Miscellaneous
Plastic doors and windows are popular designs that are characterized by ease of use and aesthetic appearance. Over time, various problems arise with such doors, for example, blowing from under the plastic door. More often, the reason lies in the fact that a gap has appeared, a screw has become loose and needs to be adjusted. There is subsidence of the valves in the middle. This leads to failure of the loops.
Attention! Initially, determine the reason for the blowing from behind the plastic door leaves. This is not difficult to do. Pay attention to the screw, hinges and adjust them. Usually this is enough to completely solve the problem.
The process of adjusting the functioning of a plastic door leaf
What to do if it is blowing from the balcony door?
Drafts in an apartment are dangerous to the health of both children and adults.
They contribute to the development of colds, cause discomfort and increase the cost of heating rooms in the winter. The source of a draft in an apartment is usually the doors leading to a balcony or loggia. This problem is typical for most old wooden balcony blocks. Many owners of plastic doors to the balcony, who installed them two or three years ago, also encounter this problem. And if the installation of metal-plastic glazing was done incorrectly, then you may find that it is blowing even from a new plastic balcony door.
The door to the balcony is skewed, help straighten it out
Good afternoon. The plastic door to the balcony was warped. It clings to the floor, and there is a gap on top. and in winter it is much more noticeable. Today I took out the glazing beads, moved the glass a little to the right, it stopped touching, but the gap is still large. where else should I put it to level it?
Using the 1 hexagon on top of the bottom hinge, tighten the screw and the door will rise up. 2 The mesh bag should rest on the corner of the frame - the bottom left in your case - on the side of the hinges. Place the lining in the upper corner of the package on the right.
If the fittings are “AUBI”, then turn the screw counterclockwise with a screwdriver. If “GU”, then with an asterisk, clockwise under the “Roto” cap, etc. clockwise with a hex key No. 4. Here is an article about repairing plastic windows with your own hands on the “Your Home” portal ” > You’ll figure it out at random!
” > Article about setting up windows. If that doesn't help, then you need to reglaze the window. In your case, from the hinges in the opposite upper corner, you need to place something on top of the spacer so that the sash rises slightly upward. Just make sure that there is no gasket under the glass / from the hinges in the far corner / below. You can break the glass. Remove it if it exists out of harm's way. In principle, you don't need it at all.
What should I do in my case? I have a gap at the top of the balcony door, but I just didn’t turn it and it didn’t help. Kale fittings.
Vidis wrote: no matter what I turned it didn’t help
strange.. any fittings have an adjustment mechanism. If the frame is beveled by tearing the fastening out of the wall, or if it was initially installed so crookedly that there is not enough adjustment, then you need to look carefully.
Gins wrote: initially it was installed so crookedly that there was not enough adjustment - you need to look carefully at this.
More likely. Tell me which screw needs to be turned and in which direction to align the blade. The gap at the top is about 3-4 mm.
” > read it first. Perhaps I didn’t describe it clearly or your fittings look completely different. But you most likely need to move the bottom edge to the right and lift the top one up and move it to the left. I described possible settings points. Look it up.
Gins wrote: If the frame is beveled by tearing the fastening out of the wall, or if it was initially installed so crookedly that there is not enough adjustment, then you need to look carefully.
Check the frame with a level; it should be 90 degrees everywhere. If there is no level, check with a primitive plumb line. Well, in extreme cases, there may be a problem with the glazing. Read above.
Vidis wrote: Tell me which screw needs to be turned and in which direction to align the canvas
take a close look at the hinges. Usually all the adjustments are there. It’s a pity it’s not clear... In general, in your case you need to “move the bottom away from the wall” and “move the top” forward. Those. The adjustment is almost all in the transverse plane.
Causes of the problem
Cold air enters through the balcony door due to a violation of the tightness of the door leaf to the frame. Wooden doors become bent and sag over time, and a plastic balcony door usually lets cold air in from the hinges due to malfunction of the fittings.
After installing the plastic balcony block, the technician must make adjustments to the fittings. However, during active use, the mechanism wears out, which is why the door leaf adheres weaker to the jamb.
Sagging adjustment
Over time, the plastic entrance door can sag, depressurize and let cold air into the room. Problems are indicated by its displacement relative to the frame due to gravity. Adjustment for sagging is carried out as follows:
- Using a three-millimeter hex key, unscrew the screws from the two hinges on top. During this, the sash must be open.
- After closing the sash, you need to remove the covers from the adjustment screws. This provides access to the longest screw, which is horizontal.
- It needs to be unscrewed in the hinges in the middle and at the top. A stronger tightening is carried out in the upper loop.
- To ensure uniform movement of the door leaf, you can: loosen or tighten the screws in all hinges.
Eliminating the reason for a plastic door
The problem of cold air entering from a plastic balcony door is familiar to many. To eliminate it, it is necessary to find out the cause of drafts.
First of all, you should check the condition of the rubber seal of the balcony door. If you find signs of wear on it, then it's time to change the sealing contour. Please note that there are no universal seals for plastic window and door units. They differ in size and cross-sectional shape. Therefore, when going to the store to buy a new sealing contour, take a piece of old tape with you. Before installing the seal, be sure to clean the inside of the groove from dust and dirt.
If the rubber band is not damaged, it is worth adjusting the fit of the sash to the frame. After all, poor pressure is another common reason why there is blowing from the balcony door. You can check the quality of fit of the sash to the frame using a simple test. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it between the canvas and the profile and close the sash. After this, start pulling out the sheet. If the paper is difficult to pull out, then everything is fine. Otherwise, you need to adjust the pressing force of the sash.
The locking elements are responsible for the tight fit of the door to the frame. The method for adjusting the degree of pressing of the canvas to the frame depends on the design of the fittings:
- Typically, adjustment is made by turning the eccentrics located at the end of the blade. A hex wrench is used for this.
- If the fittings include a trunnion, then the pressure is adjusted by installing the trunnion at the desired angle. This will require pliers. A right angle to the sash ensures maximum fit.
- A counter plate is also used to adjust the degree of pressure. It is moved by rotating a special screw using a hexagon.
A draft can occur due to the fact that the door to the balcony does not close well. Over time, the sash sags under its own weight and a gap forms on top through which cold air enters. If it is blowing from below, then you need to adjust the position of the lower corner of the canvas. These defects can be eliminated by tightening the axial screws.
A cold breeze may come from under the handle of a plastic door. This indicates that the mechanism has ceased to perform its functions. To correct the situation, you need to tighten and tighten all fasteners tightly.
In the process of eliminating the causes of the draft, it may turn out that:
- the fittings are worn out and need to be replaced;
- There was a defect in the manufacture of the sash;
- The installation of the balcony block was carried out with violations of technology.
Therefore, it is best to entrust the adjustment of the balcony door to the craftsmen of the company that installed the plastic glazing. They are required to fix these problems under warranty. If the warranty period has expired, you can contact any specialized company that provides such services. Well, if you have some skills and free time, you can try to adjust the fittings of the plastic structure yourself.
Possible problems
A normally installed and functioning door should open and close easily, not rub against the frame, and the connection should be uniform around the perimeter. An open door in the absence of drafts should be in a stable position.
The clamping mechanism must “bring” the door without a gap between it and the frame. It’s easy to check - a sheet of paper sandwiched between the door ledge and the frame should be pulled out along the entire length of the door ledge with some effort. Failure to satisfy any condition means that the geometry is broken.
The plastic balcony door has sagged or the sash has shifted relative to the frame. All defects can be corrected by adjusting the fittings.
If the warranty period has not yet expired
then this should be done by the service department of the company that installed the door. Otherwise, you can call a specialist. But the good thing about modern designs is that, provided there are instructions, self-adjustment of plastic doors is quite possible for anyone and requires a minimum set of tools - hex keys, screwdrivers and pliers.
This article discusses the most common cases of adjusting swing plastic entrance (interior) and balcony doors.
Pendulum or sliding systems have their own methods.
Eliminating the reason for a wooden door
In Soviet-built houses you can often find wooden doors to the balcony. They are quite high quality and durable, but over time they warp and deform under the influence of moisture and temperature changes. Because of this, cold air penetrates into the room.
To get rid of a draft, you need to improve the fit of the wooden sash to the frame. To do this, you need to nail or glue a seal along the contour of the frame. And if there is a skew of the canvas, then you need to adjust the door hinges.
As a sealing contour for a wooden balcony sash, you can use:
- self-adhesive seal;
- foam tapes;
- strips of felt or felt.
How to determine if a door is warped and why
There are several signs that indicate a door is skewed. This is jamming and friction when opening and closing. It happens that the door stops opening altogether, which is more typical of plastic structures.
The reasons why such a nuisance makes itself felt vary. This happens especially often in rooms with high air humidity, as door frames and leaves swell (this does not apply to plastic structures). Indicators such as the entire door and the geometry of the opening are also of great importance.
Not only old doors that have served for many years can swell, but also completely new, recently installed ones.
Excess humidity in the house is formed due to faulty water supply and non-working sewer system. If moisture gets onto the door in any way, the wood (or its derivatives) begins to increase in size. Owners of some houses, when installing metal-plastic windows, often forget to think about organizing ventilation. Because of this, the level of air humidity becomes higher, and the door, in turn, becomes unusable. At first this is imperceptible, but over time the distortion becomes more significant and strong friction occurs. Sometimes you can determine the skew visually.
It is recommended to install doors that are heavy, not on two standard hinges, but on a larger number of them. The minimum number of hinges simply will not do the job, which is why the door will have to be leveled. To avoid this, install heavy doors with four hinges.
Often, misalignment occurs in newly built houses, since the geometry of the opening is disrupted due to the gradual shrinkage of the building. This phenomenon is considered normal, and standard measures must be taken to eliminate the problem.
What to do when plastic doors do not close tightly
Plastic doors, along with windows, are firmly fixed in their positions, and today they are especially often used in apartments as entrance systems to a balcony or loggia. Their design has a huge advantage over older wooden counterparts, especially in terms of energy savings.
Plastic doors to the balcony
However, the more complex the system, the more problems it can cause, especially if used carelessly. The most common situation is that the plastic door does not close tightly. What should be done to troubleshoot the problem and how to configure the functionality of metal-plastic entrance systems.
Tips for use
List of actions for the care and operation of PVC structures:
- Glass is washed with soapy water without using strong acids.
- Seals are cleaned and lubricated regularly.
- Scratches and chips on the surface of the plastic should be removed in a timely manner.
- Ensuring the cleanliness of movable fittings (remove dust and dirt).
- Regular lubrication of fittings (use spindle oil).
- Careful attitude towards products. It is necessary to ensure that the plastic door does not open in two planes.
The better you take care of products, the longer they will last - a basic concept that applies to all devices, parts and structures. The operation of plastic doors is no exception. To avoid problems in the future, you need to take care of this now.
Prevention and troubleshooting
Of course, the best option would be to avoid a situation where the balcony door does not close. To avoid failures, it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance of the system with inspection, replacement of elements, and adjustment of the design. Which features should be checked periodically and why?
Options for adjusting plastic door fittings
- Initially, it is worth understanding that PVC entrance structures, like windows, require constant seasonal adjustments. This is the adjustment of the winter/summer and off-season functions, which strengthens or weakens the seal of the entrance plastic sheet, and as a result, the seal does not wear out so quickly;
- The sealing elements themselves must be periodically inspected for contamination that should be removed. If the material has lost its elasticity over a long period of use, it is definitely worth replacing it;
- Checking for problems with the functionality of the fittings, failures that do not meet the standards mean that it is time to adjust the door to eliminate misalignment, or replace it;
- Check the density of the vestibule after switching to the appropriate mode for the season.
Most often, problems arise with the functionality of the last point, and the door does not lock tightly, you need to fix the problem. However, it is initially worth establishing how correctly the plastic balcony door closes.
Closing the plastic door on the balcony
Adjustment units
In doors of regular price categories, depending on their manufacturer and design features (with ventilation, i.e. with or without a tilting leaf), there are from 5 to 8 structural units that can be adjusted. Some of them are for operational purposes (to transfer the door from summer to winter mode or vice versa), some are subject to regular maintenance in the form of lubricant, and some are used to eliminate problems that have arisen as a result of operational wear of the door itself, fluctuations in climatic conditions by season, and the inherent shrinkage of building structures and etc.
Note : to simplify the presentation of what follows, we will agree to call the vertical edge of the door leaf, fixed in the hinges, the main one, and the free one, on which there is a handle and possibly a lock/locks.
The operational adjustments of the plastic door (for troubleshooting) are shown on the left in the figure; operational adjustment (for changing the winter/summer mode) and subject to routine maintenance - on the right. Both of them, and possible manipulations with them, are described in more detail below; For now, we will note, for now we will only note that it is not recommended to “finish” the door with operational regulation bodies if there are “not enough” operational ones. Otherwise, the wear and tear of not only the parts to be replaced (sealing gasket), but also the door as a whole is greatly accelerated.
Adjustment units for metal-plastic doors
The purpose of those shown in Fig. door adjustment controls are as follows:
- The upper hinge (pos. 1 and 1a) by itself or in conjunction with the lower one regulates the skew of the door, i.e. tilt in the plane of the door leaf. Synchronously with the bottom - allows you to raise/lower the blade, adjust its clamping force and perform a lateral shift of the blade, i.e. rectilinear movement in its plane. On entrance doors without ventilation, full-function hinges (positions 1, 2 and 3) are often installed, providing adjustment in 3 planes. For ventilated balconies there are hinges with limited adjustment functionality, but they allow the door leaf to be tilted, pos. 1a and 2a. For more information about both, see below.
- The purpose of the lower loop (pos. 2 and 2a) is the same, but due to the skew it acts oppositely from the upper one: if, for example, the blade is moved forward (from the root edge to the running edge), and the upper loop is not touched, then the front (running edge of the blade will rise If you simultaneously push the door leaf back with the top hinge (pull it towards the root edge), then the skew of the door will increase.If both hinges push/push the door leaf out equally, then it will move forward/backward without skew.
- The middle hinge (if any, item 3), regardless of its design, only regulates the clamping force and raising/lowering the door. An attempt to adjust the lateral movement of the door leaf using the middle hinge is a common cause of door jamming due to unqualified adjustment.
Note: the pressure and, especially, the raising/lowering of the door are regulated strictly in concert with both (or all three) hinges. For example, if you unscrewed/wrapped the microlift (lifting and lowering device) of the lower loop by 0.5 turns, but you need to unscrew/twist the microlifts of the middle and upper by the same amount. They forgot - the door can open/close, but soon the pins will come out of the hinges, or the hinges themselves will become loose (which cannot be repaired), or something else will happen that will raise the question of replacing the door.
- Pressing teeth (item 4) in inexpensive non-ventilated balcony doors set the pressing force of the leaf, but using them to move the door from summer to winter is a gross mistake, which sometimes causes the seams of the door frame to burst. Doors with locking teeth instead of the rear branch of the shut-off valves and without its upper branch are the cheapest; switching them from summer to winter mode is not provided for by the design, even if the trunnions (see below) allow this. Also, locking teeth are sometimes called anti-burglary, because They are located approximately in the same places as the anti-burglary cones of entrance doors. But this is completely false - the clamping teeth do not help at all from breaking the door, because... mechanically free from the outside of the door.
- The locking pins (item 5), firstly, ensure the door is locked. Secondly, by turning them, the door is switched from summer to winter mode and back, which is not a violation of warranty obligations by the consumer, i.e. You can “twist the DAC” with a suitable tool (see above) yourself. Thirdly, the trunnions require periodic lubrication, which you can also do yourself, see below.
How to set the density of the rebate of PVC doors
When checking the tightness of the cover and the tightness of the plastic door system, you can use several techniques that allow you to more or less accurately determine the degree of pressing of the sash:
- Tactile reception. You just need to raise your hand to the gaps at the joints with the door frame profile to identify drafts. If the door is see-through in winter mode, it means that the door does not fit tightly, leaving a gap.
- Candle or match. A similar method, only the light of a candle or match is used as a sensor. It is important to open the entrance door to the room. If the light deviates when the door is closed, there is a draft due to the gap between the door with the seal and the frame.
- Paper. When closing the door, you need to place a sheet of plain paper in the gap. Then try to pull it out. If this succeeds, it means that the canvas does not fit tightly enough.
Adjusting the pressure of plastic doors on the balcony
A situation may also arise when a leaky vestibule is visible visually, resulting in a strong draft. What causes the door leaf to be loosely covered, and how can the problem be eliminated?
How to regulate
Corrective work is required against the background of the appearance of a natural imbalance in the mechanism. This is due to the process of long-term operation.
Adjustment is required when the mechanism fails
In what case is the installation done efficiently?
Durability and service life depend not only on the quality of materials. And also if the installation is performed poorly.
When accepting a job, pay attention to:
- the tightness of pressing the frame to the box (it should fit tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter);
- the functioning of the door (it should open and close easily);
- verticality of the door (checked by the building level).
In order to make sure that after installation the plastic door is working properly, it is opened halfway and the “behavior” is observed. If it tends to open or close, the installation was performed poorly.
Factors such as wind or draft should be taken into account.
Opening and closing the door should be easy and smooth
How faults are detected
You can check if repairs are needed like this:
“Arm yourself” with a piece of paper and place it on the open door frame
Close the box tightly and pull the sheet towards you. Carry out such a check along the entire perimeter. It is important to pay attention to the force with which you have to pull out the paper in one area or another. Where the sheet is pulled out with effort, the structure is pressed tightly against the box. You can identify distortions by closing the plastic door by tracing the canvas. Then you should open and check the “fresh” line with the frame
It should “parallel” the frame.
A sheet of paper will help you check how well the mechanism works.
Reasons for a loose fit of a plastic door leaf
There may be several reasons why the tightness of pressing the door to the frame will not be tight. As a rule, they are caused by a violation of the initial system settings or failure of some structural elements. Typically, the origin of a functional failure lies in the following factors:
- wear or subsequent deformation of the rubber seal;
- sagging door leaf;
- breakdown of fittings;
- settings failure;
- deformation of the frame or door.
Elimination is possible in various ways by adjusting the plastic balcony door with tightening fasteners, pins and eccentrics, before replacing some parts of the door.
How to stick insulation on the front door
Choosing self-adhesive insulation for entrance doors
On the shelves of hardware stores there are several options for self-adhesive insulation that are suitable for entrance doors. They are all tape with an adhesive edge.
The tape itself can be made from:
1. Rubber-based seal.
Rubber insulation for the front door can be called universal. It is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, exposure to chemicals, and is easy to install.
Service life – from 3 to 10 years. One package contains about 12 meters of material, the cost of the tape is 150-250 rubles.
2. Foam tapes.
Among the advantages of foam rubber, it is worth highlighting that it is easy to stick and has an affordable price.
However, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages:
- weak thermal insulation effect,
- short service life.
The cost of one package is about 100 rubles.
3. Polyvinyl chloride. These tapes are valued for their high reliability; they are not afraid of temperature changes from -50C to +70C. Their service life is up to 20 years. Their main disadvantage is their high cost, but taking into account the durability of the material, the price more than pays off.
4. Silicone. Such insulation materials are environmentally friendly, but due to the characteristics of the material they are used mainly for interior doors.
5. Izolon. Another adhesive-based material. It is made from polyurethane foam. Sold in rolls, it is convenient to glue. Cost - from 10 to 160 rubles per square meter.
We take into account the nuances of the door material
1.When choosing a seal for a metal entrance door, follow these recommendations:
- Do not purchase foam rubber tapes; it is not recommended to use them for metal entrance doors, since the material will not withstand frequent opening of the door and will have to be replaced after half a year.
- Lightly press on the base of the insulation. If it quickly restores its shape, it means it can provide a good seal.
- When choosing a color, give preference to black seals; they are considered to be of higher quality.
- Make sure that the adhesive backing has not expired.
2. Fitting a wooden door to a door frame is always accompanied by difficulties, which is associated with the individual characteristics of the natural material.
When it gets wet, dries out, or changes in temperature, the wood becomes deformed, so cracks constantly form.
- To eliminate cracks, it is recommended to stick silicone and rubber insulation that fits tightly to the surface. Izolon has also proven itself well. If the goal is to save money, you can limit yourself to foam rubber, but it is important to understand that it will not last long.
Instructions - how to properly glue the seal to the door
- Carefully remove the old insulation using tools. In our example, the strips are firmly attached to the door frame. We also remove all nails, staples and buttons. This stage is mandatory, otherwise the door will not close after replacing the insulation.
- We use insulation with a gap of 1-3 mm. In the upper part we glue a strip of material slightly longer than necessary. This way we get a neat design.
- We check whether the material is glued evenly. Cut it off at the bottom with a knife. We glue a strip of sealant in the upper part so that it overlaps the vertical strip. We do the same at the bottom of the box.
As a result, we get two strips of sealant with a beveled cut, connected at an angle of 45C. This design will retain heat for about 5 years.
We insulate the metal entrance door using foam sheets
If you have a metal door, research it to see if it is possible to remove the inner metal removable sheet; it is often attached to the top and bottom of the door with self-tapping screws on the corners.
We proceed as follows:
- Remove the removable sheet.
- We go over the inner corners with sealant. We put insulation in the door leaf, for example, polystyrene foam. Each piece must match the size of the cells in the door.
- We lay the insulation in an even layer. If this is not possible, fill the voids with polyurethane foam (excess foam is removed).
- We put the removed sheet back. The door is now insulated and ready for use.
Regulation of metal-plastic doors
Initially, it is worth determining what position should be adjusted in the door leaf. Usually you need to adjust the door height, or set the degree of pressure. This is done by adjusting the hinges, if necessary, and the eccentrics, and the whole process can be done independently in 10-15 minutes.
Scheme for adjusting plastic doors
- The tilt and turn functionality works on the bottom hinge. To adjust, the decorative protective caps are removed, under which the adjusting screws are placed. There is a bolt at the bottom that sets the height of the door, and a side screw adjusts the door according to the left-right pattern. This is done using an adjusting hexagon wrench.
- The degree of pressing of the sash is regulated by eccentrics, which are located on the end part of the leaf. They are turned with pliers or a hexagon. By setting their position, the glass unit is pushed closer or moved further from the frame. Some models have screw markings on the hinges to make it easier to set up this functionality.
- Seasonal setting of the mode, adjusted with a hexagon. There is a mark on the eccentric, which is installed outdoors in the winter, and indoors in the summer; the upward position usually means a neutral setting, suitable for the off-season.
When changing the position of the door leaf in the vertical or horizontal planes, be sure to control the result obtained using a building level!
Quite often, the cause of a plastic door not closing tightly is the wear of the seals, and they will have to be replaced with your own hands.
Watch the video on how to adjust plastic doors.
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.
Gaps between the box and the canvas allow moisture or cold to enter the room. How to adjust the pressure of a plastic balcony door:
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.
Replacing sealing elements
Of course, if the windows and doors are still under warranty, then it is best to contact the installer, who are obliged to fix the problem. Otherwise, solving this problem is simple; you can do everything yourself in several steps:
- Old elements are removed by prying with a spatula along the entire length, tearing off the adhesive composition.
- The seat must be thoroughly cleaned of rubber and glue residues, and also degreased.
Names of metal-plastic door elements
Installing a new seal
Periodically, this part must be checked for elasticity, sometimes cleaned of contamination. Deformed double-glazed windows, and especially those with obvious damage to the structure, need to be replaced with new ones, or repaired by installing serviceable elements.
Foam seal for door
Seasonal cooling also manifests itself in the fact that it begins to seep through the cracks. Foam door seals are a quick, inexpensive, effective way to solve this problem. Additionally, it will become a barrier to the penetration of dust, foreign odors, and tobacco smoke. The soft plastic material serves as an excellent shock absorber and sound insulator.
Material advantage
The hardened polyurethane foam is called foam rubber. It is mostly air (about 90%), so it is very light.
The advantages include:
- foam rubber is an excellent heat insulator for windows and doors;
- the pliability of the material, its elasticity allows it to be installed in narrow gaps;
- it retains its properties at low temperatures;
The process of installing a foam seal on a door jamb
External view of the seal for foam doors
Self-adhesive door seals are sold in rolls of different lengths. The width varies from 8 to 50 mm, the optimal thickness of the seal for the door is 8-15 mm. For them, foam tape is sold in packages of 6 meters.
You can also purchase larger rolls from 10 to 24 meters. The service life is more than one or two years, depending on operating conditions and material density.
Size and principle of fastening the foam rubber seal to the door
This is not the most durable material; over time, foam rubber begins to crumble and sag. Indoors, the seal can last longer.
This material is made in different shapes, in the form of a single strip or consisting of 2 or 3 connected strips. Foam rubber differs in density and color (white, gray, yellow).
How to install self-adhesive tape
Installation of a self-adhesive seal begins with preparing the place for its fixation and taking measurements. It is necessary to measure the width of the surface on which the self-adhesive tape will be glued. Then, according to the dimensions, select the width of the seal.
Preparing the foam seal for installation
- The surface of the door frame around the perimeter is cleaned of dirt and dust. In the case when the old seal is dismantled, it is recommended to lightly clean the surface with fine sandpaper.
- Next, it is degreased with alcohol- and acetone-containing preparations.
- Then remove the protective layer of paper and glue the tape.
The process of installing the seal on the door frame
The seals are suitable for metal doors, including the entrance group. In order to properly glue it to the door at the entrance, it is necessary to attach the tape not only to the frame, but also around the perimeter of the door leaf. In this case, the seal will be more reliable. Therefore, two surfaces are prepared.
Watch the video: replacing the seal on a metal entrance door.
Foam tapes are sold without a self-adhesive layer. This seal is glued with silicone glue. Prepare the surface in the same way. It is better to take denser foam insulation for the front door. It retains its properties longer and can last for several years. Good quality indicators, speed of installation and affordable price are the main advantages of foam rubber seals.
How to independently adjust a plastic balcony door: point adjustment
Every day, the door on the balcony is subjected to repeated opening and closing cycles. It is not surprising that over time, even reliable fittings fail. In case of insufficient pressure to the frame, jamming of the sash or incorrect response to the position of the handle, do not rush to contact the service department. The listed problems are solved by simple adjustment of the plastic balcony door, for which you do not have to be a professional. It is enough to have a hex key on hand and the knowledge gained after reading this manual.
Most problems with plastic balcony doors can be fixed on your own.
Open the frozen door
The closing mechanism freezes to the frame when condensation has accumulated on the open door, that is, the door is closed and the resulting moisture freezes around the perimeter of the sealing gum. There are two options here: wait until it gets warmer, but if you can’t wait, we heat the air around the door with a hairdryer, after a while the structure should thaw and open.
For the secrets of proper operation of plastic structures, watch this video:
High-quality fittings are easily adjustable; if replacement becomes necessary, one element can be replaced without replacing all the fittings.
Features of door hardware
Before we look at how to adjust plastic balcony doors, let's understand their design and operating principle. The main components here are: double-glazed windows, a metal-plastic frame and tilt-and-turn fittings. The latter is responsible for opening, closing and tilting the sash.
Balcony fittings are a belt mechanism located along the perimeter of the door leaf. Control is carried out by a handle, the rotation of which leads to the movement of cylindrical locks relative to the counter plates installed on the fixed frame. The canvas is attached to the frame with special hinges that can carry the load created by a heavy metal-plastic frame with double-glazed windows.
Tilt and turn fittings are manufactured in such a way as to ensure convenient operation and simple setup. products For this purpose, the mechanism is equipped with several adjusting bolts, which allow:
- increase or decrease the pressure of the canvas to the frame;
- lower or raise the sash;
- adjust the horizontal position of the balcony door.
Location of adjustment elements for the plastic balcony door
How to avoid adjusting the door leaf?
As experts say, everything directly depends on the condition of the belt mechanism, and in order to extend its service life, it is recommended to carry out preventive maintenance once a year. This manipulation will help avoid breakdowns and extend the service life of the product.
It is also sometimes worthwhile to carry out the following actions:
- Clean the mechanisms with a brush from dust and other contaminants;
- Lubricate the rubber seals with silicone grease;
- Lubricate the band fittings with mineral oil.
Places where it is recommended to apply oil are marked with droplets or oil signs. After applying the product, the door must be opened and closed a couple of times to evenly distribute the composition.
In general, there is nothing complicated in adjusting the canvas and you can cope with the problem without the help of others, but if the most severe problems arise, then you need to turn to a specialist for help, who will fix everything quickly and perfectly. Also, if the door is under warranty, it is not recommended to carry out independent repairs.
Problems with plastic doors and methods for eliminating them
Standard problems are solved by point adjustment. Almost all manufacturers produce plastic balcony doors using the same technology, so the mechanism settings are identical.
Pressure adjustment for insufficient sound and heat insulation
Plastic door and window structures are characterized by a high level of sound insulation and thermal insulation. If the sound from the street calmly penetrates into the room, and in winter it is also accompanied by a cold air flow around the perimeter of the seal, the owners are sinning on the quality of the design by making claims to the manufacturing company. Usually the manufacturer has nothing to do with it, and the problem arises due to weak pressing of the sash to the frame.
Depending on the hardware manufacturer, the appearance of the trunnions may vary slightly
Inside the trunnion there is a hole with six edges, which allows you to adjust the plastic balcony door with a hex key. If you turn the eccentric mostly towards the rubber seal, the pressure will be maximum, respectively, if with a smaller part - minimum. The difference between the extreme positions of the trunnion is 2 mm, so the effect is noticeable.
If desired, the eccentrics can be adjusted several times a year. In winter, set the maximum pressure, in summer the minimum, and in spring/autumn set the trunnion to the middle position.
Pressure adjustment depending on the season
The door to the balcony does not close well - it has sagged/sagged
A situation often arises when the door leaf rubs against the frame, which forces you to put more effort into closing the balcony. Adjusting the hinges (top or bottom) will help solve this problem.
The top hinge is equipped with an adjusting bolt, which can be reached by opening the sash 90°. Rotating the bolt clockwise causes the top edge of the blade to be pulled towards the loop. Accordingly, rotating the bolt counterclockwise causes the opposite effect - the upper edge moves away from the hinge.
Adjusting the hinge of a plastic balcony door is carried out with the same tool as adjusting the trunnions
The bottom hinge has the same screw to adjust the horizontal position of the bottom edge. In this case, adjustments can be made both from the outside and from the inside. In both cases, you need to rotate the screw with the door open and check its operation after every 2 turns.
The lower loop is most often adjusted from the inside, since the slope interferes with the outside
The lower hinge performs another function - it allows you to lower or raise the sash. A vertical screw located at the top of the mechanism is designed for this. To get to it, you must first remove the decorative trim. Rotating the screw clockwise raises the door leaf, and counterclockwise causes it to lower.
Vertical adjustment can be made when the balcony door is in locked position or tilt mode
In the process of adjusting the position of the sash, it is important to maintain balance, since if you eliminate a problem in one place, you can get it in another. It is advisable to immediately determine where exactly the canvas rubs against the frame and, based on this, adjust the upper or lower hinge.
Opening the door in two positions at once
Incorrect adjustment of the fittings can lead to the opening of the balcony door in two modes at once - rotary and inclined. This can happen in the following cases.
In tilt mode, the lower corner of the sash is not fixed
If, when you turn the handle up, the door leaf not only reclines to the ventilation mode, but also opens completely, most likely the bottom of the sash has shifted towards the hinge. At the bottom of the end on the handle side there is a special lock that fixes the angle in tilt mode. For it to work correctly, the lock must fit into the mate located on the frame. If the angle is excessively shifted, locking does not occur, and the door opens in any position of the handle.
To fix the problem yourself, adjust the bottom hinge of the balcony door. Following the technology described in the previous section, slightly remove the door leaf from the hinge, thereby bringing the “problem” corner closer to the counterpart of the lock.
For normal operation of the lock, a couple of millimeters may be missing, so you should check the result after each turn
In the rotation mode, the door tilts at the same time
The problem is the sagging of the door leaf, in which the pressing eccentric located on the scissors does not reach the counterpart and does not fix the upper corner in the rotary mode. Therefore, when the handle is in a horizontal position, the sash not only rotates, but also tilts.
The solution to the problem is simple. It is enough to lift the door slightly when closed so that the upper eccentric fits into the groove of the mating part and fixes the angle. The procedure is performed by adjusting the lower loop.
To eliminate unintentional tilt, just make a few turns clockwise
Adjusting the PVC door handle
How to tighten a loose handle in 1 minute:
Adjustment instructions
Once you have discovered that the door needs adjustment, try not to put this off for too long, otherwise it may require expensive repairs (see Repairing plastic doors with your own hands). A dented seal, a displaced sash, or tight turning of the handle are clear signals that it’s time to take action.
Below are instructions on how to adjust plastic doors.
Horizontal adjustment
Most often, it is necessary to eliminate sagging that occurs due to the door’s own weight:
- Open the door to gain access to the screws that secure the trim trim. Unscrew the screws from the two top hinges with a three-millimeter hexagon.
- Close the door and remove the trim, which contains several adjustment screws. You want the longest one, positioned horizontally.
Vertical adjustment
Sometimes you need to raise or lower the entire door evenly. To understand how to adjust a plastic door vertically with your own hands, you need to find an adjusting screw at the bottom end of the hinge, directed along the axis of the hinge.
A 5mm hex wrench is needed for adjustment. Rotating it clockwise will raise the door, counterclockwise will lower it.
Pressure adjustment
The pressure adjustment of plastic doors should be changed regularly when the season changes - loosen for the summer and strengthened for the winter. This is done very simply, using the same tool - a hexagon.
- Locate the locking pin on the door frame.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in such a matter as adjusting plastic doors - the video on our website will help you understand this in more detail.
If you have more serious problems than those described here, call a specialist to your home - he will fix everything quickly and efficiently. You must call a specialist during the entire period of warranty service.
Self-service of plastic balcony doors
In order for the plastic balcony door to work properly for a long time, in addition to proper adjustment, periodically lubricate the seal and fittings. Manufacturers recommend lubricating these components at least once a year, before the start of the cold season.
Seal lubrication
The rubber seal can quickly dry out and crack if it is not lubricated in time. In addition, dry rubber often sticks to the plastic frame, which leads to an unpleasant sound when opening the sash.
The procedure is carried out using silicone lubricant, after first cleaning the rubber from dirt and debris. Liquid silicone is applied to a dry surface with a sponge or soft cloth. Some craftsmen use an aerosol for such purposes. However, in this case, the consumption will be an order of magnitude higher, since part of the material will be sprayed in vain, settling on furniture and interior items.
The best option for lubricating the rubber seal is a container with a foam tip.
Lubricating hardware
Sticking of the opening/closing mechanism is often caused by insufficient lubrication of the fittings. For such purposes, it is most convenient to use WD-40 lubricant, which has high penetrating ability. Lubricate all the locks located around the perimeter of the door leaf, including the main mechanism to which the handle is attached. Also pay attention to scissors and loops.
After lubricating, close the door and turn the handle several times to activate the lock mechanism. This will help the lubricant penetrate into remote corners.
The WD-40 container is equipped with a thin nozzle for spot lubrication in hard-to-reach places
Correction when touching the edge in the middle part
In this case, the main task is to make the adjustment by moving the blade as close to the hinges as possible. To do this, the sash is moved first in the lower loop, and then in the upper one. It is enough to adjust the plastic entrance door once a season. In most cases, there is no need to repeat the procedure.
If a dent or other damage is noticeable on the upper seals, it is recommended to replace the seal, especially when the heating season is approaching.
To prevent problems from occurring, it makes sense to install an opening limiter, which relieves part of the load and prevents the door from impacting the opening slopes. This measure will avoid damage to locking mechanisms and handles. Installing a microlift is especially important in the presence of double-glazed windows and prevents sagging. Microlifts take up a share of the load, providing additional support.