11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Use With Your Double Glazing Door Locks
Upgrade Your Double Glazing Door Locks
Double glazing windows help keep burglars away and make you feel safe inside your home. They are also very energy efficient, allowing the heat inside and draughts out.
Espagnolette locking systems are the most common window lock for uPVC doors and work in conjunction with secure multi-point locks to secure your home. Cockspur handles are more traditional and can be suited to heritage projects or for slimmer frames.
Restrictive Window Hinges
The hinges on your uPVC window are essential to ensure that your window is closed. If they're not secured, an intruder could make use of the window as leverage to open your door. Replace your hinges with security hinges that are high-security to ensure that your doors stay securely closed and locked.
Security hinges are available in a variety of sizes and types to suit most uPVC windows. They are easy to install as they do not require any tools or modifications. These hinges feature an inclination hinge that is friction-free which can be solid no matter the amount of pressure it is subjected to. This means that a burglar trying to remove the window from its hinge will have a more difficult time, and it is also likely that they will not be able to bend the window enough to get into the home.
The hinges standard with all new double-glazed windows are made of stainless steel and are extremely sturdy. If your windows are located in an area that is vulnerable like the upper or ground floors of your house You may want to consider having them upgraded to security hinges. These hinges are stronger than the standard hinges and come with an locking mechanism that stops burglars from opening the windows.
It is crucial to ensure that the stack height is equal between your old window hinges and the new ones when you select hinges for security. This will ensure that the new hinges are properly fitted and provide a clean, professional finish to your uPVC window.
You may also choose to install restricted window friction hinges if you prefer, they come with an inbuilt restrictor to stop the window from opening too wide to ensure safety for children. They are usually fitted to fire escape (egress) windows and are compliant with the building regulations. The hinges only open up to a specific distance and can be shut by pressing a button. They are available in pairs, and come in a variety of lengths as well as stacking heights.
High-Security Locks
You should consider investing in high-security locks if you wish to make it more difficult for someone to gain entry into your home. These locks have extra security features such as extreme pick resistance, bump proof construction and keys that cannot be duplicated without authorization. While they will cost more than standard locks, they can be worth the price for some homeowners and businesses.
Some of the most popular brands for high-security locks include Medeco, Assa Abloy and Mul-t-lock. These brands are known for their top-quality products and excellent service. Their locks are made from hardened steel and have additional security features such as patented key bows, sidebars, drill resistance, and free-rotating face plugs. They are most commonly used in commercial buildings, but they can also be found in a variety of homes.
One of the biggest problems that burglars face with traditional locks is their ability to create keys that open them. High-security locks are equipped with key bows and warding patterns that stop the creation of copies that do not require a key card or specialized equipment. Certain locks require the use of a pin code entered in order to allow them to be activated. They are commonly employed in commercial premises where access is required to secure sensitive areas, such as cash counting rooms, warehouses and pharmaceutical drug rooms.
Despite the additional security offered by these locks, they're generally not suitable for doors which are exposed to elements. Rain, wind and other weather conditions can damage the lock mechanism. This makes it easier for burglars to bypass the lock.
It is important to invest in double glazing doors with reinforced locking points. This will shield your home from attacks from outside. SKS's uPVC locking systems, for instance are designed to withstand various types of attacks. They also have several security features, including anti-picking, anti-drilling and anti-bump.
In terms of residential security high-security locks aren't always worth the investment. The majority of burglars gain entry to a home through a window, sliding door or backdoor that is not locked. A high-security lock won't stop these types attacks as the perpetrators are likely discover a new way of entering. If you have valuable items in your home that needs to be protected the security of a high-security lock is worth the investment.
Anti-Crowbar Finishing
This anti-jemmy lock is designed to comply with an insurance requirement. It's made of 20mm steel bars that can be fixed and rotated to deter attacks from tools like hacksaws. It's powder coated polyester with a variety of colors to provide a durable finish that is compatible with any decor. It's also a cost-effective solution since there aren't any electrical problems to worry about and planning permission is usually not required.
Espagnolette locking systems are a popular choice for modern uPVC windows. They work in conjunction with secure multi-point locks positioned throughout the frame to firmly hold the handle in place. These are also available with cockspur handles for traditional and heritage-based projects. They are tested to the highest standards, including the SS312 Diamond as well as Kitemarked to 3 Star TS007 to protect against snapping locks.
Easy to Maintain
Modern uPVC windows and doors are extremely durable, however they require some attention. The hinges and locks must be cleaned regularly. Dirt and grime can accumulate over time, causing damage. This can make the lock less efficient and leave your home vulnerable.
Fortunately, maintaining and cleaning your door's locks is a breeze. Use a mild detergent or dampened cloth to remove dirt from the hinges and lock. If a stain is persistent, a specialist cream-based uPVC cleaner may be required.
In addition to cleaning, your hinges and locks must be lubricated regularly periodically. Using a silicon spray specifically made for this purpose will help the locking mechanism to function correctly and reduce the likelihood of corrosion from salt in the local air. After applying lubricant to the hinges and lock and hinges, gently pull or push on them several times to ensure that the oil has had the chance to fully work into the mechanism.
It is not advisable to push a hinge or lock to open or close, because this can significantly increase the stress on the mechanism, and may cause it to wear out prematurely. If your door or window begins to have difficulty opening or closing, this could be due to the locking mechanism being misaligned, which you should have a locksmith check for you as soon as possible.
Installing a deadbolt from an aftermarket store will stop burglars from entering your home through windows. These bolts are fixed into the door frame and cannot be removed from the outside. This adds an additional layer of protection.
If you're interested in upgrading your current uPVC double glazing by installing new high-security locks contact Double Glazing Quoter today. Our online quote generator can provide instant quotes for a variety of front door designs as well as locking options for high-security doors. upvc window lock repairs can use the prices to help you decide which one is the best fit for your home. Our guide to prices can help you decide on the most appropriate design for your budget when looking to install a uPVC double glazed front door.