How to install a magnetic latch on a balcony door

When ordering a PVC balcony profile, people rarely pay attention to whether the door is equipped with a convenient locking mechanism (latch). Its absence is detected only during operation of the product. This affects the comfort and safety of household members. When someone in the family smokes on the balcony, a loosely closed door will let tobacco smoke inside. Drafts are possible if the balcony or loggia is used frequently during the day. Installing a magnetic latch on the balcony door will help solve the problem.

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.

What's the point of a latch?

A lock (overlay or mortise) is designed to protect the door from intruders, but the latch has a completely different task. This fittings should keep the door leaf closed, preventing it from swinging open on its own or from drafts or gusts of wind. This device is often called a “latch for smokers”, because when going out onto the balcony, just slam the door and the latch will work. Cigarette smoke will not enter the room.

Why the latch is convenient:

• the door can be closed without locking it;
• there is no need to install complex handles; you can get by with a simple invoice;
• There are types of latch that are not combined with the lock;
• you can slam the door without using the handle; accordingly, this can be done even if your hands are busy;
• there is no risk that you will find yourself locked on the balcony; if the lock jams, you will not have to call rescuers;
• children playing will not block anyone on the balcony;
• installing the latch is not at all difficult;
• If you close the balcony door only with the latch, without pressing the door completely by lowering the door handle, you will get a minimum ventilation mode without any draft.

Even if the latch breaks, the door can be opened without too much effort. In this case, the canvas will not be damaged.

How to install correctly?

A problem with all mechanical systems is rapid wear. The weight of the structure causes the sash to sag. In this case, the protruding part cannot fully fit into the groove, as a result of which the door cannot be fixed. Therefore, many experts consider magnetic latches to be a more practical solution.

Such devices make it easy to open and lock the door, even if the structure is slightly skewed. The magnet can be located in a housing made of plastic or metal. The canvas will be attracted to the frame due to the steel plate mounted in it in the shape of the letter G. In addition, the magnetic system operates without any noise and lasts a long time. The service life is limited only by the gradual loss of its magnetic properties by the working mechanism.

You can even install a latch on the balcony door yourself.

• measurements are taken using a ruler;
• marks are made with a pencil or marker;
• Screws are screwed into the designated places using a screwdriver or screwdriver.

But first you should check whether the sash is adjusted correctly and whether there are any distortions in it. Sometimes you even have to reinstall the door.

When starting to install the latch, you need to immediately choose the place where it is best placed. This is not of fundamental importance - you can choose any point that seems optimal. But still, professionals generally place the latch as close to the handle as possible. A screw is removed from the profile near the handle itself. Instead, there will be a part of the magnetic retainer.

It is important to know that when installing the latch, you must use the supplied self-tapping screw. If it is missing, then a screw 3-3.5 cm long is taken to replace it. A mark for placing the part is first made on the sash and only then transferred to the frame. When installing using self-tapping screws, there is no need to drill a hole - the plastic allows you to screw in the screw without unnecessary difficulty, and using a drill can destroy the double-glazed window.

The striker must be fastened in such a way that the groove is strictly opposite the roller element or fungus. The advantage when installing a magnetic lock is the minimum required precision. The large length of the element and the strip allows us to guarantee full clamping even with a rather serious error. To install the handle, which ensures convenient opening of the sash, small self-tapping screws are used.

Adjusting the door leaf: when and how to do it

To understand how correctly the door was installed, it is enough to use a sheet of plain paper. If you place it on the canvas frame in a slightly open state, and then close it tightly, it will become clear in which area the sheet fits best. It is in these areas that it will be necessary to adjust the blade pressure. This will help you do this:

• plastic gaskets with different thicknesses;
• 4 mm L-shaped hexagon.

The reasons for loose closure may be:

1. Rubber seal with deformed areas. If there are any, the seal will need to be replaced.
2. Handle not working properly. Perhaps the mechanism does not work correctly and the handle will need to be either replaced or repaired.

To move the corner of the balcony door to the sides, you will need a hex key.
With its help, you can tighten the adjusting screw in the upper loop, after first removing the decorative plug. To adjust the horizontal position of the canvas, you need to turn it around the bottom loop to one side. The lower corner of the door is adjusted by tightening the adjusting screw with a hex key in the area of ​​the lower hinge. To adjust the door horizontally, it is rotated around the top hinge.

If the reason is a crumpled but intact seal, you will need to slightly lift the sash and then adjust the hinge group with a hex key. Adjustment of the upper hinge may be necessary if the seal is deformed in the upper part. Lower the sash by moving the key clockwise, raise it counterclockwise.

Do not place too high hopes on the hinge adjustment procedure. In some cases, these manipulations will not be enough and the solution to the problem will be the use of plastic spacers for installation between the profile and the door frame.

How to choose?

If the magnetic latch is installed correctly, but is chosen incorrectly, you can run into big problems. A common mistake is to ignore design considerations. The appearance of the latch must be harmoniously combined with the image created by the door structure as a whole. At the same time, it is also undesirable to diverge from the design concept that was used when arranging the room.

The next important point is the method of attaching the latch.

There are mortise, overhead and partially mortise products. The installation approach for each version differs in a number of features. More detailed information can always be obtained from the instructions. But with any installation method, it is necessary to select only a product that can withstand the load created by the door leaf. Please note: if the door is very heavy, sometimes you even have to buy an additional door closer.

Having dealt with all these points, you need to decide which coating is better. Most professionals consider zinc or nickel shells to be the best options. These two metals withstand mechanical loads and changes in air temperature better than others.

Another nuance is the brand. Almost all qualified repairmen prefer magnetic latches of the Palladium and Mediana Polaris AGB brands.

Most balcony doors are equipped with built-in locks. In such products, the magnet is triggered by a handle attached to both sides of the canvas. In another, passive version, there is a small steel bar that is attracted to a magnet. The two structures are held together well, but they are also quite easy to separate.

It makes sense to choose an electromagnetic latch only if you have available funds - the high cost of such a device is justified only by the fact that it replaces a full-fledged lock.

As for the size of the latch, professionals recommend paying attention to such parameters as:

• mechanism length;
• width of overlays;
• the size of the magnetic tabs used as a locking mechanism.

How to install a magnetic latch on a balcony door, watch the video.

Fasteners for every taste

The ease of use of a PVC door and its durability largely depend on the quality of the fittings. The concept of “basic equipment” largely speaks about the capabilities supplied with plastic windows and locking doors - a minimum of functionality and extreme ease of manufacture. Usually, such fittings are changed quite quickly, since there is plenty to choose from.

Let's name just a few of the most popular and reliable models:

• The simplest option for fixing the door is to install a Palladium BL MAGNET magnetic latch. It is extremely easy to install; if a more secure hold is needed, several magnetic elements can be installed.
• The WINKHAUS BK roller latch is similar to the analogues installed on interior doors, but is structurally much more reliable. The spring-loaded jaws that hold the roller are softer and quieter than plate grips.
• The reed latch from Maco (Germany) is also considered a reliable lock, but it is more complex in design, more demanding on the quality of the plastic door and does not tolerate subsidence and distortion. If installed and used correctly, the lock will last 7-10 years; if installed incorrectly, it will not last even a month.
• The Roto balcony latch (Germany) is available in all of the above options: magnetic, roller and reed. So fans of this company can choose any lock to their taste.
• The most budget option is a balcony handle with a “Left-handed” latch. The set consists of a fixed plastic handle and a simple roller latch. The roller is fixed by a U-shaped plate fixed in the grooves of the housing.
• The advertised "smoker's handle" is not a lock in itself. This is an ordinary handle on the outside of the door, allowing the person who goes out for a smoke break to pull the door tightly behind him.
• Useful additions include a comb plate that holds the door ajar for ventilation. The width of the slot is adjusted by selecting the appropriate groove.

All of the listed fasteners are installed in an overhead manner and minimally disrupt the integrity of the door leaf. A large selection of various accessories for plastic doors and windows, which sells various products for construction and repair, both its own production and third-party manufacturers. The store's assortment also includes door locks that can be locked in the closed position with a button or key.

How to choose and install a magnetic latch on a balcony door

When ordering a PVC balcony profile, people rarely pay attention to whether the door is equipped with a convenient locking mechanism (latch). Its absence is detected only during operation of the product. This affects the comfort and safety of household members. When someone in the family smokes on the balcony, a loosely closed door will let tobacco smoke inside. Drafts are possible if the balcony or loggia is used frequently during the day. Installing a magnetic latch on the balcony door will help solve the problem.

External handle of balcony door

Sometimes equipping a door with a latch is not enough, since the door needs to be closed from the reverse side. After all, it is almost impossible to pull and press tightly a canvas assembled from smooth plastic profiles. To properly use the balcony door, you need an outside handle. There are several types of them, and the choice of a specific model primarily depends on the type of latch.

Shell

These handles have the simplest design and allow you to quickly press the sash. These models are installed with magnetic, ball or roller latches. They perform the function of a compact grip that allows you to pull and press the door leaf. In case of a strong draft, shells allow you to fix the sash in the closed position by holding it with your hand by the handle. For the manufacture of this front fittings the following is used:

• plastic;
• metal (painted aluminum or alloys made from it).

When choosing a plastic model, you need to take into account that manufacturers often save on stabilizers and modifiers for the PVC mixture when making window components. As a result, the handle can quickly turn yellow, become brittle and break after 3-5 years. Replacing it is not difficult - just unscrew and screw in a couple of screws, but it is better to immediately buy and install a metal model. The maximum that can happen to it is that after 5-7 years of intensive use, the enamel will peel off in fragments.

Double-sided handle for balcony door

This model is most often installed by smokers, since the latches are not able to ensure 100% tightness of the balcony door. If the pressure is not strong enough, large quantities of tobacco smoke are drawn into the room. The problem can only be solved by traditionally closing the sash, when the eccentrics extend behind the strikers and tightly press the sealing contours between the sash and the frame. To implement this method, it is enough to install a double-sided handle. It will allow you to lock the door both from the room and from the balcony.

When such a handle is installed for a plastic balcony door, the outer part may turn out to be incompatible with the profile that was used to assemble the door leaf. To prevent this from happening, the outer grip and socket are designed with a small width. The reduced dimensions allow you to screw a narrow handle on the outside of the profile. Correctly installed fittings will ensure convenient control of the plastic door from the outside. Thanks to the installation of such a handle, there is virtually no need to install latches and the risk of being accidentally locked from the side of the room is eliminated.

When deciding whether to install an exterior handle, safety issues must be taken into account. If your balcony or loggia is not glazed and is located on the first or second floor, there is a high risk that intruders will get into your territory.

Types of magnetic latches

This type of fittings is available in two versions: mechanical and magnetic. The simplest and most common representative of the first type is roller clamps. They are designed on the principle that a protrusion fits into a groove. A roller is fixed on the side of the balcony door, and there is a reciprocal U-shaped recess on the frame. During installation, careful adjustment of parts levels is required.

Related article: Is it possible to paint veneer doors

The magnetic balcony latch has a simple design and is easy to use. The fittings are inexpensive, and installing them is not difficult even for a beginner. You won’t have to adjust it down to the millimeter either, since the parts of the magnetic latch are interlocked with the entire surface, which is several centimeters. It is also distinguished by a quieter sound when parts are closed than that of its mechanical counterpart.

According to the installation method, magnetic clamps are:

Based on the design of the latch mechanism, the following types are distinguished:

• Passive. It consists of magnetic and metal strips that are attached to the frame and canvas, respectively. This type is the simplest and most popular for a balcony.

• Built-in. This design opens and closes with handles that are installed on both sides.

• Electromagnetic. It is a full-fledged lock for a balcony door. It has a complex structure compared to the first two types. Most often used in storage rooms, refrigerated cabinets, and vending machines.

Types of latches - what to choose

At the moment, the market offers three main types of latches - halyard, mechanical and magnetic.

If we rank latches for balcony doors by popularity, then the first place is occupied by the magnetic latch, the second by the mechanical latch, and the third by the latch.

It is worth noting that the halyard latch takes third place due to the difficulty of installation and price, but in terms of functionality this latch is ahead of magnetic and mechanical ones.

Below is a description of each of the latches.

Magnetic

This latch is the simplest, most affordable and reliable of all presented. The mechanism consists of a magnet that is attached to the balcony frame and a metal plate mounted to the door.

Advantages:

• Easy to install;
• If the door is slightly deformed or sagging, there is no need for adjustment, the mechanism will continue to function;
• Easy and silent closing. There will still be some sounds when closing, but in comparison with other mechanisms this is the quietest option;
• There is virtually no wear. Stable fixation and clamping force are guaranteed for the entire period of operation.

We advise you to give preference to this particular lock.

Prices for magnetic clips vary from 50 to 500 rubles, depending on the brand. The most popular brand is Roto.

Review 1

Review 2

Mechanical

The principle of operation of this latch when closing is based on the fact that the cylinder (DAC) installed on the door fits into a groove, which is installed on the balcony frame and fixed under the influence of a spring.

Advantages:

• Quite durable and reliable;
• Easy installation;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• If the balcony door sag slightly, adjustment is necessary, since the cylinder no longer fits into the groove and the balcony sash stops closing;
• Little force is required when closing;
• A characteristic click when closing.

Mechanical locks for balcony doors are in almost the same price category as magnetic ones. Below is an image of the best selling mechanical style retainers.

Review

Falevaya

The halyard lock is a mechanism with a rotary handle and a retractable metal cylinder. These can be found on entrance and interior doors.

The principle of operation is similar to a conventional mechanical latch, only instead of a cylinder, a locking tongue is used, which fits into a groove, and a special spring fixes the balcony door in the closed position.

Opening is carried out by a handle equipped with a rotating mechanism. Rotary handles must be present on both sides.

This type of lock also allows you to install a lock on a plastic balcony door, which is convenient if you live in a private house or on the ground floor of an apartment.

Installation of this latch is the most difficult, since this mechanism must be embedded into the sash, which only an experienced craftsman can do.

The halyard retainer is the most expensive option, but also the most functional. Prices range from 300 to 1600 rubles.

How to choose a magnetic latch for a balcony door

Often the balcony door is equipped with a handle on only one, inner, side, and a so-called smoker’s handle is installed on the balcony side. While outside, you need to pull it so that the canvas is pressed against the frame. Because of this feature, it is best to install a magnetic latch with a passive mechanism on balcony doors. It does not require a handle to operate.

It is necessary to select fittings in accordance with the size of the door, taking into account:

• length of the mortise part;
• the width of the slats, which should be less than the width of the door end;
• magnetic tongue size.

Magnetic fasteners are durable and do not require special care. It is enough to periodically wipe the outer parts. Over time, the mounting screws may become loose. The problem is solved by tightening it tightly with a screwdriver. The mechanism can fail only when the magnetic parts are demagnetized, which happens very rarely.

The reliability of the magnetic lock depends on the manufacturer. To guarantee the purchase of a quality product, it is recommended to give preference to trusted brands (Roto, Kale, Apecs, Winkhaus). And also make sure that the product has the necessary certificate of conformity.

Features of operation of latches

The correct operation of roller or halyard latches can be disrupted or even made impossible by changes in the geometry of the frame structure, skew and sagging of the door leaf. The working latch, made in the form of a beveled tongue or roller, must fit exactly into the grip of the strike plate fixed to the frame.

During the emergency setting, the balcony door leaf is adjusted relative to the frame opening. This is done using special fittings screws, which allow you to lower and raise the door leaf, move it left or right, increase or decrease the force of pressing the door leaf to the frame.

If, after making adjustments, the latch continues to function poorly (this happens quite rarely), one of the parts of the mechanism will need to be dismantled and reinstalled.

Magnetic type latches do not have such operational problems. Even with a slight displacement of the plates as a result of subsidence or skew of the door structure, the operation of the magnetic mechanism will not be disrupted. These latches install in just a few minutes.

One of the differences between roller and halyard mechanisms from magnetic products is that the closing of the former is accompanied by a characteristic click, while the latter closes almost silently.

The functional elements of the latches are invisible, since they are installed on the end part of the frame profile and door leaf. This feature allows you to preserve the classic aesthetics of the entire door structure inserted into the opening.

Caring for any type of retainer is quite simple. You just need to periodically wipe the mechanisms from dirt and dust and lubricate them with compounds specifically designed for treating window fittings. For these purposes, you can also use machine oil and silicone compounds. Magnetic latches are not lubricated.

Complete set of built-in magnetic latches

The number of items included in the kit varies depending on the manufacturer. The standard package of a magnetic latch for a plastic balcony door with a passive mechanism includes:

• Magnet in a plastic box that is mounted on the frame.
• A metal strip installed in the door leaf.

Some companies supplement the set with screws, as well as handles, depending on the type of fastener. You can purchase the strike plate and magnetic box separately. They differ in profile width: 9, 13, 18 mm.

Application cases

Door stoppers are small and inexpensive, but very useful accessories. They are used in everyday life, public institutions and industrial premises. Main advantages and reasons for using a retainer:

• ensures safe swinging of the sash, which prevents the doors, furniture and walls themselves from accidental damage;
• fixes the door in a given position in rooms with high traffic or, if necessary, to carry large objects;
• prevents sudden closing of the sash and its possible damage from a gust of wind or draft;
• allows pets to move freely throughout the entire area of ​​the apartment or house;
• allows you to leave children unattended in the room for some time.

Installing a magnetic latch for a balcony door yourself

There are two options for mounting the clamp on a magnet:

• replacement of the existing mechanical lock;
• installation on a door block without a latch.

In the first case, it is recommended to purchase new fittings of the same size as the one being dismantled. Then there will be no need to make additional holes in the profile. The old latch is unscrewed and a new mechanism is installed in its place. The magnetic part is fixed on the frame frame, and the corresponding metal part is fixed on the door leaf.

The process of installing the latch, if there was no such mechanism before:

1. From the end of the door leaf, unscrew the screw located approximately at the level of the main handle.
2. Attach an L-shaped metal plate to this place, so that its middle with the hole for the screw coincides with the attachment point.
3. Screw in the screw to secure the part. Thanks to the L-shape, the strike plate will hold securely and not warp even with one screw.
4. Having covered the door, use a ruler and pencil to make marks for attaching the second part of the structure.
5. Secure the box with the magnet with a self-tapping screw on the door slope.
6. Install a smoker handle on the inside of the balcony if it or its equivalent was missing.

Important! It is better to choose a place for the latch closer to the middle of the door. The plastic sheet tends to sag, so the connection at the top or bottom will not be as reliable as in the center.

Video installation instructions:

Installing a magnetic latch is a simple job and can be done independently with minimal construction experience and the necessary tools:

• a screwdriver or screwdriver with a flat and cross-head tip;
• self-tapping screws;
• ruler or tape measure;
• pencil or marker.

Using a magnetic lock, it is convenient to close the door while on the balcony. Simply pull the inside handle. From the side of the room, the latch is activated even when the door is pushed; it is not necessary to press it tightly.

How to troubleshoot problems yourself:

Sagging of the canvas on the threshold

We begin the adjustment from the top hinge; to do this, the door must be opened. At the very top of the hinge there is a hex or asterisk screw (different models vary). We select a suitable key and make several turns with the key clockwise. There is no need to overdo it, it is better to tighten it once again after checking.

We close the door and see if we have fixed the problem or not.

If after the work done the sash touches the threshold, then you need to look at the lower hinge. If there is a protective cap on the loop, it must be removed. We are looking for the same hexagon or asterisk, it will also be located at the top of the loop. We make several turns with the key clockwise. We check, this procedure should solve the problem completely.

The leaf touches the door frame in the middle

This nuance can be solved by tightening the bolt on the canopy.
We start everything from the bottom canopy, only this time we look for the bolt on the side. We select the key and make several turns back clockwise. This procedure will pull the canvas towards the canopy and automatically move it away from the free edge of the box. If after such manipulations the door still rubs against the frame, then we carry out all of the above with the upper canopy.

Don’t be lazy, check several times whether everything suits you; if there are any shortcomings, it is better to eliminate them immediately.

This drawback can also be solved at home yourself. We open the door and look for trunnions (or eccentrics) from the free side edge. Often there are three of them: at the top, in the middle and at the bottom.

The pins or eccentrics need to be turned slightly towards the sealing rubber using a screwdriver or pliers. After each change in the position of the eccentrics, you need to check the door pressure. This procedure must be carried out with all three eccentrics.

This may take some time, because the work is delicate and scrupulous. You also need to check the pressure on the hinge side. We close the door and look for a bolt in the awnings at the top and bottom; we need to tighten it a little.

You can check whether everything worked out using an ordinary sheet of paper. We open the door and insert a sheet of paper into the opening, avoiding the locking mechanisms. We close the door and try to pull out the paper, but the sheet should be pulled out with difficulty. If it passes freely, the procedure should be repeated.

Adjusting the door handle

If the handle is loose, you can fix it well with a screwdriver. Select the required tool size and tighten the bolts.

How to prevent problems with a plastic door on the balcony.

To ensure that the door does not have to be adjusted too often, you can stock up on a few simple devices:

Microlift for plastic door

A microlift is used for heavy plastic doors equipped with double-glazed windows with thick glass. This system allows the door not to sag on the threshold. The microlift is a plate that is mounted on the free end of the door leaf or in the form of a roller at the bottom of the door;

Door stop

This mechanism is used to adjust the opening width of the doorway. The limiter can be attached both at the bottom and at the top of the canvas. The limiter not only reduces the possibility of the canvas sagging on the threshold, but also protects the canvas itself from impacts on slopes and furniture elements.

Advice: if the door begins to close poorly, there is a draft, or there are other minor problems, they should be corrected immediately. It’s easier to immediately eliminate a small flaw; it’s not only easier, but also cheaper. Don't let little things become big problems.

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.

Related article: How to install compartment doors with your own hands

Important points: what to pay attention to

To increase rigidity in double-leaf doors, blind transoms are used. Using a bracket made from a sheet strip, the transoms are connected.

In order for the door to maintain its original presentable appearance and functionality during operation, it is important to pay special attention to the arrangement of the threshold. In the classic version of the frame, the lower bars of the doors are similar to the window ones. In this case, it is necessary to embed the flooring into the inner frame

In this case, it is necessary to embed the flooring into the inner frame.

For ease of use of a threshold with a separate box, you need to use a concrete tray.

In order for the threshold to last as long as possible, the open part of the block near the door frame should be reinforced with an iron strip and painted. When installing a concrete tray is inappropriate, you can use a solid board to create a threshold with a minimum height. This is considered to be 10mm from the bottom of the door to the floor.

How to choose the right latch for a balcony door

When choosing, you should know what latches exist:

• False;
• Roller;
• Magnetic.

Roller type

A roller latch is a rather complex mechanism than, for example, a magnetic one. The latch is a small roller that is installed in a metal box and is supported by a spring on the inside.

When closing the door leaf, this roller fits into the groove of the metal strip, which is mounted on the door frame. A latch of this type perfectly performs its functional duties, but if the door is skewed or sagging, this mechanism will need to be adjusted. To do this, adjust the bar to the rotating roller.

Expert advice

It’s clear how to install a magnetic latch on a balcony door, but now it’s worth listening to some advice from experts who will tell you how to use the latch correctly in order to extend its service life and which one to choose from among the wide variety of assortments.

First of all, when purchasing a mechanism, you need to inquire about the amount of force applied to open the door. If it is minimal, then the fit of the sash to the frame will not be tight and in this case the door may open from a gust of wind or the touch of, for example, a pet. But the maximum fit also has its drawbacks, because when the door slams, a strong bang will be heard and the rubber seal will wear out much faster. Therefore, it is worth choosing magnetic latches with a medium fit.

The entire range of magnetic latches offered is universal and suitable for any profile. But still, before purchasing a mechanism, you should ask a consultant whether this type is suitable for the installed balcony structure.

The smoker's handle will last much longer if, when closing the door, you always grasp it not in the same plane, but in a different one.

If it happens that a person is on the balcony, and for some reason the door is jammed, then you should not immediately start breaking it down, because after that, in most cases, you will have to completely replace the structure. If you can’t wait for help from anyone, then it is best to break the glass itself or the sandwich panel installed at the bottom of the door. Replacing them will cost much less than a complete balcony block.

Sometimes it is necessary to reduce the gap between the magnetic latch and the metal strip. In this case, washers are placed under the bar, the number of which is calculated individually, depending on the size of the gap that needs to be reduced.

It is recommended to install the handle on the balcony block with a multi-locking mechanism. This option helps to lock the door using an installed button or key. In this way, you can protect your apartment from intruders entering it through the balcony.

If it is necessary to replace the old mechanism, it is not necessary to drill new holes. You can screw the planks into the old place, but use larger diameter screws.

If installing a magnetic latch on a balcony door is not entirely clear, you can always watch a video that shows everything down to the smallest detail. Thus, the mechanism will help protect the room from cold, frost and the penetration of unpleasant tobacco odor. You can be sure that a correctly selected magnetic type of mechanism will provide reliable protection and will have a long service life.

Latch Installation

From the above we can draw one conclusion: latches for balcony doors are not only reliable, but also extremely simple. Let's look at the most complex installation. It's on a wooden door.

If you know how to install here, then you will install it on plastic exactly. You can install it yourself, but there are cases when a latch purchased and installed on your own does not close the door tightly or does not work at all.

This can happen for several reasons:

• The incorrect operation of the mechanism may be due to an error made during installation. You yourself, without having the proper experience, installed the latch and did it incorrectly. In this case, you will have to figure out the mistakes made or call a specialist. But why waste time and do this work yourself?
• We mark the installation height of the handle on the door (see Handle for a balcony door and fittings in general). This is approximately 100 mm.
• The insertion of the mechanism itself is no different from the installation of the lock. Mark the outline of the lock with a pencil and make a cut to the required depth. A chisel is suitable for this.
• We put a mark where the square pin will go in and make a hole using a drill.
• Now we install the latch and fasten it with wood screws.
• We are installing the handle.
• Now we apply the end strip and draw along the contour.
• We do the humiliation using a chisel.
• We attach and fasten the bar with screws.

A magnetic latch for a balcony door would probably be the best option. Look at the photo and choose the desired configuration and color. After that, without haste, you can begin installation. The instructions will help you in this matter.

Closed position latches

These types of stops are installed to fix the sash in the closed position and are used for interior and balcony doors in residential premises, entrance doors in public places and shops. There are several types of structures, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages.

Ball (roller)

They are mounted on the end of the door leaf; when closing, the ball-tongue with a spring enters the hole in the strike plate, fixed to the door frame at the same level, and securely fixes the door in the closed position.
A fairly reliable and time-tested mechanism that can withstand many opening and closing cycles. The principle of operation and design of the roller stops are similar to the ball mechanism, but the shape of the tongue is more elongated. Ball (roller) latches are not associated with the door handle - to open the door you just need to press the door leaf. Such mechanisms are convenient for equipping doors that need to be closed most of the time, but easy to open when necessary.

Installing such a latch does not require dismantling the door handle and locking device - this is an additional device that is usually located a little higher or lower. It is necessary to observe the relative correspondence of the levels of the tongue and the hole on the strike plate horizontally.

False

They have a beveled tongue, which also, when closing, fits into the corresponding slot in the metal strike plate installed on the door frame.
To open the door, you need to turn the door handle - the latches, unlike ball latches, are associated with it. This type of latches is more reliable than ball (roller) latches - such a door will not be opened by a strong gust of wind or a small child. When installing a halyard lock on a balcony door, it is recommended to provide a double-sided rotary handle, otherwise it will be impossible to open such a door from the balcony side.

Please note: Protection options for plastic windows for the safety of children

The installation of a halyard latch is carried out instead of a standard handle, and such modifications are not possible with every door - first consult with sellers or manufacturers. It is important to accurately mark and mount the striker exactly opposite the tongue - the tightness of the fabric and the reliability of the entire system will depend on this.

Ball and halyard latches may no longer close securely when the door sag - in this case, it is necessary to adjust the hinges and, possibly, rehang the sash.

Magnetic latches

Magnetic latch for a plastic door
These are two magnetic metal plates, one of which is fixed at the end of the leaf, and the other in parallel on the door frame. They are considered the most durable locking accessories, since during operation there is practically no abrasion of surfaces against each other. The only thing that can damage the structure is demagnetization of the plates, which rarely occurs during standard household use.

Magnetic latch for interior doors with handle

Magnetic latches are silent, easy to install, securely fix the door leaf in the closed position, and to open the door you need to apply little force without turning the handle.

There are no special requirements or restrictions for installing magnetic latches. They are mounted in any location in accordance with personal preferences; precise fitting and strict compliance of the mounting levels of the two parts is not required. Their functionality will not be affected in any way by sagging of the canvas.

Ease of use and usefulness are the main advantages of door strikers. Don’t forget about these little things – they make life much easier and provide an additional degree of safety.

Latch for a plastic balcony door - which is better and how to install

When choosing and installing plastic balcony doors, people often either refuse additional fittings or are simply not offered them. But as practice has shown, a latch on a plastic balcony door is far from superfluous, and today we will look in detail at why this hardware is needed and what it comes in, and practitioners will receive step-by-step instructions for installing such a latch with their own hands.

Types of fasteners

To choose the right type of accessory from a variety of models, you need to determine in what room and for what purpose it will be installed. The entire variety of door locks is usually divided according to several criteria:

• purpose - to fix the door in a closed, open position or at a certain angle;
• by location - floor, wall, over-door;
• by design - with rigid mounting or mobile.

Please note: Why is the supply valve on a plastic window so important?

What is the latch for?

First of all, we note that this locking hardware is not intended to protect the home from unauthorized entry, in other words, from burglary. Its purpose is most clearly and understandably characterized by its popular name - “Smoker's Latch”.

Previously, 3 internal rotary bolts were cut into old wooden balcony doors and a person, going out onto the balcony, risked being tightly locked there by this bolt. For example, small children often blocked mothers who went out to hang laundry on the balcony, after which they had to break out the glass or call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

So, on plastic doors, an overhead latch completely eliminates this problem. You simply go out onto the balcony and slam the door behind you, and when necessary, open it with a slight movement. So, when you go out to smoke, you close the door and the smoke does not come into the apartment, and most importantly, no one will accidentally lock you in there.

Types of handles

Handles are one of the most important elements of fittings. They make life much easier and more convenient. In addition to functional advantages, handles can also be a decorative element, emphasizing the features of the interior and delighting with their beauty.

It is not known exactly when handles appeared in human life and who came up with such an important element of fittings today. The first information about them appeared in the papyri of ancient Egypt, which were written 4 thousand years ago. Over the years, the fittings became better, more functional, and many types and varieties appeared.

The main impetus for the development of pens was made in the last century, after the Second World War. It was at this time that plastic doors began to appear, for which completely different handles were used than for wooden and metal doors.

There are two main types of such mechanisms on the market. The first type is mobile. Such handles are also called halyard handles. The design feature is that the handle is connected to a locking mechanism. To open the door you need to turn it or press it.

The second type is stationary. In this case, the handle is a fixed structural element not connected to the lock. Stationary button handles, as well as staples and shells, are widespread.

The last variety should be described in more detail. They are mounted only when a normal latch is installed on the door, which fixes its position. Otherwise, in a strong wind or in a draft, the door may open and the glass unit may break. As a rule, the installation location for this type of fittings is the outer part of the balcony door.

This pen received the name “shell” for a reason. It is very similar to a mollusk shell. It can be made from both plastic and aluminum. Manufacturers strive to make such fittings invisible.

Installation can be done anywhere on the canvas. The main rule is the convenience of opening in height. Fastening is carried out using ordinary self-tapping screws, which, after tightening, are closed with decorative caps. Installation is very simple.

This pen is also called a “smoker’s pen.” It is intended specifically for plastic doors that lead to the balcony. With its help you can enter the loggia and close the door behind you. The interesting name is due to the fact that such pens are usually used by people who smoke. In most cases, this element of fittings is included in the standard equipment of doors.

Depending on how handles are installed on plastic doors, there are overhead or mortise models. The invoices are fixed on the outside of the canvas. Mortise ones are fixed in a cavity specially cut into the canvas.

The most common types of pens on the market are:

• The handle is a halyard, which is essentially rotary. The handle is turned to open the locking mechanism. There are also push options. Such mechanisms can be installed not only on plastic doors, but also on ordinary interior doors;
• Handle-brace. If locks are installed on the door, such a handle is installed only so that it is possible to pull it to open the door.

Various technologies are used to produce handles for plastic doors. This makes it possible to produce various versions of products from a variety of materials with different shapes and appearance. Materials such as PVC and various metal alloys are used. The color can be completely different, which implies complete freedom for creativity.

Modern pens can become a real decoration for a home, apartment, or other home. There are also designer options that are made to order. They can be very beautiful, but at the same time very expensive.

What to choose from or types of balcony latches

The range of such accessories cannot be called too wide, but there is still plenty to choose from. There are 2 types of latch for a balcony door - mechanical and magnetic. There are several mechanical models and they are more complex, so we will start with them.

Mechanical latches

The first and most common type is the roller latch. Its operating principle is extremely simple. A roller is installed on the end of the door, and a counter part is attached to the frame, which actually holds this roller. In the mating part there are 2 spring-loaded hooks (top and bottom) and when a roller enters between them, they grab this roller.

In older models of roller-type mechanisms, a rigid tongue is installed instead of a movable roller. There is no fundamental difference here, but the hard tongue is worse in operation, plus it needs to be oriented correctly when installing.

The halyard latch on the balcony door is considered the most reliable and durable, but the problem here is different; to install it you need to change the lock, because it is part of this lock.

It is also possible to embed it separately, but it is better not to undertake such work without preparation, as you can damage the doors. After all, there you will need to embed a mechanism into the door leaf, plus install 2 rotary handles on both sides of it.

Another type of lightweight locking mechanisms for plastic balcony doors is latches; in the literature and price lists of stores they are listed as “PVC latch.” Such a mechanism can be installed both on the inside and outside of the doors. It is an overhead version of the rotary deadbolt.

This mechanism holds the door leaf securely and is durable in operation, but latches are not very popular, firstly, they spoil the appearance of the doors, and secondly, in the event of force majeure, the door will have to be broken or the glass unit knocked out.

Magnetic option

A magnetic latch for a balcony door represents the optimal balance of simplicity, low price and high functionality. The design of such a latch is more than simple: a regular steel plate is screwed onto the end of the leaf, and a counter part with a magnet inside is placed on the frame of the balcony block.

You close the door, the magnet grabs the steel plate and the leaf holds on. The idea is not new, it has been replicated countless times in the same furniture latches and the reliability is beyond doubt; in principle, there is nothing to break here. Plus, there are no rubbing parts with springs, so magnetic latches do not wear out and do not need lubrication, like mechanics.

Installing a magnetic latch on a balcony door has another huge advantage. If the door leaf somehow shifts in one direction or another, for example, the hinges become loose, then such a misalignment will not affect the functionality of the magnet in any way. While their mechanical counterparts, at the slightest distortion of the canvas, will either prevent the doors from closing or break.

By the way, subsidence, distortion and other troubles regularly appear in plastic balcony doors after 2–3 years of operation. You can learn about the prevention and repair of plastic structures “HERE” , and how to properly adjust the hinges in detail with photos and videos is described “HERE” .

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:

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.

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.

Mounting the magnetic latch

We've sorted out the roller mechanism, then you'll learn how to install a magnetic latch on a balcony door.

• Install the magnetic latch in the same way. We start by unscrewing the screw closest to the handle and attaching a steel strip to this place. In this case, the screw does not need to be changed, since the thickness of the strip is about 1 mm;

• Next, close the doors slightly and mark the lower and upper boundaries of the steel strip on the frame, after which you screw the mating part of the latch with a magnet to the frame.

How to install a roller latch on a PVC door?

To install the latch on the balcony block, you need to prepare the simplest tools: a ruler and a pencil for marking, as well as a drill with screwdrivers. The latches themselves can be different: 13 mm and 9 mm. Each of them fits its own type of PVC profile, so in the store you need to tell the seller the brand of doors and select the fittings according to it.

Installation of a roller latch includes several steps:

1. The first thing you need to do is mark the place where it will be located. It is best to place this element closer to the handle, then it will be easy to close and open the doors to the balcony.
2. The part with the roller is installed first. It is mounted on the door leaf. At the end part, unscrew the self-tapping screw that is located closer to the base of the handle. If you place the roller here, the door will close without effort; you won’t need to press it hard.
3. Now you need to screw the roller. It will protrude slightly beyond the sash, so to secure it you need a slightly longer self-tapping screw.
4. Focusing on the location of the roller, markings should be made on the box for installing the mating part.
5. The counter plate must be screwed with a self-tapping screw in the upper part; 19 mm fasteners will be sufficient.
6. Now you need to check how the latch works. If everything is fine, then you need to screw in the lower screw. If there is a displacement during installation, then you need to unscrew the fasteners and move the counter plate higher or lower.

The marking for the mating part and its installation must be done as accurately as possible, otherwise the fittings will not work - the roller will not fit into the groove and will not be held there by the hooks with sufficient force.

Types of latches

This pen is coated with very good metal powder paint, which retains its appearance for a long time. In order to install the handle on the plastic

door, you need to use two screws of the appropriate diameter and suitable length, which should be no more than 19 mm. An iron plate is attached to the end of the door at the level of the handle.

Using this marking you need to install the second part of the mechanical latch. It is an oblong plate that is attached in two places. Having positioned this part according to the mark, you need to screw in the screw. Do not clamp it; it is very important to close the door again and check if the locks match. If everything is done correctly, the screws will tighten more tightly.

A more exciting solution is a magnetic latch for a balcony door. Now the use of such a retainer is more widespread. Unlike the previous version, this detail allows you to quietly close the plastic system without difficulty and, which is very important. Such structures are locked directly behind the exiting person and require little effort to close them tightly.

If not, then unscrew the first screw and adjust it up or down to the required distance.

Let's see if it holds the door tightly enough, how far the cylinder fits into the latch. If it's two or three millimeters, i.e. holds the door weakly, then unscrew the cylinder and put any washer on the screw, and put the cylinder on top and screw everything back. This way the cylinder will protrude more outward and fit deeper into the latch hooks.

Malfunctions of the latch for PVC balcony doors and their elimination

A balcony door latch with a lock allows you to equip the door with multiple functions at the same time.

Of the mechanical types of latches, the roller latches occupy a leading position. This is due to the simplicity of the mechanism and the ease of its installation in a PVC door. Don't be afraid that you won't be able to install this latch yourself. The instructions that come with all quality products will help you do everything correctly.

If you need a lock on the inside of the balcony with which you can lock the door, then your option is a tongue latch. Currently, there are many options for mechanisms with different types of locks. They are designed to allow latching handles to perform their functions in a variety of options.

In addition, many ready-made PVC doors already come complete with such handles - latches. Installed correctly in the right place, such latches will ensure the safety and reliable operation of the structure.

In the winter season, the latch should be used as little as possible, since low temperatures make the plastic more brittle, which can lead to breakage of this mechanism and its subsequent replacement.

Over time, when the door leaf sags, the levels of the parts of the latch are violated and they cannot latch, so it is necessary to make their timely adjustment. When using the roller and halyard mechanism, when closing the door, a characteristic click occurs, which indicates that the structure is closed. There is almost no noise when the magnetic latch is operating.

The mechanism has several varieties, which differ in the method of fixation.

Installation of the petal handle (smoker)

To close the door from the balcony side, install a petal handle (smoker's handle). For a magnetic latch, the absence of this handle is not so critical, but if the choice fell on a mechanical latch, then this handle is necessary.

1. We take the petal and place it in a convenient place on the balcony door. The best option would be a level with a handle on the side of the room.

2. We fasten the handle with 10 mm self-tapping screws.

Note!

When installing the petal handle, you should use screws no larger than 10 mm to avoid damage to the glass unit inside the sash.

We also recommend watching the video instructions.