When do balcony doors need adjusting?
The correct alignment of balcony door and window leaves is always carried out by fitters right at the start, whilst the joinery is being installed in the opening. However, over time, as the house settles and is used, the structure moves, so the correct alignment may change.
Whether they are balcony doors or windows, we should take care of them – if we do not adjust the door pressure on balcony doors regularly, it will become necessary when the door leaves stop closing properly and we start to feel draughts. It may also happen that when opening the door, we feel resistance in the sash’s movement, an uncomfortable jerking of the handle, or hear worrying noises.
– Balcony doors are often among the most heavily used elements of a home’s joinery, and they are frequently quite heavy. Resistance when turning the handle, creaking, or the door leaf rubbing against the frame are warning signs that should not be ignored. Proper adjustment takes just a few minutes and can prevent permanent deformation of the fittings or seals – says Piotr Bargieł, DAKO Product Manager in the PVC Group.
Leaky balcony doors – what are the causes?
Leakage in balcony doors can result from many factors. The most common is the door leaf „sagging” on its hinges due to wear and tear, which is not a product defect but a result of normal use. Other possible reasons include wear and tear on the seals, incorrect fitting of the door leaf in the frame, and building settlement, which can affect the door’s geometry.
Remember that draughty doors can lead to heat loss in winter and the ingress of moisture, which negatively affects the comfort of the rooms and carries other risks, often invisible to the naked eye.
Adjusting balcony doors for winter and summer
Adjusting balcony doors according to the season is essential to ensure the structure is properly sealed and to maintain thermal comfort indoors. There are many companies on the market today that can do this for us, although the whole process is straightforward and simply involves loosening or tightening a few screws.
In winter, it is worth increasing the pressure of the sash against the frame, which will prevent cold air from entering. In summer, however, reducing the pressure can improve ventilation, which will increase thermal comfort indoors.
– Seasonal adjustment of the pressure, commonly referred to as summer and winter modes, is the simplest way to ease the strain on the household budget. In winter, by pressing the sash more firmly against the frame, we eliminate micro-ventilation, which could cool rooms down in sub-zero temperatures. In summer, on the other hand, loosening this pressure allows the seals to regain their elasticity, which is important for their longevity. After each adjustment, it is worth checking whether the handle still operates smoothly – too much pressure can put excessive strain on the locking mechanisms – adds the expert.
Adjusting balcony doors – should you do it yourself or is it better to hire a professional?
Adjusting balcony doors yourself is possible and can yield the desired results, especially if you have the right tools and skills. However, for more complex issues, such as adjusting sliding doors diagonally or replacing seals in balcony doors, it is worth considering the services of professionals who can provide expert assistance.
Piotr Bargieł points out something else:
– If you feel that the door leaf requires more diagonal adjustment or the problem is a draught at the threshold itself, it will be safer and more reliable to call an authorised service. A specialist will carry out the necessary adjustments and, whilst they’re at it, can check the technical condition of the entire system.
The cost of adjusting balcony doors
The cost of adjusting balcony doors may vary depending on the scope of work, the type of door system and the region. On average, the price of such a service ranges from PLN 100 to PLN 300, depending on the complexity of the adjustment and whether seals or other components need replacing. It is worth considering doing the adjustment yourself if you have basic tools and at least some technical experience.
How to adjust balcony doors? Step-by-step guide from DAKO
Adjusting balcony doors is not complicated if you follow the steps one by one. Below you will find instructions to help you carry out the adjustment yourself:
- Identify the problem – check whether you can feel a draught, whether the door is difficult to close, makes a loud noise, or whether the sash rubs against the frame. Also look for potentially damaged seals or worn moving parts.
- Prepare your tools – for the adjustment, you will need 4/5 mm Allen keys, a V.SCH.ACP-S. spanner or a pair of pliers (you can buy these tools at a DIY store) and, if necessary, new seals.
- Locate the adjustment points – open the door fully and find the three hinges – one at the very top of the door, the second halfway down the door leaf, and the third at the bottom.
- To increase or decrease the door’s tightness, turn the selected latch to the left or right using a spanner, following the manufacturer’s markings (e.g. in the form of circles).
- To raise or lower the door, open it slightly and remove the cover from the bottom door hinge, then insert an Allen key into the top hole. Turn the adjustment screw with the key (clockwise to raise the door leaf, anticlockwise to lower it).
- To adjust the door horizontally, open the door fully and locate the adjustment screw on the side of the bottom hinge to change its position.
What will you need to adjust balcony doors?
To adjust balcony doors, you will need tools such as:
- 4 or 5 mm Allen keys,
- a V.SCH.ACP-S spanner or a pair of pliers,
- and, if necessary, a spirit level.
Adjusting the door leaf’s seal
The seal of the door leaf is crucial for maintaining the right indoor climate. Adjusting the seal of balcony doors involves adjusting the pressure of the leaf against the frame, which helps minimise draughts and heat loss. The pressure can be adjusted by turning the screws on the hinges or using special mechanisms in the fittings.
Adjusting the height of the door leaf
If you notice that your balcony doors are scraping against the threshold, making more noise than usual or struggling to close smoothly, it may be necessary to adjust their height. Using the adjustment screws on the hinges, you can raise or lower the leaf to ensure it operates correctly and is comfortable to use.
Horizontal door adjustment
Sometimes balcony doors may shift to the left or right, causing problems with closing or draughts. Horizontal adjustment allows the door leaf to be moved in the correct direction, making it easier to close and improving the door’s airtightness.
Diagonal door adjustment
If the balcony doors are out of alignment, they may require diagonal adjustment. This is a more advanced procedure involving the simultaneous adjustment of the sash’s position on several hinges. In this case, you should carefully observe the changes after each adjustment; it is also advisable to use a spirit level.
Adjusting balcony doors – do it yourself or is it better to hire a professional?
Adjusting balcony doors yourself is possible and can yield the desired results, especially if you have the right tools and skills. However, for more complex issues, such as adjusting sliding doors diagonally or replacing seals in balcony doors, it is worth considering hiring professionals who can provide expert assistance and a guarantee for the work carried out.
How should you look after your balcony doors to make them last longer?
To ensure your balcony doors last as long as possible, it is worth carrying out regular maintenance. To do this, inspect the seals, lubricate the hinges and check for leaks at least once a year. Also remember to adjust the doors seasonally, which will optimise their performance in both winter and summer. If you are unsure whether your system is working properly or has been damaged over time or through use, please contact the manufacturer.
