20 Truths About Double Glazing Door Locks: Busted
Upgrade Your Double Glazing Door Locks
Double glazing windows help to keep burglars out and make you feel safe within your home. They also provide excellent energy efficiency keeping draughts out and heat in.
Espagnolette locking systems are the most popular window lock for uPVC doors and work in combination with secure multi-point locks to keep your home secure. Cockspur handles are more traditional and can be suited to heritage projects or for slimmer frames.
Restrictive Window Hinges
The hinges on the windows made of uPVC play an crucial function in keeping your window shut and secure. If they are not secured an intruder can use the window as leverage to open your door. One of the most effective methods to ensure that your doors are securely closed and secured is by upgrading your existing hinges to secure ones.
Security hinges are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit most uPVC windows. double glazed window lock repairs near me are also easy to install since they do not require any modifications or tools. The primary security features of these hinges comprise the use of a specific type of friction torque positioning hinge that will 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 are also unable to tilt the window to gain access to the home.
The hinges standard with the majority of new double glazing are made of stainless steel and are extremely durable. If your windows are located in an area that is vulnerable like the upper or ground floors of your house, you may want them upgraded to security hinges. They are stronger than standard hinges and come with specific locking mechanism that prevents windows from being opened by intruders.
It is important that you make sure that you match the height of the stack between your old window hinges and the new ones when selecting security hinges. This will ensure that the new hinges will fit perfectly and provide a neat and professional finish to your uPVC windows.
You may also choose to fit restricted window friction hinges if you prefer, they come with a built-in restrictor that can stop the window from opening too wide for child safety. These are often installed on fire escape (egress) windows and are compliant with building regulations. The hinges can only be opened by a specific distance, and they are released by pressing a small button. They are available in pairs, and come in a variety of lengths and stacking heights.
High-Security Locks
Consider investing in high security locks if you want to make it harder for someone to break into your home. These locks have extra security features like extreme pick resistance, bump-proof design and keys that aren't duplicated without permission. Although they cost more than normal locks, they could be worth the price for some homeowners and businesses.
Some of the most popular brands for high-security locks are Medeco, Assa Abloy and Mul-t-lock. These brands are renowned for their high-quality products and outstanding service. The locks are made of hardened steel and have additional security features like patented bows for keys, sidebars, drill resistance and face plugs that rotate freely. These locks are often employed in commercial buildings, but they can also be found at many residences.
One of the biggest problems that burglars face with traditional locks is the capability to create a key that will open them. High-security locks feature special key bows or warding patterns to prevent copying without a keycard or special equipment. Some locks require an entry code to be entered in order to turn them on. These locks are commonly used in the workplace to secure sensitive areas like cash counting rooms as well as pharmaceutical drug rooms and warehouses.
Despite the added security features of these locks, they are not appropriate for doors that are exposed to elements. Wind, rain and other weather conditions can cause damage to the mechanism of the lock which makes it easier for a criminal to break through the lock and gain access.
This is why it's important to invest in an excellent double-glazed door with reinforced locking points to ensure your property is protected from attack from the outside. For instance, the uPVC locking system by SKS is designed to resist a variety of attacks and comes with several security features like anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump.
High-security locks may not be worth the expense in terms of safety for your home. The majority of burglars gain access to a house through a window that is not locked, sliding glass door or backdoor. The addition of a security lock isn't likely to stop these kinds of attacks, since the perpetrators will find another way in. If you have anything valuable in your house that needs to be protected A high-security lock is worth the investment.
Anti-Crowbar Finishing
This lock is designed to meet a recognised insurance requirement. It is made of 20mm steel bars that can be fixed and rotated to deter attacks by tools such as hacksaws. It's polyester powder coated with a range of colors to provide a durable finish that matches any design. It's also a cost-effective solution since there are no electrical components to fail and planning permissions are rarely required.
Espagnolette locking systems are a popular option for modern uPVC windows. They work in conjunction with secure multi-point locks positioned throughout the frame to lock the handle in place. They are also available in cockspur handle styles for traditional and heritage enhancement projects. They are tested to the highest standards including diamond SS312 and Kitemarked TS007 three star to guard against locking snapping.
Easy to Maintain
Modern uPVC windows and doors are extremely durable, however they're not maintenance free. The hinges and locks need to be regularly cleaned. The buildup of dirt and grime can over time, which can cause damage to the lock. This can make it harder for the lock to operate correctly and expose your home to burglars.
Cleaning and maintaining the locks on your door is simple. With a mild detergent or even just a damp cloth should get rid of any dirt from the hinges and lock. If a stubborn stain is persistent, a specialist cream-based uPVC cleaner might be needed.
In addition to cleaning your locks, your hinges and locks should be lubricated regularly periodically. The use of a silicon spray specifically designed specifically for this purpose will help lock mechanisms function well and prevent corrosion caused by salt in the air. After applying lubricant to the hinges and lock and hinges, gently pull or push on them a few times to ensure that the lubricant has had a chance to fully integrate into the mechanism.
It is not advisable to use force to get a hinge or lock to open or close, because this can significantly increase the stress on the mechanism and cause it to wear out prematurely. If you experience difficulty opening or closing your door or window it is likely the locking mechanism has become unbalanced. You should consult a locksmith as soon as you can to check this.
To keep burglars from gaining access to your window, consider installing an aftermarket deadbolt. These bolts drive into the frame of the door and cannot be removed from the outside, providing an additional layer of security.
Double Glazing Quoter can help you upgrade your current uPVC windows with high-security locks. Contact us today. Our online quote builder will give instant quotes for an array of front door designs and locking options including high-security doors. The cost estimates can help you decide what best option is suitable for your home. Our guide prices can help you select the most appropriate design for your budget when contemplating installing a uPVC double-glazed front door.