Watch Out: How Double Glazing Door Locks Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Upgrade Your Double Glazing Door Locks
Double glazing windows help to keep burglars out and make you feel safe inside your home. They are also energy efficient, allowing the heat inside and draughts out.
Espagnolette locking systems are the most commonly used window lock for uPVC doors and work in conjunction with secure multi-point locks to secure your home. Cockspur handles are more traditional and are suitable for heritage projects or frames that are slimmer.
Restrictive Window Hinges
The hinges on your uPVC windows play a vital function in keeping your window closed and secure. If they are not secured, a determined intruder could use the leverage of the window to open your door and gain entry. One of the best methods to ensure your doors are securely closed and secure is to upgrade your current hinges to more secure ones.
There are many security hinges that will fit the majority of uPVC window types and sizes. They are easy to install since they do not require any tools or modifications. The primary security features of these hinges include a particular kind of friction torque positioned hinge that can remain stable regardless of how much force is applied to it. Intruders will find it much harder to remove the window from its hinge. They will also be unable tilt the window to gain access to the home.
Most new double glazing comes with a standard set of window hinges. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is extremely strong. If your windows are located in an unsafe position such as the ground floor or upper floors of your house, you may want them upgraded to security hinges. They are more durable than the standard hinges and come with locks that stop burglars from opening the windows.
It is important that you match the stack height between your old window hinges and the new ones when choosing hinges for security. This will ensure that the new hinges will fit properly and give a neat and professional finish to your uPVC windows.
If you prefer installing restricted window friction hinges. These have a built-in restrictor to stop the window from opening too much. This is for the security of children. These are usually fitted to fire escape windows (egress), and they conform to building codes. The hinges will only open up to a specific distance and can be closed by pressing the button. They are supplied in pairs and are available in different lengths and stack heights.
High-Security Locks
You should consider investing in high-security locks if you want to make it more difficult for someone to break into your home. These locks have additional security features, such as extreme pick resistance, bump proof construction and keys that cannot be duplicated without authorization. Although they are more expensive than standard locks, some homeowners and business owners might find them worth the cost.
Some of the most popular brands for high-security locks are Medeco, Assa Abloy and Mul-t-lock. These brands are known for quality products and excellent customer service. Their locks are made from hardened steel and have additional security features like patented key bows, sidebars, drill resistance and face plugs that are free-rotating. These locks are typically used in commercial buildings, but they can also be found in homes.
One of the most significant issues that burglars face with traditional locks is their ability to make keys that unlock them. High-security locks come with special bows for keys or warding patterns that prevent copying without a keycard or other specialized equipment. They may even contain a pin code that must be entered in order to activate them. These locks are used in companies to guard vulnerable areas like cash counting rooms as well as pharmaceutical drug rooms and warehouses.
Despite the additional security offered by these locks, they're generally not suitable for doors that are exposed to the elements. Rain, wind, and other weather conditions can damage the lock mechanism. This makes it easier for burglars to break through the lock.
It is important to choose double-glazing doors with reinforced locking points. This will protect your home from threats from outside. SKS's uPVC locking systems, for instance are designed to withstand an array of attacks. They also come with a number security features, like anti-picking, anti-drilling, and anti-bump.
The security of high-security locks might not be worth the investment in terms of residential safety. window door repairs locks glass hinges gain entry to a house through an unlocked window or sliding glass door, or backdoor. A high-security lock will not stop these kinds of attacks since the perpetrators are likely to find a different way to enter. However, if you have something particularly valuable in your home that needs security, a high-security lock is worth the investment.
Anti-Crowbar Finishing
Constructed to a recongised insurance standard, this anti-jemmy security lock features 20mm steel bars, which are fixed and rotated to prevent attack by tools like hacksaws. It's polyester powder coated with a variety of colors for a durable finish that blends with any design. It is also a cost-effective solution, as there are no electrical components that could fail and planning permissions aren't usually required.
Espagnolette locking systems are a common choice for modern uPVC windows and are compatible with secure multi-point locks positioned throughout the frame to firmly hold the handle in place. They are also available with cockspur handles to suit traditional and heritage-based projects. They are tested to the highest standards, including the SS312 Diamond as well as Kitemarked to TS007 3 Star to protect against lock snapping.
Easy to Maintain
Modern uPVC windows and doors are extremely durable, however they require some maintenance. The locks and hinges need to be regularly cleaned. If you don't do this, grime and dirt will build up which could cause damage over the long term. This could make the lock less efficient and make your home more vulnerable.
Fortunately, maintaining and cleaning your door's locks is simple. With a mild detergent or a damp cloth should get rid of any dirt from the hinges and locks. If a stubborn stain is persists then a cream-based specialist uPVC cleaner might be needed.
Locks and hinges need to be regularly lubricated, along with cleaning. Utilizing a silicon spray made to do this can ensure that the lock mechanism function properly and reduce corrosion caused by salt in the air. After lubricating the lock and hinges by gently pulling or pushing on them a few times to ensure that the lubricant has had a chance to fully integrate into the mechanism.
Do not push a hinge or lock to close or open as this will significantly increase the stress on the mechanism and could cause it to wear out prematurely. If your window or door starts to struggle with closing or opening, it is likely due to the locking mechanism not being aligned and you should get a locksmith check for you whenever you can.
Installing an aftermarket deadbolt will stop burglars from gaining entry into your home through the window. These bolts are set into the door frame and are not able to be removed from the outside. This adds an extra layer of security.
If you're interested in upgrading your existing uPVC double glazing with new high-security locks contact Double Glazing Quoter today. Our online quote generator will offer instant quotes on a range of front door styles including locking options, high-security doors and locking doors. You can use the prices to help you choose which one is right for your home. Our guide prices can help you select the most appropriate design for your budget when planning to install a uPVC double glazed front door.