, most hardware systems are designed for doors weighing over 100 kilograms. If the technical documentation indicates this value or higher, then the design can be safely purchased.

During operation, jerking and other types of mechanical impact on the sash in the open position should be avoided. If the product is handled carelessly, the PVC double-glazed balcony door will have to be adjusted frequently. If the sash is heavy, it is worth additionally installing a sagging compensator. This device is a special roller or small lever.

Main problems and ways to solve them

If you configure the plastic balcony door yourself, then you need to take into account the specific situation. Often the sash begins to press poorly or sag. In addition, other defects may appear. To troubleshoot problems, you should prepare a set of hex keys and screwdrivers. Often you have to adjust the handle.

This is the simplest fault that can be fixed in the shortest possible time. Handles become loose quite often, especially if the door is not used carefully. To adjust it, you first need to rotate the plastic cap located at the base 90 degrees. Underneath there are screws that need to be tightened. In this case, sudden movements should be avoided to avoid damage to the housing. Other faults are somewhat more difficult to resolve.

Pressure density

Window and door structures made of plastic have a high level of heat and sound insulation. During the operation of double-glazed windows, a situation may arise when sound from the street begins to freely penetrate into the living space. In winter, cold air may also enter. Many owners blame the manufacturer for this, which may have nothing to do with it. This problem is often associated with the fact that the sash does not press well against the frame.

Special trunnions (eccentrics) having a cylindrical shape are responsible for pressing the canvas. Four of them are located on the front vertical end, and 2 more are located on the rear. Also, one pin is located on the scissors, which should hold the sash in an inclined mode. There are hexagonal holes inside the eccentrics, with which you can adjust the clamping force. To press the door harder, the pin must be turned with its larger side in the direction of the rubber seal.

The door is sagging or sagging

Quite often, owners notice that the canvas rubs against the frame. As a result, more force is required to close the door. To fix the problem, you should adjust the upper or lower hinge. The structural element located on top is equipped with a special adjusting bolt. You can reach it by opening the door 90 degrees. When turning the bolt in a clockwise direction, the upper edge of the blade will be attracted to the loop.

The part at the bottom also has a special bolt for adjustment, which can be turned not only from the outside, but also from the inside. It should be remembered that the adjustment should be carried out only with the sash open, and its functionality must be checked after every two turns. The lower hinge is designed to perform another function - movement of the sash in the vertical plane.

In this case, adjustment is made using a screw located at the top of the mechanism. To access it, you will have to remove the decorative trim. To lift the door leaf, you need to rotate the screw clockwise. The difficulty of setting up is that a problem fixed in one place can go to another. To avoid this, you must first determine the place where the canvas rubs against the frame. After this, based on the specific situation, you can begin to adjust.

Opening in two directions simultaneously

If the fittings are not configured correctly, the sash may operate in both rotary and tilt modes at the same time. This situation is possible in two cases, and each of them is worth considering. If, when turning the handle, the sash not only takes the position for ventilation, but also opens completely, then the bottom of the leaf has probably shifted in the direction of the hinge.

There is a lock at the bottom of the end on the handle side, which should fix the door in an inclined position. If it is displaced relative to the mating part, which is located on the frame, then fixation cannot occur. To eliminate the problem, you will have to adjust the lower hinge.

If the canvas has sagged, then when opening the door will also tilt. This malfunction is due to the fact that the eccentric located on the scissors cannot reach the mating part. As a result, the upper corner of the blade is not fixed in rotation mode.

The problem can be fixed quite easily. You just need to lift the door in the closed position, forcing the eccentric to fall into the corresponding groove of the counterpart. The whole procedure consists of adjusting the bottom loop.

Double-glazed window maintenance

In order for the PVC balcony door to work for a long time and properly, it is necessary to periodically perform simple measures. All manufacturers recommend lubricating fittings and seals at least once a year, preferably before the onset of frost. The seal is made of rubber, which can crack and dry out if the part is not lubricated in time.

If you do not ignore this preventive measure, then The product can work for about 10 years. Otherwise, the seal will have to be changed every 3 years. When performing work, silicone lubricant is used. It must be applied to previously cleaned rubber using a dry sponge or cloth. Quite often, home craftsmen use aerosols to solve the problem. However, it is worth remembering that this material is consumed less economically and can settle on interior items.

Problems with the operation of the opening/closing mechanism are most often also associated with a lack of lubrication. To fix the problem, you should use WD-40 brand material. . The following structural elements need to be processed:

  • locks located along the perimeter of the canvas;
  • the main mechanism on which the handle is installed;
  • scissors.

After completion of work, the door should be closed. Then you need to operate the lock mechanism using the handle several times in a row so that the lubricant can reach all moving elements of the structure. Adjusting plastic balcony doors is easy. And you also shouldn’t give up on preventive measures, which will significantly increase the service life of the structure.

Sections of the article:

If a metal-plastic door installed on a balcony is jammed, the latch has failed, a creaking has appeared, there is a draft when the door is closed, the door has stopped closing, then it is not necessary to immediately call a technician. If you have pliers and a screwdriver on hand, you can fix many door block faults yourself. The main thing is to find out the cause of the breakdown before adjusting the plastic door on the balcony.

Construction of plastic door blocks

Metal-plastic or PVC blocks are a rather complex engineering structure. At the same time, balcony doors combine several functions at the same time: aesthetics, together with the window unit of the hall or kitchen, provide access to a loggia or balcony, and provide protection from the penetration of cold street air into the room.

Therefore, manufacturers place increased demands on balcony blocks regarding the possibility of adjusting the structure, the tightness of the canvas and the reliability of the fittings. These requirements are met by two- and three-chamber double-glazed windows, additional rubber seals, and special regulatory mechanisms for the lock, bolt tongue and door hinges.

When is it necessary to adjust a plastic balcony door?

The need to adjust the balcony block can be determined in a simple way. To do this, open the door leaf and leave it in that position. At the same time, there should be no wind outside and no draft indoors. If the canvas closes on its own, then its position relative to the box is incorrect and adjustment is required.

In this situation, it is necessary to close the sash, from the street side along the perimeter of the installation box, mark the position of the closed frame with a simple pencil. The parallelism of the line confirms its normal location. And if, when opening the sash, there is a divergence of parallels, then it is necessary to eliminate the resulting distortions.

Between the box and the frame along the entire length it is necessary to insert several sheets of plain paper. It should be pulled out in all areas with the same force. If the paper is jammed in one of the areas, then there is a violation of the web pressure that requires adjustment.

Necessary tools for adjusting the structure

Before you adjust your plastic balcony door for the winter with your own hands, it is recommended to prepare the tools necessary for the work.

To set up a balcony block you may need:

  • Construction tape or meter ruler;
  • A set of hex keys (for foreign-made products, triangular, pentagonal socket keys and star splines are used);
  • Pliers;
  • Set of screwdrivers (flat and Phillips);
  • Scissors and glue to replace sealing material (silicone or rubber gaskets).

Eliminating sagging fabric

Many people are interested in how to adjust the height of a plastic balcony door that has sagging. Such situations often arise as a result of building subsidence and loosening of hinges. To fix the problem, it is necessary to adjust the position of the frame itself in the installation box.

If the hinge is loose, it can be easily determined by the presence or absence of play in the fastening screws. To fix the problem, you need to select a screwdriver with a similar pattern of mounting screws. Some manufacturers use screws with slotted heads, others with cross-heads.

The door hinge, located on the inside of the frame, is covered with a decorative trim. It is removed to gain free access to the mounting screws. All screws must be tightened as tightly as possible. After this, the area where the frame touches the box is determined. Most often this happens at the bottom or in the center, very rarely at the top.

Before you adjust a plastic door installed on a loggia or balcony yourself, you need to find the long adjusting bolts located in the hinge. The frames of most PVC door models are attached to the frame using three hinges, each of which is equipped with adjusting bolts.

Bolts placed parallel to the upper and lower edges of the glass unit allow the frame to be adjusted in the horizontal direction. Most manufacturers in this area install adjusting screws for Phillips or hex screwdrivers. During the adjustment process, the bolts must be turned clockwise.

When the door on the balcony does not close well in the center, the problem can be corrected using the adjusting screw located in the middle hinge, or using three screws simultaneously. In this case, the lower edge of the door leaf is raised with the middle and upper bolt.

To adjust the blade geometry vertically, the lower and upper adjusting bolts are used. They are rotated clockwise to raise the frame, or counterclockwise to lower it.

Setting the clamping density

Before adjusting the plastic balcony door, or rather its frame, for clamping, you need to understand which structural elements are responsible for this function.

There are several ways to adjust the pressure of the frame to the frame of a metal-plastic balcony door. Oval eccentrics or round pins are responsible for this function. These elements of the door structure are moved along the steel strip using a pull handle. When it is in a horizontal position, the eccentric (trunnion) fits into the central slot of the bracket attached to the door frame.

Many are also interested in how to adjust the pressure of the balcony door with their own hands if the screws securing the bracket are not loose. In such a situation, to adjust the pressure of the frame to the box, you need to turn the eccentric (trunnion). The position of the oval eccentric is controlled visually, and the trunnion is controlled using a slotted mark applied to the edge of its circumference. To increase the pressure, the trunnion must be carefully turned with pliers.

Adjusting the door handle

Often the handle on metal-plastic doors starts to jam or becomes difficult to turn. This may be as a result of failure of the internal mechanism responsible for moving the long rods located in the lining of the double-glazed door.

If the vertical adjustment does not give a positive result, then you will not be able to fix the problem yourself. In such a situation, it is recommended to call a technician to completely change the mechanism.

If the handle is simply loose, you can easily eliminate this defect with your own hands. It is necessary to turn the decorative trim that covers the mounting screws under the handle and tighten them tightly with a screwdriver.

Troubleshooting door opening problems

Incorrect adjustment of the frame pressure can lead to problems associated with opening and closing the door leaf of the balcony unit. Frame distortion and bracket displacement can also contribute to the occurrence of this problem. Therefore, many are interested in how to adjust plastic balcony doors in this case on their own without calling a specialist. Dealing with this problem is very simple. The bracket needs to be tightened and adjusted.

When opening and closing, a metal-plastic door may creak. The reason for this may be not only friction of the door frame against the frame, but also contamination of the hinges and fittings. In the first case, it is necessary to adjust the position of the frame relative to the box, in the second, lubricate the rubbing elements of the hinges.

Recommendations for the use of metal-plastic blocks

If the metal-plastic balcony block is configured correctly, manufacturers guarantee its operational period of at least 20 years. But for a longer service life of the structure, it is necessary to ensure proper care.

In order to prevent premature wear of the rubbing elements of the door structure, it is necessary to promptly replace the sealing rubber bands. It is recommended to periodically clean the fittings and closure mechanisms from dirt and dust and be sure to lubricate them.

How to adjust the balcony door with your own hands, watch the video: