In order to ensure trouble-free operation, you need to monitor the technical condition of the PVC balcony door. Repairing plastic balcony doors is best done regularly. Often, minor problems arise that require a minimum of time to resolve. Double-glazed windows do not need to be repaired as often, since their sashes do not sag under their own weight.
Swing system made of PVC profile.
Sliding mechanism for balcony plastic structure.
Features of PVC structures
Currently, most structures for window and balcony openings are made from PVC profiles. The company that installs the double-glazed windows also carries out technical control during the warranty period and eliminates faults free of charge. However, after the warranty expires, the likelihood of breakdowns only increases, so it is important to understand how the balcony sash is repaired.
Repair of the swing system lock on the loggia.
Hinged sash with additional secure locks.
Sliding system lock repair.
Sliding opening system.
If there are drafts in the house
Over time, the rubber of the seal wrinkles, loses elasticity and no longer provides proper tightness. In this case, replacing the old rubber cord with a new one will help repair the plastic balcony door. The profile height and shape of the lock must match the old one or be as close as possible to its dimensions. German products have good reviews. The cord should be taken with a small margin.
A plastic door can be properly repaired only after dismantling it and removing the interfering upper hinge. It is easier to start removing the old cord from the places of greatest bending - in the corners. The grooves are cleaned of dust and traces of glue at the joint. The new seal for the balcony door is tucked in from the joint - in the middle of the upper groove, and freely along the entire perimeter of the door, without tension or gluing. After cutting in place and aligning the ends, the ends of the cord are glued to the groove and to each other. The seal on the door frame is replaced in the same way.
The door sags
To eliminate sagging, use hexagons to repair fittings.
Work order:
1. Remove the plugs from the hinges;
2. The top screw allows you to adjust the structure vertically using a hexagon. To do this, turn the tool clockwise. This way the fabric will be attracted to the loop;
3. The end screw moves the structure horizontally;
4. If necessary, adjust another loop.
What to do if the glass unit has moved and the door does not close?
- We dismantle the glazing beads that secure the glass unit. We carry out the work with special blades;
- We separate the glass unit from the canvas in the hinge area using a spatula. We fill the gap with a plastic gasket;
- We check the quality of work - the mechanism should close normally.
- Installation of glazing beads in their original place.
How to eliminate a squeak
The creaking of hinges not only causes discomfort when using the structure, but also serves as a signal that the factory lubricant has been used up and a new batch is required, otherwise the fittings may fail. For convenience and accuracy of work, it is better to use a syringe, which must be filled with any machine oil. Subsequence:
- Remove the top hinge plugs and pour oil into the hole.
- Make several opening-closing movements so that the lubricant is distributed more evenly and quickly. Make sure the squeak has disappeared.
- Remove excess oil and close the plugs.
It's blowing from the balcony door
Thanks to the PVC seal, the PVC structure is airtight; air and dust from the balcony do not spontaneously enter the room.
During operation, cracks may appear on the material, sometimes it loses its shape or breaks. If this stage of wear has reached, it is better to replace the sealing tape.
Correct sequence:
- You should buy new material that will fully match the previous one (in type and size);
- We dismantle the old tape;
- The groove should be thoroughly cleaned of glue residues and accumulated dust;
- We install a new seal; the tape can be pressed with your finger, but not pulled (the groove must be dry). The sealant is laid starting from the bottom. This principle is easy to explain: if part of the tape comes off during operation, it will not sag;
- The final step is to cut off the ends of the seal and fix the laid edges of the material with glue. The door should not be closed while the glue is drying.
To increase the service life of the seal, the material must be coated every six months with a special agent that will prevent it from drying out. You can purchase the protective composition from PVC window manufacturers.
When replacing a glass unit, the sealing tape should also be replaced.
Assessing the magnitude of the problem
Before you grab a tool and try to repair a plastic balcony door yourself, you must first figure out whether there is any point in repairing it at all and how realistic it is to do it specifically in your case. Let's start with radical breakdowns, fortunately there are not many of them.
- A double-glazed window is broken - it is clear that you cannot seal the broken glass; you just need to replace it. Theoretically, you can remove the glazing beads, measure the dimensions of the broken double-glazed window and order a similar one. But we do not advise you to do this, such structures are made with certain tolerances and only a professional can take into account these tolerances, so call a specialist;
It is better to call a specialist to measure the broken glass and install a new one.
- Broken fittings – the weak point of any plastic structure is the abundance of hinged and locking fittings. So, if the hinges are torn out “with meat” or the metal strips responsible for the ventilation mode are broken, it is also worth calling a specialist. Each manufacturer has its own hardware characteristics and it is not a fact that you will be able to buy the same mechanism;
The selection and complete replacement of fittings on plastic doors should be entrusted to a specialist.
- The profile is cracked - it is useless to cover up a serious crack in the profile with any sealants; only a complete replacement of the section will help, and a new part can only be made in the factory.
If a radical malfunction is detected, it is necessary to completely change the section.
By the way, if you are thinking about completely replacing the balcony block, then in order not to make a mistake again, it is advisable to know all the weak points of plastic structures. You can find detailed information on choosing the doors themselves, as well as window glass, double-glazed windows “HERE” .
The door handle is loose
This procedure is considered the simplest when compared with other problems. Depending on the degree of damage, this element can be tightened in the right places, adjusted or replaced.
If the handle becomes loose, you need to turn the base bar 90 degrees. This will make it possible to regulate the screws that attract the element to the PVC profile. In order to better fix the part, use a screwdriver.
Self-adjustment of self-tapping screws using a screwdriver.
The need for replacement may become apparent unexpectedly when inspecting the mechanism.
Let's look at the procedure:
- Turn the handle or part that is preserved parallel to the floor;
- Remove the plug located at the base (rotate 90 degrees);
- Unscrew the screws using a Phillips screwdriver;
- We remove the handle together with the rod from the structure;
- We install a new mechanism in the socket. If the rod is too long, you need to saw it off using a special machine;
- We fix the screws. In the process, you need to control the force to avoid damage to the handle itself or the PVC profile;
- We mount the latch back, masking the screws;
- We check the installed part, namely the door clamp and the free movement of the handle.
Removing the handle with a Phillips screwdriver.
Usually, the handle is installed from the inside of the room, but this is not always convenient.
If you spend a lot of time on the loggia, you can make a special latch and an element on the outside that helps tighten the door.
To begin with, determine the scope of work
The most common “disease” of any door is rubbing, caused by weakening or displacement of the hinges. In this case, replacement of fittings is required extremely rarely; usually it is enough to carry out adjustment work. Before undertaking the repair of plastic balcony doors, it is recommended to watch a video that clearly demonstrates the upcoming process.
To work you will need:
- hex key for the slot of the adjusting bolt (usually 4 mm);
- Phillips and straight screwdrivers;
- steel hammer;
- pliers;
- sharp knife;
- narrow spatula;
- rubber or wooden hammer (for working with glazing).
Repairing a balcony door begins with inspecting the hinges for loose fasteners and checking the diagonals of the door. A noticeable change in the rectangularity of the canvas is rare and can be eliminated by adjusting the spacer inserts that push the glass unit apart. Removing glazing beads for this procedure is discussed below.
If everything is in order with the door and replacement of the seal is not required, proceed immediately to adjusting the hinges.
There are cracks in the plastic
Restoring the surface of plastic means eliminating cracks and scratches.
Plastic recovery methods:
1. Minor damage can be removed with a special composition “Cosmofen”. After exposure to the product, the surface is covered with “liquid plastic”.
2. When repairing significant flaws in plastic, use cosmetic glue to fill the gaps. White sealant is also suitable for sealing deep cracks. After the aggregate has dried, the surface is sanded using fine sandpaper.
3. The final stage of restoration is surface treatment with a special construction pencil.
The glass unit is broken
It is better to entrust this work to professionals in order to avoid unpleasant consequences: condensation, frozen glass, problems with operation. If the warranty period is valid, you should contact the company that installed the PVC structure. Installing it yourself may have a negative impact on appearance.
If one glass is damaged, the glass unit must be replaced completely. This will preserve the hydro- and thermal insulation of the structure.
Repair kit
On the eve of work, it is better to purchase all the necessary materials in advance, so as not to waste time searching during the process. You will need the following materials :
- New fittings to replace broken parts.
- Plastic gaskets.
- Liquid plastic and sealant (to repair scratches or cracks in plastic).
- If there are cracks in the glass unit itself, it is better to replace it. It is advisable to entrust the determination of exact dimensions to specialists.
- New insulation will be needed if the system was installed a long time ago (regardless of the presence of visible damage). In this case, the material can be replaced in advance to avoid problems.
What reasons lead to breakdowns
- Error by installers during the installation process and incorrect adjustment of fittings;
- Shrinkage of the new building and deformation of the structure;
- Incorrect operation of PVC structures;
- Excessive exposure to the sun (if the sun's rays constantly fall on the balcony);
- Sudden changes in air temperature.
If such problems arise during operation, repairs are necessary. Moreover, such malfunctions can be eliminated independently, without the involvement of experienced specialists. In order for the work to be successful, you should objectively analyze the volume of work and the availability of free time. If you estimate that there is not enough free time, then turn to professionals.
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How much does it cost: average prices
When ordering services, you must take into account that most companies do not work with customer materials , that is, you need to clarify which brand is used.
The cost includes the price of products and installation; there is a minimum amount for a free visit (for example, if the order is over 2,500 rubles). The figure depends on the brand of fittings: there are expensive products (MACO, ROTO), mid-segment (Winkhaus) and cheap (Turkish Vorne, Kale). They charge a separate fee for lubrication and adjustment - this significantly affects the final estimate.
Average prices for replacing a complete set of fittings (without cleaning, lubrication, adjustment) range from 4,000 to 6,000 rubles.
