ᐅ Front door with automatic locking system is difficult to open
Created on: 1 Sep 2022 22:23
S
Sully61
Hello everyone,
I am currently looking for advice because I am unsure how to proceed regarding my front door in a new build.
It is clear that the door does not fit properly in the frame at the upper left corner. You can press it in with your hand.
Because of this, the door is difficult to open. When turning the key slowly, the lock seems to get stuck somehow.
If you turn the key quickly, the door does open, but you can tell that it is very stiff.
When pressing the upper left corner, you can turn the key easily and without any problem until the door opens.
The craftsman has been here several times but has not found a proper solution and spent hours adjusting it.
The argument used here is that it is normal to first pull the front door and then turn the key.
Apparently, the inspector would see it that way too, saying that 95% of front doors are like this and that it is probably standard.
However, none of our neighbors have such problems.
I (and others) believe that the door frame is crooked, which is why the door does not open properly.
Can you insist on your rights here, or are there tolerances that must be accepted?
Is it worth getting an expert opinion?
I am currently looking for advice because I am unsure how to proceed regarding my front door in a new build.
It is clear that the door does not fit properly in the frame at the upper left corner. You can press it in with your hand.
Because of this, the door is difficult to open. When turning the key slowly, the lock seems to get stuck somehow.
If you turn the key quickly, the door does open, but you can tell that it is very stiff.
When pressing the upper left corner, you can turn the key easily and without any problem until the door opens.
The craftsman has been here several times but has not found a proper solution and spent hours adjusting it.
The argument used here is that it is normal to first pull the front door and then turn the key.
Apparently, the inspector would see it that way too, saying that 95% of front doors are like this and that it is probably standard.
However, none of our neighbors have such problems.
I (and others) believe that the door frame is crooked, which is why the door does not open properly.
Can you insist on your rights here, or are there tolerances that must be accepted?
Is it worth getting an expert opinion?
Sully61 schrieb:
So the door is facing the north side. At the moment it has no protection. But the doors were installed during the week of the house handover.North side = no sun = warping due to overheating from the sun can be ruled out. It’s not uncommon for interior doors to be installed quickly just before or after moving in.
But are you really sure that the front door was installed so late? Or was only the door leaf hung? Or...? OK, some companies work with a frame/pre-installed door frame to protect the door, so that might be possible.
My guess is, if your information about the front door (installed one week before house handover) is correct, it could be:
- The door frame was pre-installed without the door leaf.
- The frame was installed into a protective frame/pre-installed door frame and something doesn’t fit.
- I’m afraid there’s not much that can be done remotely.
- Even with a video or photos, it would be difficult to help further.
I know the problem with new apartment doors. The seals are full of air, and you have to compress the air; otherwise, the pre-tension is too high. The door has a soundproof seal. There is a very slight pulling motion at the right moment, and the door opens smoothly. My son had to practice a bit before he could open the door properly. With a new exterior door, the seals might still be too stiff. Is there a difference between warm and cold conditions?
A year ago, we had four automatic locking aluminum front doors installed simultaneously for our duplex. All of them close smoothly and securely, locking correctly. They all open easily without needing to push or pull. Anything else would not be acceptable in my opinion. In fact, one door was damaged in the meantime (glass cracked) and was promptly replaced by the manufacturer without any hassle (a major effort – 2 people for half a day).
Similar topics