If you have to adjust the contact pressure on a balcony door or patio door, it can seem complicated at first. However, it’s easy with the guide below.
Table of Contents
pressure explained
The contact pressure provides information about how tightly a door closes. The value of the pressure is crucial for various effects. For example:
- Escaping heat or conditioned, cool air
- Reduced security due to increased risk of burglary
- draft
Because the pressure determines how tightly the door is pressed against the frame. A new adjustment may become necessary not only during installation, but also as a result of gradual adjustment over time.
locking pin
In order to be able to set the contact pressure, you must identify the so-called locking pins. These elements are round and resemble small, short rollers. By adjusting, the pressure can be lower or higher.
The tenons can be on the latch side as well as on the hinge side of the door. They usually have a slot so that they can be adjusted like a screw with a simple tool.
manual
In order to be able to adjust the contact pressure on a balcony door or patio door, only a few tools and steps are required.
You need:
- Lubricants such as WD-40
- screwdriver
- towels or rags
- tongs
Then proceed as follows:
- Locating the cam: Depending on the type of patio door, the locking cams can be found either on the handle side, on the hinge side or on both sides. Therefore, check the complete frame and count the integrated pivots. Because for an exact setting you may have to adjust all elements.
- Fix the door: So that you can work on the balcony door without any problems, it must first be fixed. To do this, insert wedges on the hinge side or have a helper hold the door. Complete removal is usually not necessary.
- Loosen the pins: Pull the locking pins forward. This makes it possible to tighten or loosen them. If the pins cannot be loosened, the use of a lubricant can help. Alternatively or additionally, you can also use a slotted screwdriver as a lever.
- Making the setting: Now make the actual setting. To do this, turn to the left if you want to loosen the pegs and to the right if you want to tighten the pegs. Try again and again during the measure to ensure that the patio door closes properly. Before doing this, press the pins back into the fixed position and adjust if necessary.
Then you only have to remove the excess lubricant with a cloth and test whether the balcony door now closes as desired. It should be tight and yet easy to open. If this is not the case, you must adjust the contact pressure of the door again using the roller pins.
frequently asked Questions
If the balcony or terrace door no longer closes properly, but sticks or drafts get in, an adjustment is required. Depending on the door, this may be necessary due to the change in season or as a result of use.
Check the seal and the pivots. The rubber may need to be replaced or the pivots may need lubricating. A defect in the hinges can also be present and have a negative impact on the contact pressure.
Patio doors usually have a lock. This is usually not the case with balcony doors. If the window or door can be tilted, there are often pins on both sides.
If you have adjusted the locking pins and still get drafts, the problem may be with the seal. Over time, this becomes brittle and cracked. The following are responsible for this:
– age
– friction
– dirt
– dry air
– UV radiation
Of course, other factors can also influence the service life of the seal. For example, if you keep cats, they could damage the rubber strips with their claws. Therefore, check whether there are cracks or even pieces coming loose. Because then an exchange is urgently required.
