Double Glazing Door Locks
Many homeowners opt for double-glazed windows and doors for their insulation, energy efficiency, and sound reduction. However, they can also be an effective deterrent against burglars.
Check that your double-glazed windows are fitted with anti jemmy hinges to improve their security. These special hardware components make it extremely difficult to get windows sashes.
Multi-point locking
Multipoint door locks can be one of the most effective security devices you can put in your home or office. They are almost impossible to pick or break, and can be a fantastic addition to any security system. They can also boost your energy efficiency by reducing drafts and enhancing the seal around the door frame.
Multi-point locking systems comprise of a deadbolt as well as a live bolt (latch) paired with hook bolts that are above and below the latch, and flush bolts that are locked into the head and sill of the door frame. They typically extend the most, if they do not extend all across the width of the door. These systems are referred to as "full-width" in commercial contexts. They secure the entire opening of the door.
Multi-point locking is offered on most uPVC and some doors made of timber. This type of lock offers a much higher level of security than standard locks and will often be specified as part of a police-approved Secured by Design initiative for new homes.
When a multi-point uPVC lock door is shut, the outside handle will activate the latch bolt. The inside handle can be locked by turning the thumbturn on the inside as the door handle is raised, or using a lock key. You should always use keys to lock your door when it's closed. Attempting to force the deadbolt or latch bolt using a handle can damage the lock and the hinges.
If your uPVC lock is not working properly, it could be that it's out of alignment with the frame of the door. You can test this by placing a spirit-level on top of the doors and observing for gaps in the miter joints.
If you find a gap it's worth contacting your double glazing specialist to look at the issue and resolve the issue. They'll be able to repair the lock on your behalf or install a replacement. They'll be able to determine if the problem is due to damage to the frame or the lock unit itself. In these instances the technician will be able to repair or replace the multipoint lock to restore it's functionality.
Espagnolette locks
Espagnolette locks are among the most popular window locking mechanisms used in modern uPVC double-glazed windows. They can be identified by their flat strip design that rotates when you turn the handle. They are used with multi-point locks around the frame of your window to lock and unlock it safely. If you are looking to upgrade your uPVC window handles, espagnolette handles can be utilized for new constructions or for renovations. They are available in a broad range of styles, including contemporary and period. They also offer a wide variety of bar sizes and backset options, as well as mushrooms cam heights, and a selection of profiles that can be used for any need.
The espagnolette lock is a well-liked choice, but it's been criticized for offering the lowest level of security on French doors. Having a single point of locking in the middle of the door is easily bypassed with enough force. It is also possible for burglars to open French doors by pushing the handle to the right or left. These types of doors are often used as a primary entry point to your home, and must be secured to minimise the risk of unwanted entry.
Despite their name, espagnolette locks are not a bolt but a single piece mechanism that can be mounted externally on the outside of your French doors or inside a casement window frame. The mechanism is operated by a handle and consists of a rod that has hooks at the sill and head which fit into sockets within the window frame. When the window's handle is operated the rod is moved upwards and downwards. The hooks then secure into their receivers.
They are a great option for those looking to improve the security of French doors without compromising the appearance of the door. These handles can be used in various designs and can be master-keyed for extra peace of mind.
Like cockspur handles espagnolette handle designs come in both cranked and inline versions to suit the orientation of your window. Inline versions operate exactly the same way as the original handle, whereas the cranked versions are available in right and left handed designs.
Laminated glass
Laminated glass is often used for windows since it is extremely difficult to break. It is also more secure than regular safety glass since it is fused together into a single piece rather than breaking into sharp fragments. This makes it ideal for commercial and residential properties.
Lamination is the process of combining two pieces of flat glass and an interlayer of plastic. The entire piece is heated and press-pressed to create a strong enough to be used as an entrance or window. The laminated glass created can be up to five times stronger and one hundred times more stiff than tempered. It can also be able to withstand more severe impacts and withstand weathering.
This type of glass is ideal for buildings that have to perform well, such as enhanced safety (impact-resistant glass) UV protection, or noise reduction. Laminated glass is able to be combined with high-performance coatings to enhance the thermal insulation as well as solar control. It is available in a wide range of options to fit your project and budget.
As opposed to tempered glass glass can be cut following production and remain safe to use. It is more likely to not shatter when cut from the side instead of the edge of the glass. This makes it a great choice for glass that doesn't open or close like cellar windows.
It can also be used to reduce the sound that travels through high-rise buildings. The Saflex PVB interlayer in the laminated glass is also able to suffocate some of the sun's damaging UV rays, thus preventing discoloration of furniture and fabrics.
Although laminated glass is more expensive than tempered glass, it offers many advantages that will save you money over time. It's also more robust and resistant to abrasions and scratches and can be customized according to your specific requirements. It's also less prone to heat damage, which makes it a great option for coastal areas or high-rise buildings. In fact, certain building codes require that all exterior doors and some interior windows be made of laminated glass.
Friction hinges
Friction hinges are designed to support and hold the location of doors and flaps, panels and windows. They can also impede the movement of other hinges and prevent hard slamming and unintentional closing and opening. They are available in various dimensions and shapes, and can be equipped with a variety torques. These forces determine how long the hinges remain open or shut.
Aluminum is an excellent material for friction hinges due to its strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, and high strength-toweight ratio. It is also light and easy to work with. It can also be crafted into a variety of finishes and is easy to install and repair. Brass is a different material that is widely that is used in friction hinges. Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc. It is a natural corrosion resistance. It is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, however it is more expensive.
The hinges with friction that are used in uPVC double glazing door systems can be customized to the specific requirements of the application. These customizations could include the amount of damping, the viscosity of the lubricant and the degree of tolerance between components. They could also include the environment in which the hinge is used. These factors can affect the dynamic torque of a hinge. It is essential to be aware of the metric when in critical applications.
There are a variety of friction hinges such as detent and one-way. Detent friction hinges do not have torque in the opposite direction. Other variations include disc, curl, and pipe friction. Each type of hinge has a unique set of properties that make it more or less effective in specific applications.
Repair My Windows And Doors are often called "free stop" hinges because they permit the lid or door to remain at a fixed angle even after the force is removed. This helps to prevent injuries through preventing accidental closures. This kind hinge is suitable for use in tough, medical or hazardous areas. The hinges can be configured to provide different degrees of free play, and they can function at various angles.