Gone are the days when handles for plastic doors consisted of 5 - 7 modest models; now it is a whole industry. Let's try to understand the types and materials from which such fittings are made, find out its weak points and repair methods, and the craftsmen will learn how to install a handle on a plastic door with their own hands.
According to statistics, door handles for PVC doors are replenished with new models every month
Selection rules
A handle corresponding to certain parameters is installed on the balcony door:
- Resistance to temperature changes. This is especially important when the balcony is not glazed. For example, a metal handle can burn your hand due to exposure to temperature in summer and freeze your hand in winter. But handles made of plastic and wood do not have this drawback. Aluminum models are more expensive, but last longer.
- Moisture resistance. Condensation forms on the handle due to temperature changes. A high-quality model is not destroyed by corrosion and remains operational for a long time.
- Safety. Unglazed balconies on the lower floors require protection from illegal entry into the apartment. The double-sided handle is dangerous. For security, the outer part must be equipped with a lock.
- Thermal protection. The design and location of the handle should provide good tightness, which means maximum protection from cold air. There are designs with a protective device.
- Easy to use. Not everyone wants to fiddle with the locking device for a long time when they get onto the balcony to hang out their laundry or smoke. There are simple shell-shaped handles that can be easily opened by hand and are not affected by a gust of wind.
- Convenient design. The handle should have an easy and smooth move, in addition, be fixed in a certain position. It is believed that a high-quality handle is designed for 20 thousand turns.
Why is a double-sided handle bad?
Along with many advantages, there is also a disadvantage that can be called big. This disadvantage is a decrease in the level of security. Not surprising, because the handle, which opens from the street side on the balcony, can be an excellent option for intruders to enter the premises. However, manufacturers have thought through this nuance by equipping the double-sided handles with anti-burglary mechanisms.
First of all, the issue of safety should concern people living on the first or last floors, where it is easiest for unwanted individuals to enter. If the balcony is glazed or equipped with a grille through which no one can get in, then you can safely consider the option of a double-sided handle. But you still need to control so that part of the door structure is not open. At a minimum, this will help maintain a normal temperature level in the room.
Design differences
The handles used on balcony doors are divided into three groups.
- Stationary.
Stationary handles
Such models are not associated with a locking mechanism. They are attached to the door leaf. Their shape is comfortable for the hand. The door opens by simply pulling the handle.
Very often the handles have the shape of a petal made of plastic. Another option is a shell made of aluminum.
Aluminum shell handle
Typically, these handles are installed on the outside of the door to cover it, for example, in case of smoking. At this moment, the magnetic latch holds the door.
- Push.
This model has a latch. Its tongue is controlled by pressing the handle. If the handle is pressed, the tongue disengages from the strike plate and the door opens easily. When pressed, the tongue is in the striker and does not allow the door to open.
Push handle models are available in two versions:
- One-sided. Opening is possible from one side of the door, which increases security against penetration from the balcony.
How to repair fittings
Accessories may fail in one way or another during use. There are two most common types of breakdowns.
The first option is that the latch fails to lock the door in one position. Then the repair comes down to adding two metal washers under its cylinder. Well, if the fixation, at first glance, is correct, but this does not prevent the slightest breeze from opening the door, you need to add another latch.
The second problem is the tight latch. It may make it difficult to change the door position. Then you need to lubricate the mechanism with oil.
About attaching the handles
Based on the method of fastening, door handles are divided into two groups:
- Invoices.
This method of fastening is used for stationary fittings for all models of handles. They are attached to the outside of the door leaf. The installation method is very simple: a hole is drilled in the canvas for a metal pin. After this, two handles are placed on both sides of it and secured with self-tapping screws.
- Mortise.
This method of fastening is more reliable. The handle mechanism is located inside the blade.
In this design, the handle does not become loose, and it is not easy to remove it. The mechanism is factory mounted, therefore it is highly reliable.
Latches are usually used along with door handles. They do not lock the door, but keep it closed. These devices differ in their operating principle:
- Roller. The roller is held on a metal plate. A plate with a groove is attached to the door. When closed, the roller is held by a spring inside the groove, and the door does not open.
It is enough to apply a little force to fix the position of the door. The system is highly reliable, however, when the web sag, adjustment is required.
- Falevaya. The principle of operation is no different from the roller version, except for installing a beveled tongue. A stationary handle must be used for fixation.
- Magnetic. A convenient option, regardless of the condition of the balcony door. Thanks to the magnetic field, the door is held tightly in the closed position. The mechanism of two magnets has an unlimited service life.
Types of plastic doors
The design includes a frame and filling. The frame is a profile with three or five chambers, reinforced with stiffening ribs. The profile can be made entirely of plastic, or have a metal frame, which gives significant strength to the entire structure. A distinctive feature of this structure is the possibility of obtaining a product of any shape: the door leaf can be traditionally rectangular, arched, triangular, round, and so on. Designers willingly use the possibilities of a plastic door. In the photo I will present a rounded version.
The filling can be different: the sashes are made as solid - a three-layer sandwich panel with a sheet of steel inside, or as a double-glazed window. This ratio is combined. The most common option is in which the lower part is plastic and the upper part is translucent. However, recently an option in which both parts of the door are transparent has also been widely used.
- Balcony - the sash has less weight compared to other types; the profile, as a rule, is entirely plastic. The balcony structure is not designed for the installation of a lock and a closer, and the fittings supplied in the kit have a special function: the sash must provide a high level of insulation, so it is pressed very tightly against the frame riser. A regular handle does not provide such a tight rebate.
- Interior - both a completely plastic profile and a reinforced one are used. The second option, judging by the reviews, is more applicable in offices. It is recommended to choose glass or solid filling based on personal preferences. As a rule, translucent structures are used for private homes in order not to lose the level of illumination. A wide variety of glass is used: colored, frosted, patterned, stained glass, and so on. In the photo there is a door with colored glass.
Interior designs allow the installation of closers and handles with latches and locks.
- Entrance - only a reinforced five-chamber profile and special armored or impact-resistant glass are used. In terms of safety level, such a door reaches category 3. In this case, it is permissible to install complex reliable locks.
About material and shape
Various colors of handles for every taste
The door handle is under high load. Metal and plastic models can easily withstand it.
The most popular plastic handles. They fully comply with the requirements of balcony doors.
Fiberglass handles have a low price and a wide range. Their disadvantage is low strength.
Handles made of aluminum and alloys are highly durable.
In addition, they have different shades, are light in weight, and are resistant to temperature changes.
There are handles of different shapes. It is convenient to use curved models; you can choose a handle under the blinds that fits close to the canvas.
Handle installation
The balcony handle is particularly durable. But cases cannot be ruled out when it breaks due to improper use. In this case, most often the handle is changed.
To perform the replacement, you do not need much experience, and you need simple tools: drill, screwdriver, screwdrivers.
Let's look at the sequence of installing door handles.
- Stationary.
Installing a handle in the shape of a petal or shell is easy. To place it comfortably on the door, the handle is tried on in different places.
Two holes are drilled for the mounting bolts. After installation is completed, the mounting points are closed with plugs.
But the petal-shaped handle, in addition to its main function, plays the role of a plug.
- One-sided.
Initially, the fastening of the broken handle is removed, or a new hole is drilled to fit the pin.
Installation occurs in the following sequence:
- the handle is inserted into the mechanism, then moved to the “open” position;
- Self-tapping screws are used to fasten it to the door leaf. It is important that the handle is poorly reinforced and wears out quickly;
- After fastening, the decorative strip is installed on the fastener.
- Double sided.
This handle simplifies the process of using the balcony door, but reduces the level of protection against unauthorized entry.
Changing the double-sided handle is not difficult. To install such a model, you need to perform the following operations:
- after dismantling the old handle, the mechanism is moved to the open position;
- the central hole in the door leaf is drilled out to its full thickness. In this case, it is not necessary to remove the mechanism, but you can drill a hole with a 5 mm drill and then drill it out from the outside;
- a handle is installed on the outside of the door;
- the rotating mechanism is inserted into the prepared place and brought under the outer handle;
- The length of the control pin between the handles is selected. The excess part is removed;
- The inner handle is placed on the pin and secured. The fastener is closed with a plug;
- installation is completed by checking: the mechanism should close easily and the handle should not dangle.
If you have any questions, watch this helpful video:
Additional aspects
- When choosing a balcony door handle for a plastic door product, you need to check whether the selected model meets all the requirements;
- You need to make sure that it moves smoothly and easily;
- You should check whether it can be fixed in a certain position.
- A metal rod should be included with it;
- The component of the fittings must be provided with a warranty.
Major manufacturers of door hardware claim that their handles can withstand up to 2000 turns.
Features of care
In addition, even in the process of choosing this element, you need to ask the consultant in the store about the features of caring for the product . Usually there are no difficulties with this. Proper care of door hardware includes the following:
- it is necessary to regularly inspect the door handle;
- if necessary, the mechanism should be adjusted.
If serious problems arise with the fittings, then in this case the best solution is to replace the accessory with a new one. Let us note that adjusting the fittings, as well as replacing them, is a simple task that any room owner can handle.
Latch installation
A latch is used to securely fix the door together with the handle. The sequence of installation work for latches is different.
- Magnetic.
After determining the location, the magnetic plate is attached to the door structure. The metal plate is located at the end of the door, strictly opposite the magnet.
Initially, the plates are loosely fastened, and after checking, final fastening is made.
- Roller.
At the end of the door there is a roller on a plate, and in the door jamb there is a strike plate.
The roller must fit into the strike plate
