Adjusting plastic doors: an independent solution to all problems

Plastic doors conquered the market two decades ago, and now they are used everywhere. Plastic is a very practical and affordable material, so this is quite natural. Doors made from it are easier to design and manufacture, and consumers, in turn, like them because they provide tightness and are relatively lightweight. Plastic is easier to care for than many other materials, including wood or iron. However, when using plastic entrance systems, the same problems arise as in other cases. The door can sag, rub against the frame, touch the floor - such defects will cause a lot of trouble. But even without a wizard, everything can be fixed; all you have to do is read the instructions. Under no circumstances should it be allowed to reach a situation where the door simply jams or stops going into the frame. Adjustments should be made from time to time as a preventative measure.

Why adjust PVC doors

There are a number of reasons for adjusting the door position. Firstly, this is the shrinkage of the building. The phenomenon is typical for new buildings and is considered the norm. Secondly, improper operation of the door structure leads to the need for regulation. Using flaps and handles for hanging items, such as clothes and towels, increases the load on hinges that are not prepared for this in advance. Sash sagging is another reason to adjust the position. The fact is that the door leaf itself is a heavy structure, and this process will occur in any case. Rapid or frequent temperature changes are a reason to adjust the structure from time to time, since all this leads to depressurization. Door systems made of polyvinyl chloride are also susceptible to this effect. It is also recommended to regularly check gaps and misalignments to monitor the dynamics of possible changes.

Types of plastic doors

Door structures made of plastic according to their purpose are divided into:

• input;
• interior;
• balcony

Plastic structures are characterized by high strength, even without metal inclusions. This also applies to interior doors made of plastic. With the type of construction, everything is a little more complicated. There are sliding, folding and swing doors. Constructions from the first category are a system of two sashes moving in different directions along guide rails. Sliding plastic doors are often equipped with an automatic opening function. Such systems respond to pressure on the lower platform. Such doors save space, but make a lot of noise and are expensive. Folding systems consist of two or more folding sashes. They are also called “accordions”. Due to the joints, the thermal insulation of folding plastic doors is worse. Swing systems come in single and double leaf types and can be opened towards or away from you.

Frequent defects that require adjustment of plastic doors

The door may sag under the influence of its own weight. This sometimes happens with plastic doors, despite their relatively low weight. Sometimes the canvas “mows” to the side. Its condition is checked by drawing a line. Parallelism with respect to the bottom of the opening is assessed. One of the most common reasons for adjustment is play in the fasteners. Much depends on the design itself: with some doors this happens regularly, with others rarely. In most cases, you have to correct loose handles and adjust the fasteners on the hinges. These elements must be monitored in order to correct defects in a timely manner.

Other signs that need adjustment are cold air leaking in and increased noise levels in the room. Sometimes there is a friction sound when the sash is closed. This means that the door has begun to touch the frame and the hinges need to be adjusted. There are also problems with the locking device of the lock - when the door is closed or in any position.

Adjustment options

When adjusting PVC doors, the position of the door leaf is usually adjusted and the fittings are repaired or replaced.

Possible options for adjusting the door leaf:

• If the plastic structure sags under its own weight, vertical adjustment is carried out;
• If there is friction between the leaf and the threshold of the doorway, a horizontal adjustment is made;
• To adjust the gaps between the frame and the PVC leaf of the door structure, frontal adjustment is carried out. This is a seasonal procedure that is carried out in winter and summer, respectively, the gap decreases or increases.

Special attention is given to fittings. This could be repairing or replacing a door lock, adjusting hinges, handles, and other fittings.

For example, if the door handle closes and opens the door very tightly, it is quite difficult for the child to cope with it. As a result, he simply may not turn the handle all the way, and the door leaf will open due to a gust of wind. And, conversely, a loose handle contributes to the appearance of a draft. Therefore, it is important to know how to adjust plastic doors yourself.

Tools needed when adjusting plastic doors

To adjust and simplify the process, a standard set of tools is prepared in advance. Among the most important tools are pliers, pliers, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, L-shaped keys with a 6-sided cross section (another name is furniture keys). If you don’t have the latter at home, you will need to contact construction supply stores. It is recommended to assemble the instruments in several sizes, within the range of 1.5-5 mm. The whole set will cost about 500 rubles. A screwdriver with the necessary bits can replace a Phillips and flathead screwdriver. The most commonly used attachments are T and TX. A screwdriver will be useful in another sense. It will free your hands from additional work. You will also need scissors to cut the sealant and needles.

The list of tools for adjusting plastic doors should also include:

• chisel or special knife;
• spinning hammer;
• handle for removing loops;
• spatula for unpacking.

Required Tools

To carry out repair and adjustment work, some tools are needed:

1. hex keys;
2. flat screwdriver;
3. Phillips screwdriver;
4. plastic gaskets;
5. roulette;
6. rubber seals (not always);
7. adjustment instructions.

This set of tools is enough to carry out high-quality work. All that remains is to monitor the serviceability of the design:

• if necessary, the old seal is removed and a spare one is installed;
• you need to monitor the level of the canvas in the horizontal plane;
• the sides of the hinges must always be firmly secured;
• adjust eccentrics in a timely manner;
• regularly lubricate all components and parts.

These actions will extend the life of PVC doors.

Instructions for self-adjustment of doors

You can correct minor problems with the location yourself. Initially, a competent installation will help ensure that this moment does not come soon, but if irregularities are discovered, their elimination cannot be postponed until later. And this is connected not only with the possible expiration of the warranty period. Firstly, the warranty itself already constrains actions, since any intervention will give the manufacturing company a reason to refuse appropriate service. And secondly, it is also possible that you will have to buy a new door at your own expense. If the warranty is no longer valid or you have decided to make the adjustment yourself, then you must strictly follow the technical instructions and recommendations of specialists. Particular attention should be paid to adjusting fasteners. You can increase indoor comfort by increasing or decreasing the tightness of the door structure.

Door adjustment involves the following steps:

• Vertical adjustment.
• Changing position in the horizontal plane.
• Setting up hinges, hinges and awnings.
• Handle adjustment.
• Sealing of contacting surfaces.
• Adjustment of various parts of fittings.

Height adjustment

It is better to adjust the canvas height immediately after roughness or dents on the seals are noticed. To change the position of the canvas, you will need to tighten the lower hinged loop. Actions are performed according to a specific algorithm. First we gain access to the adjusting screws on the lower hinge. Usually they are hidden under a decorative strip. This element is removed by moving it towards you and upward. We perform this action carefully, because over time the plastic becomes prone to drying out and cracking. Next we work with the vertical adjustment screw. Place a hex wrench of the required size (usually 4 mm) into the head. Then we turn it. Clockwise movements will raise the sash, and reverse movements will lower it. Some manufacturers of door structures have an “asterisk” instead of a hexagonal hole.

Setting up hinges and awnings

Typically, closed-type overhead hinges are installed on doors made of plastic or metal-plastic. In systems without metal inclusions, as a rule, two fastening units are sufficient. If there is a double-glazed window, the option with three fastenings is considered optimal. The curtains are adjusted in several different ways. They are directly related to the height adjustment of the canvas, as well as its movement left and right. The adjustment is made using the adjusting screw. The sash should be slightly open at this time. Movements are made clockwise or counterclockwise. You should not tighten only one fastener, because this may cause a curvature in the profile, and when opening the door, a creaking or crunching sound may appear. The need for adjustment of hinges and canopies will be indicated by drafts, cracks that appear, slowdown or difficulty in closing the sash. Prevention of defects will significantly increase the service life of plastic door structures.

Violation of the door system installation technology will lead to serious problems that cannot be corrected by normal adjustments.

Horizontal alignment

This type of adjustment involves moving the sash parallel to the top and bottom of the structure. The door can cling to the top near the supporting post or to the threshold next to the opposite one. The canvas is also subject to thermal expansion, which increases the above problems. To make adjustments, you will need a 4 mm 6-sided wrench, or less often, another tool. The screw for horizontal alignment is located in the same way - horizontally. To complete the task, open the door, insert the key into the hole and turn it. Rotating clockwise will pull the blade towards the loop and lift the bottom on the side of the opposite post. Moving the tool in a different direction will have the opposite effect. If you need to eliminate rubbing or neutralize the effects of thermal expansion, then you will need to influence all door hinges.

What to do to close tightly - frontal adjustment of eccentrics

Eccentrics are designed to control the tightness of the abutment of the door frame parts to each other. The operating principle is similar to the functional load they perform in window structures. The clutch density is regulated by turning these same eccentrics. There is a clear sequence of actions for the tightest closure. First, the hinges are freed from the decorative flaps. Then the sash opens and the lock is pressed. The top of the door is then slid back to allow normal access to the cams. Then the screw rotates. If the desired level of pressure is achieved, all that remains is to perform the final steps. Moving elements should be lubricated. Then the lock is pressed and the door returns to its original position. The greatest pressure is ensured by the position of the eccentrics at the maximum level. After adjustment, the locking bolt is lowered, the parts are shifted and the fastening is tightened.

Difficulty closing

The most common problems are misalignment, sagging, loose fit, and difficulty turning the handle. In the worst cases, the door stops closing altogether. If the situation is easier, and the canvas simply no longer fits tightly in the opening, then the reason is purely technical. Most likely, you will only need to adjust the fittings. But if the sash does not fit into the frame at all, then you will have to look for a breakdown. The most common causes of malfunctions are unsuitable fittings, foreign objects getting into the door mechanism, or damage to the integrity of the structure. Less unpleasant than a jammed door, but more common negative aspects are sagging or skewing of the door and inconvenience when turning the handle. If in the latter case the cause is too sharp movements of the handle or leaf, then the distortion and subsidence are associated with excessive load on the axis of the door structure.

Adjusting the hinges

Hinges are components of hinges and other fastening units. Integrated ball bearings, for example, reduce wear and make the opening process easier and smoother. They, like other hinges, should be lubricated in a timely manner. Depending on the detected defect, 3 adjustment methods are used - vertical, horizontal and frontal. In the first case, you will need to remove the protective cap and insert a screwdriver into the hole in the end. Horizontal adjustment involves working with an adjustable screw. When manipulating the tool, you should pull the blade towards the loop. The third method, frontal, involves adjustments on the stand opposite to the hinges. There may be eccentric hinges there. You can work with pliers, a wrench or other tools, it all depends on the specific case.

How to change the seal

First you need to choose and purchase a new one. Typically this is a plastic rubber band. For a plastic structure, you will need material of the appropriate shape. These seals come in 2 types: for frames and sashes. The old gasket is easily removed. First, a place is selected where it can be picked up, and then with a sharp movement it breaks out of the groove. Next, clean the groove from dust and dirt. Then insert the end of a new elastic band into the clean groove. We insert the entire pad into the groove. Then we run our finger along the tape, pushing the pad into the groove. The piping will remain outside. It will take on the role of protection from drafts and street dust. At the same time, you can adjust the door. Installing a seal is also an opportunity to adjust the tightness of the door connection. In addition to installing a high-quality seal, it is also worthwhile to press the door by turning the door leaf clamp bolts. This is especially true in the period before winter.

Door handle customization

Adjusting the handles is one of the simplest manipulations. In everyday life, the most common types of faults that occur are stiffness and looseness. Imbalances are corrected in the same way. First, the protective plate covering the mount is rotated 90°. This insert must be moved carefully, as it is made of thin plastic. Once access to the adjusting screws is gained, there are 2 options left. Tighten the screws more tightly if the problem is a loose handle. And on the contrary, we loosen the fixation if the handle is tight. Then we put the plate in its original position and check the connection. If the play remains the same as initially, then there may be a crack in the housing. In this case, new fittings will be needed. If the door is double-leaf, then the halves are adjusted alternately.

How to adjust for winter

First of all, we check whether the sash is sagging and how it fits to the frame. Then you need to find out if there is blowing from the gaps. This can be checked with a regular sheet of paper. Then you should start checking the quality of the fasteners. If necessary, replace the seal. However, the main aspect of door preparation in the winter/summer cycle is the clamp. Its effectiveness is determined by a cylindrical element - an eccentric. This part must be adjusted with a flat-head screwdriver or a hex wrench, depending on the configuration. If the eccentric is smooth, then to turn it you will first need to pull the element away from the blade. Maximum tightness is guaranteed by a 6-sided key No. 4. The mark on the ex is in the direction of the overlap, which presses the blade to the box. If this manipulation is carried out correctly, then even in a strong wind the likelihood of cold air leaking in will be minimal.

Adjusting the door when sagging

If the edges of the door cling to the door frame pillar, this indicates subsidence. In this case, when closed, a more or less noticeable gap will appear in the upper part. The technical part of correcting the defect will consist of adjusting the gap between the hinge unit and the canvas. This process is somewhat similar to aligning the sashes in windows. The skew is eliminated with a horizontal setting that allows you to move the canvas left and right. The first step is to find the horizontal adjustment screw in the lower hinge structure. The hole is located at the bottom of the hinge on the door frame side. By turning the screw, the blade is brought closer or further away from the loop. In the first case, rotations are performed clockwise, in the second - counterclockwise. Then the possibility of freely opening/closing the door is checked. The sash swings open 90°, and if everything is in order, the position is also adjusted through the top hinge. Usually 1-2 turns of the key are enough.

Balcony door installation

Externally, the doors resemble a very simple structure, but inside there is a rather complex engineering system that provides all the multifunctional capabilities.

Inside the door frame is a complex system

Table. Balcony door design

All design elements influence functionality in their own way; they have different operational capabilities and technical characteristics.

Basic elements of a balcony door design

Important. Unqualified intervention in the functioning of the fittings can cause its complete breakdown. You will have to change all the elements, and this is not only expensive, but also time-consuming. We strongly advise you to study the structure and principle of operation of the fittings, and only then begin to regulate them.

What to do to make plastic doors less likely to need adjustment

There are several ways to facilitate the functioning of doors:

• installation of door closers;
• choosing a suitable design option;
• installation of a microlift;
• lubrication of fittings;
• arrangement of reliable protection from the wind.

It is impossible to completely protect the door from exposure, just as it is impossible to do without leveling. However, by using the above methods, repairs and frequent adjustments can be avoided. The experience of many people shows that some problems can be prevented. It is necessary to realize the importance of the choice of loops. The latter are intended for structures where the load will be approximately 80 or 160 kilograms. The number of loops also matters, but not always. These elements are designed for an average of 200 thousand openings/closings. In any case, it is recommended to maintain a certain safety margin. Reliable protection against door sagging is a microlift. It consists of a bar installed on the canvas and a corresponding element on the frame. Both parts are connected when closing, raising the door slightly and reducing the load on the hinges. A few drops of lubricant also improves performance. Rubber seals will reduce the impact of strong winds and drafts.

For maximum density, the rubber protection should be treated with a silicone pencil.

Features of plastic entrance doors

Plastic entrance systems are manufactured using metal-plastic profiles with separate air chambers and stiffeners. Profiles are made either only from plastic or using reinforcement. To increase the strength of the structure, the frame elements are connected with metal mortgages. The shape of the frame structure, like the entire product, can be very diverse - trapezoidal, rectangular, arched, etc. Special crossbars, high-security locks and power hinges are mounted on plastic entrance doors. A multi-way locking mechanism is provided to ensure maximum tightness. A plastic door of any configuration consists of elements such as the door leaf, frame and fittings. Unlike other types of doors, metal-plastic ones can have a frame made of a solid metal profile.

The door closer is a mandatory element of the fittings

They differ according to the type of installation:

• external;
• hidden;
• floor

And the operating principle:

• knee;
• slide.

This device is designed to ensure smooth door movement. As a result of its use, the service life of hinged hinges and other fittings and, accordingly, the entire door structure increases. A closer has to be used in door systems in public places, because the door there opens and closes a large number of times a day. The design features of different versions of this fittings differ greatly - in terms of the closing mechanism, location and method of installation. Based on the location of fixation, there are external, hidden and floor closers. Devices of the first type are placed at the top, of the second - inside the canvas and frame, while floor-mounted devices are mounted in the sash and on the floor. The last subtype is suitable for both one-way and swing doors. According to the mechanism option, there are two categories of closers: with knee (scissor) and slide gear.

Adjustment and configuration of the closer

Adjusting the closer affects the overall speed of closing the door. It is better to reduce it for interior rooms, and increase it for entrance rooms, but a lot depends on the specific situation. Using the closer, the speed of the closing stroke (pressing the door to the frame) and the intermediate stroke are adjusted. In the first case, we are talking about prioritizing: make the movement fast or slow it down to remove excess load on the door frame. With the second option, thanks to the settings, it is possible to organize the passage of several people at the same time. Setting up the closer is not difficult, because it has a special screw. The door closing speed decreases if you turn it clockwise. If the speed has changed too much, the bolt is returned to an intermediate position between the current and initial position and adjusted again. The screws must not be unscrewed more than 2 turns. To adjust the aftershock, the adjustment is made 15-20 cm from the frame. Control of the third adjustment screw determines the intermediate speed.

Using the same 3rd screw, the door closing delay is adjusted.

Preventive measures

Compliance with preventive measures aimed at proper operation of the plastic door helps to increase the service life of the plastic entrance door.

Adhere to the following rules:

• Regularly wash the surface of the door leaf and the seal. Use only mild detergents. Rinse off the foam with clean water and wipe the surface thoroughly so as not to leave moisture.
• Lubricate the insulation with lubricant. Silicone or glycerin will do. This will help maintain the elasticity and tightness of the material.
• Treat latches, hinges and locks once a year. You can use a special lubricant or regular machine oil.
• Follow the advice from the plastic door manufacturer. Do not hang heavy objects on the handles, prohibit children from swinging on open doors, etc.

You can carry out work on adjusting the plastic entrance door yourself. It is enough to read the instructions, stock up on the necessary tools and identify the defect. The latter determines what type of adjustment is required. By following the advice of experts, you can extend the life of the structure.