Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to insulating your home is choosing poor quality hinges. Most of the time, the cheaper models are more popular. Many choose them to reduce the budget related to the purchase of hardware elements. However, the advantages are felt only momentarily. Over time, the resistance of materials to external factors decreases, as does the degree of security of the house.
How you can correctly choose a hardware store, but also what solutions you need to consider for repairing hinges, find out below.
How many types of hinges are there and how do they work?
Investing in hinges doesn’t have to be a hasty decision, on the contrary. The purchase process must be carried out carefully, especially if you want to enjoy the benefits of the hardware for a long time. But, in the first phase, it is recommended to have an overall perspective on long-term operation and use.
There are several types of hinges. Depending on the application you can purchase:
- Door hinges – The most common model, used to fix doors and give them stability to support heavy traffic in the room.
- Window Hinges – Specially designed to be lighter and more delicate than door hinges.
- Furniture Hinges – Used to provide strength to various furniture components such as cabinets, drawers or tables.
Also, depending on the design, the following types of hinges are available on the market:
- Recessed – They are mainly used for exterior doors. They are based on bearings that facilitate easy closing and opening.
- Concealed – Mounts inside the door. They are recommended if you want a more minimalist decoration.
- Butterfly type – They are integrated both on the frame surface and on the door surface. They have an elegant look and are a smart choice.
Common hinge problems
Whether it’s mobile hinges or variants used for doors, there are many aspects you need to pay attention to.
In general, the most common operating problems boil down to:
- Squeaky doors – If there are unusual noises or sounds when you use the doors, you need to intervene on the hinges immediately. It may be premature wear of components.
- Hinges rust – Corrosion occurs from prolonged exposure to moisture. It would be best to check for water leaks and apply the necessary repairs.
- Incomplete closing – This is a problem that occurs due to loosening of the hinges or deformation of the door structure or frame. Also, improper alignment of hardware can lead to difficulty closing.
Maintenance tips and tricks
The best solution to prevent the problems listed above is prevention. It’s important to choose a quality manufacturer, but maintenance steps must be part of the process.
Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind going forward:
- Constantly use lubricating sprays. Their role is to prevent creaking and decay. Avoid oil-based options because they can attract dust and dirt.
- Periodically check the technical condition of the hinges. See how the screws look or if there are cracks in the fasteners. Fixes identified errors immediately. For added safety, ask for the help of a specialist.
- Make sure you choose the right door hinges for the purpose of your purchase. If the doors are too heavy, you should consider premium materials, which do not change their shape and properties over time.
The best way to maintain hinges is to subject them to proper cleaning and fitting steps.
Apply the above tips and enjoy guaranteed advantages!
