Instructions for installing a latch on a plastic balcony door

Locking the balcony door with a latch is already old-fashioned and not practical. Today there are more convenient and practical methods that need to be dealt with. When installing a balcony structure, few owners pay attention to whether it is equipped with a locking mechanism, but this is discovered already during operation. Therefore, for many, a problem arises: how to install a magnetic latch on a plastic balcony door?

What kind of latches for a balcony door does the market offer?

Almost every apartment or every house has a balcony, which often performs several functions at once - storage of unnecessary things, a place for smoking, a clothes dryer, etc.
Plastic balcony doors, in their own way, are equipped with a full-fledged handle on only one side, which raises the question of how to open a plastic door from inside the balcony if it slams? Therefore, the product simply needs a mechanism such as a latch for a balcony door.

The popularity of metal-plastic balcony doors is high, they are quite in demand, everyone knows about their significant advantages and advantages, but has anyone ever thought about the operating principle of its locking mechanism? What is a magnet and how does it work? What is its purpose, functions and installation?

We use improvised means

When opening the sash from the outside, you can use whatever is at hand: a ruler, a metal strip or even a knife

It is important here that the element is sharp and durable. In any case, it is important to prepare for the fact that, despite the reliability of plastic doors, they do not guarantee protection against penetration from the outside, although they provide excellent protection from cold and bad weather.

It is easy to disable the balcony door fittings by using a thin and durable object. If you do not want to damage the structure, it is recommended to additionally use some available means. It is placed between the frame and the glass unit, eliminating any damage to the appearance of the frame

The opening principle is based on the following:

1. A ruler or metal strip is placed inside the balcony door so as to engage the latch.
2. After this, gently press on it to open the latch.

Even beginners can do this without special training. At the same time, the chances of damaging the door opening mechanism are minimized. However, small scratches may appear at the junction of the door and the door frame. But when you get home, they will seem insignificant to you.

Penetration into the house of a thief opening a plastic window or door

Please note that if there is a lock on the balcony door, which is common, especially on the lower floors, the above methods will not work. There is a method that will help in any case - using a drill. It is used to drill out the locking mechanism. However, in this case, the plastic balcony door will require replacement, which will be expensive.

It is important to understand that the tool you use to try to open the door will damage its expensive profile. If this is important to you, wait for help or look for other methods to solve the problem

However, there is almost always a way to open balcony doors from the outside. Therefore, the answer to the question of what to do if the door slams shut will be a recommendation for finding a suitable tool to help open it.

Balcony repair

Arranging a balcony is not an important stage in renovating an apartment. It may also have its original appearance. In this case, it is used to ventilate the apartment or dry clothes. But there is one detail without which its use is not possible - this is the door. It protects the apartment from cold in winter, from dust, street noise and other negative factors in summer. This is the case when the balcony is not glazed. If a frame with glass is installed on it, then the door allows you to separate it from another room. Performs the function of an interior room.

PVC doors are mainly used for balconies. They are easy to install, wear-resistant, durable and reliable. In addition, this design is lightweight, which is perfect for such openings. The door kit includes the leaf and the frame to which it will be attached. As for the accessories, you need to purchase them yourself. Thus, choose the one that you like the most.

Open position clamps, opening angle limiters

Magnetic door lock
A wide category of locks, both in appearance and in the method of fastening and principle of operation. It is useful to have them at home, since situations periodically arise when you need to temporarily lock the door in the open position to carry things in or ventilate. In public spaces with active traffic, such accessories are indispensable.

Another type of magnetic latches

Floor (wall) clamps

Common and easy-to-install types of limiter. They are characterized by ease of installation and use, low cost and long-term reliability. Such devices can be either stationary or portable:

• Mobile. They are placed on the lower part of the sash, open in the desired position, or simply placed under it. They act as a wedge and serve to fix the door in the desired position. The variety of shapes and colors allows you to turn this simple device into an original and stylish interior detail.

• Stationary. They are attached to the floor or wall and prevent the door from opening completely. Made from metal alloys: stainless steel, copper, brass.
  Read also:  Options for finishing the floor on the balcony - which is better, more durable?
• Magnetic (auto-stop). They are a variant of a stationary stop, supplemented by a magnetic plate, which is attached to the door leaf at the same level as the floor fixed part. When the two parts come into contact, the sash is securely fixed in a stable position. A similar magnetic limiter can be attached not only to the floor, but also to the wall.

Over-door clamp STN-0960

The stopper is attached to the bottom of the sash and allows you to temporarily fix the leaf in the open or half-open position. Available in various colors, suitable for installation on wooden, aluminum, plastic doors for any purpose.

Video on installing a magnetic door lock (automatic stop):

How to install the latch

Installing a new modern latch on your plastic balcony door is not a complicated process and does not require any special skills or complex tools. But there are several subtleties in answering the question of how to properly install a latch on a PVC balcony block. We present instructions for the two most popular types of fittings.

Install the roller mechanism

The width of such a latch can be either 9 mm or 13 mm - the balcony profile will help you make a choice. If you do not delve into the intricacies of double-glazed windows, just tell the consultant which company manufactured your doors, and he will guide you in size. Installation instructions:

• Unscrew the screw located directly above the door handle;
• We place a roller in the vacated hole and tighten it with a self-tapping screw of a slightly longer length to compensate for the resulting difference in depth;
• mark the installation location of the branch. A simple method is to use a ruler applied to the central diameter of the roller to make marks on the end of the canvas, close the door and transfer the lines to the box;
• Having centered the mating part relative to the markings, fasten it with one (upper) self-tapping screw no more than 2 cm long;
• we test the mechanism - close and open the sash several times;
• If the parts mesh well, tighten the top screw and tighten the bottom one. If not, check the markings and adjust the position of the response part.

If you pay careful attention to the measurements, the installation of a mechanical balcony roller latch can be installed on the first try.

Mounting the magnetic latch

Installing a simple magnetic latch on a plastic balcony door is even easier. Instructions:

• unscrew the screw closest to the handle;
• apply the plate;
• fasten with the same self-tapping screw;
• cover the sash and make markings on the frame along the edges of the plate;
• We screw the magnet into the designated boundaries.

In the case of a millimeter slip, this type of locking mechanism will still work stably - screwing a magnetic latch onto a balcony block is as easy as shelling pears, you can even involve a child interested in tools and men's work in the process.

Advantages

The magnetic latch on the balcony door has a number of advantages. The first is ease of installation. It can be done either by a specialist or with your own hands. Moreover, the second option is more often practiced. Since no special knowledge, skills or tools are required.

In addition, this type of locking system promotes strong and convenient closure. This procedure is quite easy and does not require effort. As soon as you pull the door towards you, the effect of the magnet will stop. What does the click indicate?

Another equally important advantage of such a latch is its high wear resistance. It is considered one of the most durable fixatives. Moreover, it does not require special care.

Installing a magnetic latch on a balcony door

Installing a magnetic latch on the balcony door will solve the problem of noisy slamming of the door. The locking mechanism is a magnet, which holds it in place when closing the balcony door. To install a magnetic latch, you do not need to drill special grooves on the balcony door, since there are already technological holes on the end surface of the door leaf. The center-to-center distance between the technological holes at the end of the plastic door coincides with the space between the mounting holes of the latch latch.

Installing a latch on a balcony door

The magnetic latch is a metal strip with a counter magnetic strip. To install the fittings, specialists install a metal strip on the balcony sash, and install the magnetic part of the latch on the plastic frame. The shell handle is attached to the sash on the balcony side.

Manufacturing options

Such a convenient device as a latch can be divided into two types:

• Mechanical.
• Magnetic.

In this case, the first option is also divided into two types:

• Roller.
• Falevaya.

The roller latch is a relatively small and compact device. The operating principle is based on a tongue that falls out over a certain distance and fits into a socket located on the balcony door post. In the photo it looks like a lock for an interior unit, which makes these mechanisms similar. When installing the latch, a handle is also installed, which facilitates convenient and safe closing of the blade.

Using the door leaf is as simple as possible. A slight forward movement is enough to open the door. The same must be done to close it from the side of the balcony or house. Smooth running is ensured by the rounded shape of the part that fits into the groove. A photo of this element of the locking part of the door leaf can be viewed on any website of companies that produce fittings for plastic windows.

But the roller latch also has its negative sides. So, if the sash sags a little, then the bolt will no longer fall into its recess. And the entire device will not function well, and the metal-plastic doors will not lock and close.

But the halyard latch has the traditional look of locks on doors and windows. This device cannot operate without forced opening, so to open the leaf or sash, you must press the lever, which is the handle. In this case, the mechanism provides for the presence of two handles at once, located on both sides of the balcony sash. In the photo you can see how beautiful this door leaf element can look. With this latch, the block no longer opens on its own, but requires full human intervention.

The negative side of this latch is also the maximum accuracy of matching of the groove and the spring bolt. If the sash of a window or balcony block is not on the same axis with the bar located on the stand, then automatic closing will not occur. The double-sided handle, which can be pressed to remove the bolt, will not help either. It simply will not fit into the groove and will not hold the structure in a fixed position. To correct the situation, the device will have to be removed and moved higher or lower.

The most advanced type of locking mechanism is considered to be a magnetic latch. This device does not at all depend on the displacement of the elements of the balcony door. In addition, the smooth operation of the entire structure does not depend on the rigidity of the spring mechanism. The magnetized plate itself attracts the canvas and the door of the unit closes tightly.

The only negative side of this device is that the latch gradually demagnetizes, losing its properties. But this will take a lot of time, so this problem is often considered insignificant. In addition, a bar that has stopped reacting to metal can be easily removed and a new one installed. In the photo, such devices are almost invisible, which absolutely does not spoil the appearance of the balcony sash in real time.

Peculiarities

A high-quality magnetic latch on a balcony door ensures that the door is secured from the outside, while air from the street stops entering the house or apartment. If there are no shut-off valves, then it penetrates uncontrollably and unlimitedly. As a result, the microclimate changes frequently and in unpredictable ways. The correct choice of shut-off valves is especially important for those people who often visit the balcony.

Plastic doors that are not equipped with latches can only be closed from the inside. Inevitably, the door will swing open, and the problem is not just noise or slamming. If a smoker goes out onto the balcony, the smoke will be drawn into the room. It is extremely difficult to constantly ventilate it and clean it from foreign odors. If a latch is installed, it can ensure that the door leaf is pressed tightly against the frame.

The minimum pressing force is very carefully selected by engineers. It should ensure that the door remains closed even when very strong winds blow, while maintaining easy opening of the doors from the inside. In other words, the maximum fixation force is carefully calculated. Balcony latches are sold as components for plastic structures.

How to choose a locking mechanism?

To find the ideal for each specific case, it is better to take into account several points at once. The list includes:

• frequency of use of the balcony;
• the role that is “destined” for him;
• difficulty of self-installation;
• willingness to pay a good amount for quality.

A sash that is rarely opened due to the “lack of presence” of smokers is the reason for choosing a simple mechanical device. In this case, the door will sag slowly, so a simple roller latch will serve for quite a long time.

If you constantly go out onto the balcony, then the optimal purchase would be a magnetic mechanism that allows you to securely and easily fix the door even if it is distorted. Its installation is also simple, but for this convenience you will have to pay a slightly larger amount.

The halyard latch occupies the last place in the list of popular latches. The reasons are the complexity of installation and its cost, which is the highest. If we talk only about functionality, then this mechanism will easily outshine both of its rivals.

Types of balcony latches

The balcony latch for plastic doors appeared soon after the invention of these very doors. Each manufacturer of PVC structures tried to come up with their own convenient model, as a result they invented several varieties, we will talk about them a little later, but for now we will tell you why such fittings are needed at all.

Why are latches needed on PVC doors?

Previously, 3 rotary latches were installed on wooden balcony blocks. The thing was reliable, but these locks were closed only from the side of the apartment, as a result, for example, a mother who went out to hang laundry on the balcony risked being locked there by her own small child. And then either the window was broken or the Ministry of Emergency Situations was called.

The latch of the old-style balcony door was locked only from the inside, which was very inconvenient

The first plastic structures were also equipped with full-fledged latches that tightly locked the door. The only difference is that the wooden doors had three latches, and the plastic ones had one, but with a complex locking system.

When a latch for the plastic balcony door appeared, the problem was solved. This type of fitting is best characterized by its second name – “Smoker’s Latch”. In other words, a temporary light hook that can be opened quickly and without radical measures.

The history of the creation of latch for balcony doors proceeded in stages and not always successfully. We will start with the very first models; they are still produced to this day, but are not very popular.

Espagnols

The first models of the latch for a plastic balcony door resembled a regular latch; it was simply modernized and made more attractive. The structure is screwed on the balcony side with metal screws.

Such latches secure the doors securely, the only problem is that the model is one-sided. That is, if it is installed from the outside, then you cannot open the door from the inside.

Mechanical balcony latches.

The mechanical balcony latch consists of two parts:

- balcony latch, which is a frame part and depends on the frame profile;

- latch pin, which is the sash part and is universal for all profiles.

Mechanical balcony latches, in turn, are divided into conventional and shulpovy. Conventional balcony latches are installed on mullion windows, and mullion latches are installed on mullion latches (impostless windows).

Balcony latches can be installed both when installing a balcony door and at any time while using the door. The latch pin is attached to one of the screws that secure the main drive (latch) to the sash. If we install a balcony latch on our own, then we need to select a place for installation (usually in the middle of the height of the sash), unscrew one of the screws that secures the main drive (lock), put the latch pin on this screw and screw it back together with the pin.

The balcony latch must be selected in accordance with the type and brand of profile (PVC or wood). For a PVC window, you need to know the brand of PVC profile (for example, Veka, Rehau, KBE, etc.), for a wooden window - the depth of the rebate (the shelf on which the latch is installed). Usually it is 18 or 20 mm. After this, you need to install the balcony latch on the frame in place, without a template, opposite the trunnion and secure it with two 4x25 mm screws.

Varieties

Locks on PVC doors are selected according to the following criteria:

• type of locking mechanism;
• material of manufacture;
• manufacturer.

The latch for a plastic balcony door comes in three types:

1. roller;
2. magnetic;
3. halved.

Mechanical mechanism

The halyard latches consist of two parts:

• a cylinder with one beveled edge;
• strike plate.

When the sash is closed, the part fits into the groove, and a special spring fixes it. Thanks to the cylinder shape, it easily closes the canvas, but does not open it back. To remove the locking mechanism inside the door, use a special handle with a rotating mechanism. In this case, it is necessary to install a plastic handle on each side.

A roller door lock is also a type of mechanical lock. It is based on a ball or metal cylinder, which is supported by springs. These parts are located in a metal box that is installed on the door. A strike plate with a small groove is mounted on the frame profile. When the sash closes, the roller gets into the recess, is spring-loaded and does not allow the door to open.

In addition to the roller and tongue devices, there is a latch, the locking mechanism of which is presented in the form of a mushroom. This product does not have springs. The lock consists of two parts:

1. a protruding element in the shape of a cylinder or diamond;
2. capture.

The first is installed on the door, and the second on the frame. The grip has a metal bracket that tightly fixes the protruding element. The peculiarities of the mechanism allow you to keep the door closed, but with a little effort you can open the door from the outside. For this type of locking mechanism and for a roller one, a handle is additionally mounted on the outside of the door. It is stationary and often petal-shaped.

During operation, such locks on the balcony door often fail. This is due to the fact that the structure is heavy, and over time the sash sags. Due to the skew, the protruding element does not fit into the groove, and the door does not lock.

Magnetic

A more reliable and durable device is a magnetic latch. Doors with such a mechanism open easily and function even with slight distortions in the structure. The latch consists of two elements:

• magnet in a metal or plastic case;
• an L-shaped metal plate with which the canvas is attracted to the frame.

A magnetic fastener is considered a more convenient option because it has the following advantages:

1. high level of reliability;
2. noiselessness during operation;
3. durability;
4. ease of installation;
5. will never jam.

The disadvantage is the gradual demagnetization of the working element. However, this will take a lot of time. The magnet can be simple or neodymium. The latter has a greater attractive force.

Prices for services

Name	Unit	Prices, rub
Replacing the corner switch	PC	from 1000
Replacing the latch or middle lock	PC	from 1000
Installing the main locking mechanism	PC	from 3500
Complete replacement of fittings	set	from 5000

The cost of the work is written down in the price list. The final price for installing a magnetic latch will be determined by an estimator after a detailed study of the product. The amount depends on the type of fittings, the material of the balcony structure, the urgency of installation and the complexity of the work. A loyalty program has been developed for regular customers and beneficiaries, through which you can save up to 10% of the original cost.

How to install the latch

Now it's time to find out how to install a latch on a plastic balcony door. The installation of a roller and magnetic latch on a balcony door is similar, but there are still minor differences, so we will talk about installing each type separately.

Install the roller mechanism

In a roller mechanism, installing a latch on a plastic balcony door begins with installing the roller on the door leaf, and it doesn’t matter whether it is a rotating roller or a hard tongue, the installation algorithm is the same.

• There are 2 types of latches for plastic doors - 9 mm and 13 mm. The choice depends on the type of profile you have installed; tell the seller the door manufacturer and he will give you the right model;

• Before installing the latch, unscrew the self-tapping screw closest to the main handle from the end of the door leaf. A plastic door tends to bend slightly, and if you place a latch on top or bottom of the door leaf, there is a possibility that the door will have to be pressed down so that the roller enters the mating part;

• Now we screw the roller to this place. There is an important point here: the roller protrudes beyond the canvas, so the self-tapping screw needs to be longer so that it compensates for this difference;

Choose a self-tapping screw for the roller without fanaticism, of course it should be longer than its predecessor, but too long a screw can damage the double-glazed window, because it is located just opposite.

• To install the mating part on the frame, you need to accurately mark the location of the roller. To do this, apply a ruler horizontally to the center of the roller and mark its location on the front part of the canvas, then close the door and transfer the marking to the frame;

• The mark on the end of the frame should be clearly in the center of the latch entrance slot. Apply the latch along the markings and screw it on top with a self-tapping screw (take a small 19 mm self-tapping screw);
• Now we check the accuracy of the roller entry by closing and opening the door several times. If everything is in order, then screw in the lower screw;
• If you make a mistake and the response part is displaced, then look where and how much it is displaced. Then unscrew the top screw and fasten the bar in the new place using the bottom one, and after checking, drive the top one into the new place.

Technical side of the issue

Of course, a mechanical latch is a durable and reliable mechanism, but on balconies it is best to use latches with a magnetic pin.

Advantages of this device

The balcony door latch performs quite a few useful functions and is quite easy to use.

• In order to close the door, you do not need to perform any additional functions, apart from bringing it to the door frame;
• The door closes without any extraneous noise, and the locking is indicated by a slight click;
• The latch almost does not require repair or replacement, because the elements of its mechanism practically do not come into contact with each other, and therefore do not fail;
• In the event of a hypothetical sagging of balcony doors, the magnetic latch does not require adjustment, because the magnet still hits the metal spring bar;
• The balcony magnetic latch guarantees heat retention in the room because the door will never be open.

Attention: The price of the product may vary quite a bit. It all depends on the material of manufacture and the manufacturer. But you shouldn't take Chinese ones. After all, they are made of salumin and cannot be repaired.

Principle of operation

A security mechanism equipped with a magnetic pin can be extremely useful for people who like to smoke on the balcony, and for those who often go out onto the balcony and stay there indefinitely.

Attention: The thing is that usually when going out to the balcony the door is slightly open and heat leaves the room, but if the door is equipped with a mechanical latch, then closing will require force, accompanied by a loud sound.

• Sometimes it happens that you go out onto the balcony, you need to close the door, but someone is sleeping in the room. In order not to wake up your loved one, you do not close the sash all the way, which is why it remains in microclimate mode. It turns out that the room is depressurized.
• In cases where a magnetic latch is used, the balcony door will close with virtually no unnecessary noise, because the characteristic click will not be audible to the person who is sleeping.

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