Door fittings: types, differences, recommendations for use

• Posted by Anastasia Mikitalo
• Date: December 18, 2017

Plastic doors are installed in residential premises, shops, and warehouses. And all because they have a large number of advantages, in particular, the ability to ensure tightness, which means that heat leakage will be excluded, and noise will not get inside the living space. But during installation, you need to choose the right fittings for plastic doors to ensure these functional properties.

• 2 What to consider when choosing components
• 3 Latch for plastic doors

  3.1 Video: installing a latch on a plastic door

What to consider when choosing components

A modern plastic door must meet certain requirements, in particular, it must have burglary protection, withstand significant loads, be stable and easy to maintain. All this is possible only if you choose high-quality fittings.

When choosing accessories, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

• the weight of the door leaf (the larger it is, the more reliable the hinges need to be chosen);
• method of opening the door (some models of plastic doors can be opened for ventilation like a window, which requires the installation of a special mechanism);
• the ability to adjust mechanisms, since the functionality of the door depends on this;
• manufacturer, it is better to trust trusted names and buy accessories in specialized stores.

All elements of the fittings are interconnected, and in this system it is impossible to single out the main parts. If even one part fails, the entire system will cease to function normally.

Requirements for fittings depending on the installation location

The scope of application of plastic doors dictates the rules for choosing fittings. Even models with the same methods of opening the blades require mechanisms with different characteristics. For example, fittings for a balcony door on the first floor must have a higher burglary resistance class than a similar kit for equipping a balcony block two floors above. Such criteria are explained by safety requirements, which are stricter for structures installed on the first and last floors.

The fittings for sliding doors and swing models that are installed indoors and at the entrance are also significantly different. Moreover, the difference lies not only in the level of burglary resistance. Mechanisms for equipping external structures are subject to more stringent requirements based on several criteria:

• corrosion resistance;
• load capacity;
• closing speed;
• wear resistance.

When choosing fittings for such doors, you must focus on all of the listed parameters at once. Ignoring at least one of them leads to distortions, problems with tightness, heat loss, and a decrease in the level of safety. For each situation, it is necessary to individually select a set of accessories . Only in this case will the optimal characteristics of the product from profile systems be ensured.

The highest demands are placed on fittings that are used in the manufacture of entrance doors for use in high-traffic areas. In addition to the previously listed parameters, in this case it is also necessary to additionally take into account the number of complete operating cycles. In such situations, you need to buy door fittings designed for intensive use. Otherwise, the blades may sag, the paint on the handle-brackets may peel off, or the lock and closer will stop working correctly.

Fasteners and their varieties

To fix the door position the following can be used:

• bolts;

  Espagnols have a simple design

• door handle locks;

  There may be a hidden lock in the door handle

• special handles for fixation.

Each of these types of fixation has its own advantages and disadvantages.

An espagnolette is a device that is attached to the outside of the door. After the door closes, the latch must be pressed and the mechanism latched. This design is quite simple, but at the same time quite reliable and durable, ensuring the door is sealed. The latch can serve for a long period of time. But this design also has disadvantages:

• unaesthetic;
• inability to use if hands are busy;
• incompatibility of structural parts in the event of misalignment of the doors, which will not make it possible to fix the door in the closed position.

A lock in a door handle is rarely used when installing a plastic door. An exception is the entrance doors to a private house, this allows you to protect your home from burglary.

The locking handle is not a full-fledged lock

The locking handle is not used as a full-fledged lock, but rather as an additional one that helps to press the door leaves so that other locks or latches work. It can be equipped with so-called child protection, that is, a child will not be able to open such a door on his own.

Why do you need a counterplate?

The strike plate is an important part of metal-plastic and plastic products. High-quality contact with the mortise is achieved through the action of the lock and the strike plate. The function of the slats is to ensure a tight fit and prevent unexpected opening of the window or door. Strikers are installed around the entire perimeter of the window in an impost, frame or frame. When choosing this element of fittings, you need to know the manufacturer and production series, and the axis of displacement of the groove.

The classification of strikers is based on the principle of operation and window opening scheme:

• Shtulpovaya;
• Tilt&Turn;
• Ventilation bar;
• Bar for double-leaf windows without piers.

The door strike plate has slots for bolts, bolts and cylinders. It performs the following functions: technical (prevents the box from wear) and decorative (hides the perforation of the box). Preference in choosing the material for the strip is often given to metal, since it is strong and durable in service. There are anti-burglary samples that can further secure the premises. The construction market offers a wide selection of suppliers involved in the manufacture of these mechanisms.

Depending on popularity, there are several types of strikers:

• Right and left;
• Universal;
• Installed under a bolt or latch;
• Regulated and unregulated;
• With and without influx.

The strike plate is an indispensable component of the functioning of the door. This mechanism provides comfort, coziness, and protection from bad weather, whether in residential or non-residential premises.

Door closer for plastic door

The closer ensures smooth closing of the door and eliminates noise from this process. This is especially true in rooms where there are often drafts. Despite the apparent complexity of the design, the structure of the closer is quite simple. This element consists of a housing with a spring system. They are responsible for the smooth closing of the door.

There is a spring inside the closer

The operating principle is as follows:

1. The design has a lever in which the gear is located. It is located on the axis. When the door is opened, the gear rotates and the spring is compressed.
2. After the impact on the door stops, the spring begins to gradually return to its original position. At the same time, it pushes the piston, which sets the gear in motion, and it, in turn, pushes the lever, which closes the door, and does it smoothly.

   If desired, the door closing speed can be adjusted

For a plastic door, you need to choose the right type of closer, taking into account the weight of the door, the design of the system, and financial capabilities. You should be guided by the following rules:

• each closer is able to withstand a certain load, but it is better to focus on maximum performance;
• you need to be sure that there is space in your home to install a door with a closer;
• the dimensions of the closer must be correlated with the dimensions of the door;
• in the event that a plastic door will be used as an entrance to a private house, it makes sense to purchase a structure that can withstand low air temperatures well.

If you wish, you can install a door closer on a plastic door yourself. To do this you need:

1. Determine which way the door opens. This is what determines which part of the closer is attached to the frame and canvas. If the door opens in the same direction as the closer itself, then the device itself must be attached to the frame, and the lever must be attached to the door leaf. Otherwise, the installation occurs exactly the opposite.

   It is very important to install the door closer on the correct side

2. Fix all the parts in the right places. For fastening, you can use special screws, which usually come with the door closer itself. Fastening must be done in such a way that the screws point towards the hinges.
3. Check the functionality of the structure and make adjustments if necessary.

Video: instructions for installing a door closer on a plastic door

Design features of PVC doors

Most door blocks with different opening methods consist of a frame and leaves. This applies to all modifications:

• swing;
• sliding;
• foldable;
• combined.

The specific method of opening the door panels is provided by door fittings , which in some cases are identical to window fittings. The main difference is the load capacity of the hinges or running carriages. For door fittings it is higher, since there are more panels than the weight of the window sashes. However, the operating principles of such systems are similar.

However, identical mechanisms are not used for all doors. Door and interior models are equipped with other fittings. The difference is explained by operating features and some design differences. Regardless of the method of opening the door leaves, door hardware includes opening mechanisms and locking systems.

At the same time, sliding and folding systems are made into an independent type of door hardware. They are divided into several types and are considered separately. Since swing doors are currently the most common , door fittings for them are in the highest demand.

Handles and their types

Without handles, doors will not function properly. This applies to all doors, including plastic ones. In this case, you have the opportunity to select an element of one of three types:

• stationary - a handle without any mechanisms that does not lock the door (it is used extremely rarely when installing a plastic door);

  Stationary handles serve as support for opening the door

• push - have a simple mechanism, help to lock the door by the presence of a so-called tongue, which goes into a hole in the door leaf;

  Lever handles can be equipped with a halyard or roller latch mechanism

• rotary - open the doors by turning the handle, allow you to set the doors to ventilation mode (can be equipped with a lock).

Handles for plastic doors also differ in other parameters:

• opening method: one- and two-way (in the second case, the door can be opened both from the outside and from the inside);
• mounting method: mortise and overhead.

Handles can be made of different materials:

1. Plastic. This material is used most often. This handle can withstand any load. This makes them more reliable than metal ones. However, plastic handles are more affordable.
2. Metal. As a rule, light metals are used for handles on plastic doors, for example, aluminum or alloys with brass or steel. At the same time, it is the anodized aluminum alloy that retains all the strength qualities of other metals, but remains light.

Sometimes it makes sense to choose a more expensive pen made of high-quality material rather than a more beautiful one, but less durable, because it will have to be changed often.

PVC doors

Plastic profiles are increasingly being used for the manufacture of entrance and interior doors. PVC doors are frame structures filled with double-glazed windows and sandwich panels. Currently, PVC doors are equipped with:

• entrance structures;
• interior openings;
• office partitions;
• glazing of verandas, terraces, balconies.

Door blocks assembled from metal-plastic systems are gradually taking the place of traditional models made of steel, natural wood, and MDF. Translucent structures made from PVC profiles are used in the construction of residential, commercial and municipal buildings with different architectural styles.

Hardware repair

When using a plastic door, various problems may arise, for example, with a mechanical latch. The most common can be considered:

1. The latch does not secure the door position. To eliminate this problem, it is recommended to add several metal washers under the cylinder. If the latch still functions correctly, but the door is easily opened by the wind, you should install another latch.
2. The latch is tight, making it quite difficult to close the door. The problem can be solved by lubricating the mechanism with oil.

Problems may also arise with other plastic door fittings; there may be several reasons:

• physical deterioration;
• improper installation of fittings;
• inconsistency with the assembly technology of PVC door leaves.

The result of this could be:

1. Door sagging. This problem can be solved by adjusting the hinges. This should be done as follows: Mark the place where the sash touches the frame.
2. After this, move the sash in the direction opposite to this place. For example, if the sash touches the frame in the lower right corner, then the sash needs to be moved up or to the left.
3. You need to insert a hex key into the slot of the top hinge screw and move it clockwise. This must be done until the loop is pressed.
4. Do similar actions with the bottom loop.

   Hinge adjustment can be vertical or horizontal

Additional fittings for balcony doors

In addition to the mandatory ones, modern manufacturers also supply the market with additional hardware components. They are used to increase the functionality and usability of the entire structure as a whole. Locks primarily fall into this category. But some consumers, as well as manufacturers, have long believed that locking mechanisms are better added to the mandatory design. And if in high-rise buildings locks on the balcony doors are not mandatory, but on small floors or in private houses they are considered a necessity to protect the interior space from penetration.

There are also other components that can be classified as additional accessories:

• Special magnets for fixation. They are designed so that the door can be pressed tightly from the outside, and without using the locking mechanism, or the handle itself and fittings inside it;

• Comb. This is also a kind of locking mechanism, which in its appearance resembles a hair comb, on the basis of which the corresponding name was obtained. It is a hook with several divisions, which is fixed on the profile. And another component is installed on the door, which fits into the division and fixes the door in a certain position. This way you can adjust the level of ventilation, close the door loosely, and not worry that it will be damaged in windy weather;

• Closers. Today, many people use these mechanisms in homes, apartments, commercial premises or office buildings. Closers are mechanisms by which it is possible to slow down the door when closing and ensure its smooth operation;

• Locking mechanisms. These devices are used to fix the door in an open or half-open position;

• Children's bollards, or cable bollards. These are products that fix and block the opening of the door. For example, if a child starts to open the door, he will not be able to open it more than 10 cm (or 15-20, depending on the characteristics of the blocker itself);

Many of the additional hardware components are very useful; they make everyday tasks easier and increase the standard functionality of the device. Like other mechanisms, additional fittings require periodic maintenance, cleaning and lubrication.

Opening limiters

When it comes to additional fittings, it is the sash opening limiters that are initially considered. This is due to the fact that the door to the balcony is the main supplier of fresh air to the apartment. But it is not possible to keep it open all the time, because then a lot of dust flies inside. If the weather is cool, then with the door open the apartment will quickly cool down, it will become cold and uncomfortable to be in.

First of all, they buy combs. These are optimal devices that allow you to fix the position of the door with exactly the hole that is required. For example, a hole of 3-5 cm is ideal for quick ventilation in winter. If you increase it by 7-10 cm, then you can quickly ventilate the apartment in the fall. And if it’s raining outside, then you can set the bar at 15 cm so that the apartment is cool, fresh and with a sufficient level of humidity.

There are also cable locks and limiters. They do not fix the position of the door like a comb, but do not allow it to open more than the specified value. It is better not to use such clamps if the region is very windy. It is also not recommended to leave them if residents leave the apartment for several hours. In strong winds, the door will begin to bang and the hardware components will become damaged and wear will increase.

Accessories for organizing micro-ventilation

Micro-ventilation is a process that guarantees the entry of fresh air inside. Since many people are now switching from plastic to wooden frame structures, the issue of ventilation is quite acute. Plastic does not allow air to pass through, it is sealed.

Among the ventilation devices, the following are considered:

• Handle position controls. Installed inside the door handle mechanism. When the handle is placed in a position between "closed" and "open", a small gap is created. Fresh air enters through it. At the same time, the air stream is narrow enough that the air has time to warm up. Therefore, the microclimate in the room almost does not suffer and remains comfortable for residents.

• Climate valve. This is a special device that allows air inside, but preheats or cools it (depending on the season of use). Modern climate valves can work automatically, but if you buy an old or budget model, you will need to adjust it manually. If the temperature outside is quite comfortable, for example, in the off-season, then heating or cooling can be turned off altogether. Then ventilation will be carried out with minimal energy losses.

The fittings used for micro-ventilation must be of high quality. If there are consumables, for example, filters for air purification, then they must be changed periodically so that they consistently cope with the assigned tasks and purify the air that penetrates inside. If there are moving mechanisms, then they need to be cleaned and lubricated. Dust and debris can also get inside through them, which can negatively affect the health of residents.

Hinges are the main load-bearing element

They are a movable mechanism that rotates the door leaf to open and close it. The mechanism consists of two loops: upper and lower, which have different designs. The hinges bear the main load arising from the weight of the door (conventional models are designed for a weight of 90-150 kg).

Their installation is carried out directly by the manufacturer and, as a rule, independent installation is not provided. The type of hinges depends on the dimensions of the product and the choice of locking hardware.

Since the door leaf may sag during operation, the design of the hinges provides for the possibility of adjusting them in the horizontal, vertical direction and location relative to the door frame. For the manufacture of hinges, anti-corrosion alloys of zinc, aluminum, and magnesium are used.

Improving the design using a closer

Plastic doors, the fittings of which are of an expensive or middle class, may include an element such as a door closer.

The task of this element is to smoothly close the door leaf. You will get rid of the slamming shutter, it will close as tightly and smoothly as possible, the door will close on its own, and a draft will not interfere with its operation. Such a mechanism will help protect the glass unit, which can break from a sharp bang, and will extend the service life of hinges and other moving structural elements.

There are three types of closers:

• The lower ones are at the bottom of the canvas.
• The upper ones are located at the top of the structure.
• Hidden ones are placed inside plastic elements. They are almost invisible from the outside and do not spoil the interior, as they do not attract any attention to themselves.

Conventional locks are not suitable for plastic doors. Read in our material how to choose a lock for a plastic door. To protect children, you can put a lock on the window or balcony door. Read more in our article “Children’s lock for a plastic or wooden window.”

How to choose a handle for a plastic window is described at the link https://oknanagoda.com/okna/plastik/furnitura/ruchki-dlya-plastikovykh-okon-vybor-usta.html.

Types of balcony blocks

The choice of the type of plastic balcony block depends on the width of the doorway on the balcony, the height of the ceiling, and the preferences of the owners.

Single door model

A balcony block, consisting of one sash and a window, is the most common option. Most apartments in the standard layout between the living room and the balcony have a low partition “under the window” and a narrow passage to accommodate a single-leaf model. Dismantling the balcony partition allows you to place the door structure in any design. But usually the old wooden block is simply replaced with a new plastic window with a balcony door, maintaining the geometry of the room.

You need to replace the old door on the balcony together with the window, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve the tightness of the balcony block.

The single-leaf model comes in two types. In the first option, the double-glazed window occupies only the upper half of the canvas; a plastic sandwich panel is placed in the lower part. The second option involves full glazing in the French style.

Single-leaf balcony block with partially glazed sash

Double-leaf model

In terms of efficiency, the double-leaf option is preferable, as it lets in more light. However, to use it you need a wide opening that would allow you to place two canvases at once. Some models only open one half.

At the request of the owners, two doors can be opened at once. This will cost more, but will provide wide access to the balcony. And if such a door is made in the French style, the balcony block will look very attractive.

Double-leaf plastic door with full glazing

Transom design

The standard height of a PVC balcony door varies between 200-210 cm. In “Stalin” buildings and some new buildings the ceilings are higher, so an upper transom is additionally installed. Usually such an element is made blind; in some cases it is possible to place an opening transom.

The fanlight window is located at an inconvenient height for manual opening. For convenience, transoms are equipped with an automatic opening system with remote control.

Balcony block with transom

What is a pressure point?

The tightness of the valves depends on many factors, but first of all it is influenced by the number of pressure points. Their correct location around the perimeter of the window opening is also important. Pressure points are the places where, after turning the handle to the “Closed” mode, a mechanical force occurs, pressing the sash into the frame. In modern fittings, they are located mainly in those places where the locking pins (eccentrics) extend beyond the strike plates. These elements of window fittings are made in such a way that when they are combined, the sash is pressed into the light opening with force and does not allow water, dirt, air and noise to pass through.

Seal – element of protection from external influences

The task of the seals is to create a comfortable microclimate in the room, regardless of the weather conditions outside the window. The tightness of the entire structure of the balcony block depends on their quality characteristics. Not a single, even the most progressive energy-saving double-glazed window without installing a seal in it can provide protection from:

• heat in summer and cold in winter;
• dust and humidity due to natural precipitation;
• wind and noise coming from the street;
• condensation from the temperature difference in the room and behind the glass.

For the manufacture of seals, durable, elastic materials are used, such as polyvinyl chloride, silicone, rubber, thermopolymers that are resistant to deformation, exposure to sunlight, temperature changes and moisture. In case of mechanical damage, they can be easily replaced independently.