Adjusting aluminum doors

Adjustment of aluminum doors may be necessary not only during installation, but also after a certain period of operation. Step-by-step instructions for performing repair work will help you cope with this task yourself. Doors may sag over time and suffer mechanical damage. Regardless of the quality of the hardware elements installed on the door block, it may be necessary to adjust the horizontal position of the leaf, adjust and lubricate the mechanisms.

When is adjustment necessary?

Determining whether aluminum entrance doors need adjustment or not is quite simple.

The design works correctly if the following conditions are met:

The canvas fits tightly to the door frame, no gaps are formed.
The sash does not wear out during operation.
There is no spontaneous closing of the door (for a design without a closer), it is fixed in the desired position.
The handle works well and holds the blade securely.
There are no drafts, noise or vibration of the sash.
If there is a door closer, the door closes smoothly, without jerking or slamming.
The system does not creak.
After opening, the canvas does not tilt or warp.
You don't need to exert much force to open or close the door.

The tightness of the seal can be easily checked using a sheet of paper. If you place it in the opening and close the sash, then in this position it should pull out with great difficulty or come off. If the sheet is removed without much effort, the system requires adjustment. Do-it-yourself adjustment of aluminum doors is necessary if there is a grinding noise and the ends of the door leaf are rubbed.

The reason for the adjustment is also the difficulty of opening the door due to its sagging; when the seal wears out quickly, it no longer performs its functions.

In the event that the operation of the structure is disrupted, and it is still under warranty, the easiest way is to call a specialist to eliminate the defects. Otherwise, you will have to do the adjustment of aluminum doors yourself according to the instructions. The sooner you do this, the better it will be. Otherwise, at the most inopportune moment, the handle, lock, or door will break or jam, it will be impossible to open the door at all, or it will be impossible to close the apartment.

Before adjusting aluminum doors vertically or horizontally. It's worth reviewing the papers you received when you purchased the system. Each model has its own documentation and instructions, which describe the regulation process in detail; it should be followed. That is why, when purchasing an aluminum door and fittings for it, do not rush to throw away the accompanying papers; they may be needed over time.

What materials are used?

Various metals and their alloys can be used to produce door hinges. Most often on sale you can find hinges made of brass, aluminum, various alloys of iron, and steel. Each material has its pros and cons:

Brass – goes well with aluminum profile doors. The material has sufficient flexibility. Such hinges can be polished and processed in various ways, which allows you to achieve an aesthetically attractive appearance of the hinges. Most often, brass is used as hidden fittings; it is strong, durable, does not rust, and can be painted. The disadvantages include the following: over time, the brass hinge will turn black and require polishing.
Metal products are wear-resistant and have a long service life. The loops from them can be adjusted. You cannot put such loops under the linings. Over time, rust appears on them, and the door stops opening smoothly.
Stainless steel is several times superior in quality to iron hinges, as it is not subject to corrosion and has a durable structure. Such hinges are well suited for heavy and frequently opened sashes, as they have high wear resistance. Most often they are installed in places with high traffic. The appearance of the hinges is usually attractive, but it is practically impossible to apply a decorative coating to them. The price of the material is quite high.
Aluminum alloys are inexpensive, visually attractive hinges, but the main disadvantage is wear. The strength of such fittings is low. They are suitable for doors weighing less than 50 kg.

Hinge design for aluminum doors

By choosing the right hinges for aluminum doors, you will ensure reliable operation of the door mechanism and will not have to worry about the safety of the room.

Source: sdelalremont.ru

Types of loops

Before you adjust an aluminum door, you need to know what hinges are installed on it. Fittings for internal systems often become unusable during operation. For external doors made of aluminum, the hinges are reliable and need to be adjusted less frequently. For structures made of this metal, overhead canopies are more suitable. The most important requirement for them is that they match and support the weight of the canvas. Another factor that is essential for a door to function well is the correct distance (not too small) between the hinges. This is especially true for fairly massive sashes.

Correct installation is also important. First, the lower canopy is fixed, and then the upper one, after which - the middle one. This scheme allows you to more evenly distribute the load and level the canvas. If the weight of the sash and the strength of the hinges do not match, then the structure will not work for more than 2 months. In cheap low-quality products they simply break.

Before you start making adjustments, you need to figure out how the hinges on aluminum doors work. Some hinges are mounted with a screw in a visible place, so getting to them is easy. If hidden type canopies were used, but working with them is much more difficult. There are fittings that cannot be adjusted at all. If the door becomes difficult to close, it will need to be replaced.

Hinges for aluminum structures are made from various materials:

The most common fittings are made of steel. The hinges made from it are the strongest, they are durable. In order for the awnings to match the style of any canvas, they are painted in different colors.
Brass is also used to make hinges. It has good decorative characteristics. But brass is inferior to steel in terms of strength and service life.

Aluminum canopies are not used, as they have little strength.

Advantages of aluminum doors

People choose them because of the numerous advantages of this metal. They are:

Aluminum alloys are not flammable, which is the key to fire safety at home.
This material does not corrode and is resistant to chemical influences.
Aluminum doors can be used for more than one year. This metal is not afraid of any conditions; only mechanical damage can occur.
Aluminum can be diluted with magnesium and copper can be added. Then you will get an alloy that will be stronger than steel.

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Loop adjustment

Several canopies are installed in the door structure. Their number depends on the purpose of the door, as well as on the weight of the leaf. Thus, interior systems are light in weight and can be supported by two canopies. If the aluminum entrance door is heavy enough, then it is necessary to install at least three hinges.

Adjustment of the hinges of aluminum doors is carried out when the leaf rubs against the frame or begins to creak when opening and closing. This must be done in a timely manner, otherwise a defect in the work may lead to breakdown of various structural elements, which will entail their repair, replacement and significant costs.

Before adjusting the aluminum entrance door, you must first remove the protective decorative trims from them. To do this, use a hexagon to unscrew the screws. If canopies are installed that have two adjustment points, then the height of the canvas is adjusted by installing a gasket. It is placed between the elements that are fixed to the sash and frame. To change the pressing of the fabric, you should move the loops horizontally.

If awnings with three adjustment points are installed, then you can adjust the hinges on aluminum doors as follows:

To strengthen the connection of the sash, you need to adjust the position of the screw located on the inside of the canopy on the canvas. To do this you need a hex wrench. By turning the screw, you should adjust the fit of the sash.
To adjust the height of aluminum doors, you will need to tighten the bottom hinge using a hex key.
The sash is aligned along the plane in its open position after the decorative plug has been removed.

If a door closer is installed on an aluminum door for a smoother closing of the leaf, then you need to adjust its operation by turning the screws attached to the body, checking the instructions. One of the screws regulates the main closing of the sash, and the second regulates its final closing to the frame.

Sometimes adjusting an aluminum door with three hinges is impossible without removing the decorative trims and dismantling the sash. Then first remove the canvas, then adjust the awnings, and then hang the sash.

Requirements

The following requirements apply to all door hinges, regardless of their type:

Reliability. Considering that the entrance door leaf protects property, the fittings in question must be reliable. At the same time, we note that many manufacturers produce special versions that have an increased protection against hacking. In this case, not only the operating principle of the system and the type of material used in manufacturing are important, but also the fastening method.
Durability. Doors open and close in pairs several dozen times a day. Under such conditions, the fittings in question should last for many years.
Interchangeability. In some cases, it is necessary to replace one part of the structure due to wear.
High quality. The problem with the old fittings was that over time they began to creak or the door leaf sank a little, which made it difficult to close. Only with high precision during fitting of structural elements can such phenomena be avoided.

How to deal with squeaking?

Creaking is not just an unpleasant sound that causes discomfort to residents. This is a sure sign that the structure is not working correctly; the aluminum door hinges need to be adjusted.

Reasons that cause creaking:

the appearance of dust and dirt in the hinges;
wear and tear of canopies;
small amount of factory lubricant;
the hinges are too loose.

Any of these factors may appear during the operation of the product. First of all, you need to remove all debris and dust from the awnings. To do this, you will need a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle. You can blow out dirt using a hairdryer. It needs to be turned on at maximum speed. After this, you need to lubricate the moving elements using machine oil or VD 40 aerosol.

After all the procedures for adjusting the door made of warm aluminum, you must immediately install protective covers on the hinges. Otherwise, dust will start to get into them; it sticks especially well to fresh oil. Sometimes it is impossible to simply blow out the dirt because small abrasive particles have gotten into the mechanism. Then you will need to disassemble the canopies. In addition to lubrication, they may require adjustment. This is necessary when they are weakened, which causes the sash to settle.

Types and characteristics

The modern approach in the door production industry has led to the fact that a large number of plastic and aluminum doors can be found on the market. As a rule, the aluminum version is installed in shops or other public institutions.

Depending on the type of door leaf profile, the following types of hardware in question can be distinguished:

Hidden - fastened so that they can only be seen in the open position.
Overlays are rarely used when installing entrance doors of residential buildings, as they are pinned to the top of the frame and door leaf.
Universal - appeared many years ago. They differ in that they are suitable for most types of profile.
Single-sided - a practical and very popular option.

All of them can be attached in different ways and made from different metal alloys.

Each type of door hinge can be characterized:

Universal ones have been used for many years. Their distinctive feature is that this version will last for many years. However, we note the method of fastening: using screws. This feature means that if necessary, they will be quite difficult to remove.
Removable – used extremely rarely when attaching entrance doors. Their peculiarity is that, if desired, you can remove or secure the door leaf in the open state without unscrewing the fittings.
Screw-in or single-sided and bar. The first type allows you to open doors only in one direction, the second in both directions. Screw-in ones are attached on one side to the canvas, on the other along the end of the profile.
Hidden - when the canvas is closed, they are invisible. Given the specifics of the work, many versions can be adjusted along three axes. Often, in this design, the fittings can open 180 degrees.

In addition, the characteristics are influenced by the type of material used in the manufacture of the product in question:

Steel – resistant to corrosion and have a high strength index.
Brass - have the lowest threshold for surface abrasion, but after some time the material in question may turn black.
Brass-zinc – have high strength and corrosion resistance.

In addition to the above options, you can find others.

Troubleshooting handle problems

Many people are interested in how to adjust a glass door with an aluminum profile when the reason for its poor functioning is a malfunction of the handle. For such systems, push or office products are used. Structurally, they can be made in the shape of a circle or semicircle, triangle, double-sided or single-sided. If there are few people in the room and the door does not have a significant throughput, then I use push-type models. They are combined with cylinder-type locking mechanisms.

In the event that such a handle becomes difficult to press, it is necessary to lubricate its mechanism. If after such a procedure the situation does not improve, it is necessary to change the entire mechanism.

Its installation is carried out in the following sequence:

First you need to turn the plate, which is located at the base of the handle. This is necessary to provide access to the fasteners.
Next, you need to unscrew all the screws that secure it.
Then you should dismantle the old handle and install a new one in its place.
After tightening the fixing screws, close the fastener with a plug.

When choosing a new handle for an aluminum door, you need to pay attention to the distance between the bottom and top screw. They should be the same in old and new fittings. The number of fasteners must match, as well as the height and width of the slats.

DIY installation

When installing aluminum doors, you should remember that special systems are designed for them, the task of which is to provide control for non-standard shaped doors.

To complete the work you will need the following tools:

Ruler and pencil for marking.
Screwdrivers or hexagons to disassemble the door leaf.
Screwdriver and drill.
Other tools depending on the case.

All work can be divided into the following stages:

We carry out markings. To ensure reliable operation of the door, more than two hinges should be installed. They should not be installed too close or too far away. It is recommended to place the outer pair at a distance of about 20 centimeters from the edge of the door.
After the installation location has been marked , we disassemble the door leaf in order to lay down the material into which the anchors will cut. It is worth noting that the case under consideration concerns a hollow sheet.
If the manufacturer has not made holes for attaching the hinges , we make them ourselves (if the profile thickness is very large).
We fix the curtains on the box.
If the design allows , we fasten the door in disassembled form, which will allow us to check the entry of the anchor into the material being adjusted. If you need to install a folded structure, we secure the material to be adjusted.

The work is rarely difficult. However, it is worth noting that it cannot be done alone, since you will have to support the door leaf while attaching it (in the case of a detachable version of the hinges, you can do it alone).

How to adjust or change the lock?

Over time, this hardware also tends to jam when the door is used. For aluminum systems, mechanisms with one halyard or roller latch, as well as several bolts, are used. First of all, before adjusting aluminum doors, you need to lubricate the locking mechanism with machine oil if it begins to open poorly or jam.

If the lock is of a cylinder type, you can leave its old body and replace the cylinder with a new one. But the other element must match as much as possible in all respects with the old one. In most cases, it is not necessary to remove the aluminum door from its hinges.

To replace the lock, you must:

Unscrew the screw that holds the cylinder.
Turn the key and remove it with the cylinder from the lock.
Unscrew the screws that secure the lock and remove it.
Install a new locking mechanism.

If the fastening on the handle is simply loosened, then it should be pressed. This adjustment of aluminum doors is not difficult to do yourself. To do this you will need a Phillips screwdriver or a hexagon. The choice of tool depends on the type of locking mechanism. The lever handle and its screws require a screwdriver. If the mechanism is of an office type, then it has a special groove in the side for a hexagon.

Price

The cost may depend on the following indicators:

From the popularity of the manufacturer.
From the type of alloy that was used in manufacturing.
Depending on the type of construction.
On the degree of protection against tampering (does not apply to the hidden version).

Prices for such accessories range from 100 rubles to several thousand. The OPTIMA system comes with a hinge that costs 1,870 rubles. You can purchase hinges for the DOKSAL system, the cost of which is no more than 400 rubles. The choice in this area is very large.

Problems with the seal

Before adjusting the aluminum entrance door due to difficult opening, it is worth checking the condition of the seal. This element is designed to ensure a tight fit of the sash to the frame. It protects against drafts, noise and foreign odors entering the room. But, if the seal is of poor quality or installed unprofessionally, it can lead to improper operation of the structure.

If the door begins to close tightly, the reasons may be:

too thick layer of sealant;
it does not fit evenly to the canvas, it puffs up, and forms “waves.”

Sometimes the door is difficult to close when the seal is new. But, if this happened over time, cracks and gaps appeared, then the easiest way is to change it. There are varieties equipped with adhesive tape. Otherwise, to install it, you must immediately buy suitable glue. Seals are produced in rubber and silicone.

When purchasing them, you need to pay attention to the thickness and profile. To replace the seal, you need to remove the old tape, and clean the surface thoroughly and degrease it with acetone or alcohol. After this, glue the new element, pulling it a little so that waves do not form. Particular attention should be paid to the corners.

Fittings such as hinges, locks and handles require periodic adjustment. You can adjust the hinges of aluminum doors yourself or call a door service specialist. But you cannot delay in eliminating defects in the work, otherwise you will then have to repair the structure and buy new fittings. Timely cleaning and lubrication of mechanisms ensures longer operation of the entire input system. If you still have questions, you can watch the video on how to adjust aluminum doors yourself.

Features of aluminum door repair

doors, after they break, require the most prompt intervention of a specialist, since they are associated with the greatest traffic and any breakdown can quickly scale up;
due to the complexity of the design, it is not recommended to carry out independent repairs in artisanal conditions;
When replacing parts, it is better to use only original components and fittings.

Entrust your doors to our craftsmen, we, in turn, will provide a European level with high speed of execution, at an attractive price.

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Blitz tips

When choosing hinges, it is important to consider the weight of the entire structure. The brand and quality of the fittings must correspond to this characteristic.
When purchasing fittings, it is important to consider which way the door will open. It should be taken into account that in different countries, for different manufacturers, the concepts of right or left opening may have different meanings. (For example, it is known that in Italy the right opening corresponds to our left opening).
Different hinge designs may be suitable for different situations. When choosing them you need to be careful.

tight narthex

And in this case, the reasons for the door not closing well may be different.

New seal. This occurs if the block structure has just been installed. The rubber rubber has not yet “spread”, and therefore some effort has to be made when closing/opening the canvas. There is no need to do anything here; literally after a few days this defect disappears on its own.
Large thickness of tape (cord). As a rule, the result of incorrect selection of material in size. If the fabric is not distorted, then it is hardly worth waiting for the rubber rubber to wear out. If the parameters (thickness, cross-section) are significantly exceeded, the error must be corrected and the seal replaced.
The tongue touching the plate. As a rule, with such a defect, adjustment of the metal entrance door is done using a file. But provided it is in the correct position, without distortions. The plate only needs to be sharpened a little, and there will be no difficulties in the process of closing/opening. If it has antennae, then it is enough to bend them slightly, and the position of the part will change.

Variety of options and selection criteria

When choosing hinges for aluminum doors, you can pay attention to Wala products. This is not the cheapest option, since the cost of products starts from 11 euros, and the average price is 18-40 euros per set, but this is a manufacturer well known for its quality

The company was founded and located in Germany; advanced equipment and modern technologies are used to create products. The company has existed since 1980, producing a full range of fittings not only for aluminum, but also for all other types of doors and windows. All products are certified and meet European quality standards. In addition, the hinges are accompanied by a document indicating that they have passed the tests of Rosenheim (Germany).

New hinges from Wala

Most modern high-quality profile systems are equipped with WALA hinges. You can meet them in systems such as AGS, Aluprof / Metallplast, ALUTECH, Inicial, New Tec, Realit, Reynaers, SCHUECO, Alumax / Vidnal-progress / Mosmek, VSMPO, Petralum, Sial / Krams, Sibprofil, Tatprof. The hinges have a 3-way smooth adjustment: clamping 1.8mm, horizontal 6.2mm, vertical 4mm. Hinges are supplied in standard colors, as well as uncoated with the option of painting them.

The products have different designs, differ in size, system, high strength, and smooth operation. Most models can withstand loads exceeding 200 kg and can be used in fireproof structures.

If you want to save money, you can purchase Russian-made hinges, the cost of which will start from 600 rubles. For this money you can buy a regular hinge with a bearing; many manufacturers produce them, but you should not expect high quality from such products.

Hinge Domina Classic 3-section

It is distinguished by the following qualities:

High strength: hinges are designed for at least 200 thousand openings.
Load capacity up to 160 kg if the loop consists of two sections.
The material is resistant to corrosion. When tested, the hinges showed that they could withstand more than 240 in salt fog.

The company's products come in two types - in the form of wedge anchors or embedded plates. The hinges can be adjusted in all directions, see the video for details.

Adjusting aluminum door hinges horizontally

Adjusting aluminum door hinges according to pressure