Upgrade Your Double Glazing Door Locks
Double glazing windows help to keep burglars out and help you feel secure in your home. They are also energy efficient, allowing warm air inside and draughts from outside.
Espagnolette locking systems are the most commonly used window lock for uPVC doors and work in with multi-point locks that are secure to keep your home secure. Cockspur handles have a more traditional appearance and are a good choice for heritage projects or frames that are slimmer.
Restrictive Window Hinges
The hinges of your uPVC windows play a crucial role in keeping your window closed and secure. If they are not secured, a determined intruder could use the leverage of the window to push open your door to gain entry. Replace your hinges with security hinges to ensure that your doors stay securely closed and locked.
There are many security hinges that will fit most uPVC window types and sizes. They are simple to install because they don't require any tools or modifications. The most important security features of these hinges include a particular type of friction torque positioned hinge that can remain stable regardless of how much force is applied to it. This means that a burglar trying to remove the window from its hinge will have a harder time as well as it is likely that they will be unable to bend the window enough to gain access to the home.
The hinges that are standard with most new double glazing are made of stainless steel, and are extremely sturdy. However windows placed in a vulnerable position like on the ground floor or higher floors of your home, you may want to upgrade the hinges to security hinges. These hinges are stronger than the standard hinges and come with an locking mechanism that stops intruders from opening the window.
When choosing security hinges for windows, it is crucial to match the stack height of your old window hinges to the new ones that you are installing. This will ensure that the new hinges will fit perfectly and provide a professional and neat finish to your uPVC windows.
You may also choose to fit restricted window friction hinges, if you prefer, they come with an inbuilt restrictor to stop the window from opening too far to ensure safety for children. They are typically fitted to windows for fire escape (egress) and are compliant with the building codes. The hinges only open to a certain distance and can be released by pressing the button. They are sold in pairs, and come in various lengths and stacking heights.
High-Security Locks
You should consider investing in high-security locks if you wish to make it harder for someone to gain entry into your home. These locks have extra security features like extreme pick resistance and bump proof construction. They also have keys that cannot be duplicated without authorization. While they will cost more than normal locks, they could be worth the price for some homeowners and businesses.
Medeco, Assa Abloy, and Mul-t-lock are among the most popular high-security lock brands. These brands have a reputation for their high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Their locks are made from hardened steel and come with additional security features, such as bows for keys, sidebars, drill resistance and face plugs that rotate freely. These locks are typically used in commercial properties, but they can also be found in a variety of homes.
The ability to create keys that open traditional locks is one of the most significant issues burglars face. High-security locks come with special key bows and warding patterns that block the creation of copies that do not require the use of a key card or other equipment. They may also include a pin code that must be entered in order to activate them. These locks are utilized in companies to guard sensitive areas such as cash counting rooms, pharmaceutical drug rooms and warehouses.
These locks are not recommended for doors that are susceptible to weather. Wind, rain, and other weather conditions can affect the mechanism of the lock. This makes it easier for burglars to break through the lock.
It is important to invest in the best quality double-glazed door that has strong locking points to make sure that your home is secure from outside attack. SKS's uPVC locking systems, for example, are designed to resist an array of attacks. They also come with various security features, including anti-picking, anti drilling and anti-bump.
In terms of security for residential homes high-security locks aren't always worth the investment. Most burglars gain entry into the home through a window, sliding door or backdoor that's left unlocked. A high-security lock cannot stop these kinds of attacks since the perpetrators will find another way in. If you have something valuable in your house that needs to be secured, a high security lock is well worth the cost.
Anti-Crowbar Finishing
This anti-jemmy lock was made to meet an accepted insurance requirement. It has 20mm steel bars that can be rotated and fixed to prevent attacks by tools such as hacksaws. It is polyester powder coated with a choice of colors for a durable finish that is compatible with any design. It's also a low-cost solution as there are no electrical components to fail, and planning permissions aren't usually required.
Espagnolette locking systems are a popular option for modern uPVC windows and work in harmony with secure multi-point locks positioned throughout the frame to hold the handle in place. They are also available with cockspur handles to suit traditional and heritage projects. They are tested to highest standards, including the SS312 Diamond as well as Kitemarked to 3 Star TS007 to protect against snapping lock.
Easy to Maintain
Modern uPVC windows and doors are extremely durable, but they're not maintenance free. Locks and hinges need to be cleaned periodically. The buildup of dirt and grime can over time, which can cause damage. This could make it difficult for the lock to operate properly and could leave your home vulnerable to burglars.
Cleaning and maintaining the locks on your door is simple. With a mild detergent or even just a damp cloth should remove any dirt from the lock and hinges. If the stain is persistent then cream-based uPVC cleaning solution may be needed.
The hinges and locks must be lubricated periodically along with cleaning. Using silicon spray specifically designed for this purpose will help the locking mechanisms to perform properly and decrease the chance of corrosion due to salt in the air around them. After lubricating both the hinges and the lock with the lubricant, gently pull or push them several times. This will ensure that the lubricant has been fully absorbed into the mechanism.
Do not push a hinge or lock to close or open since this can 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 is most likely due to the locking mechanism being misaligned and you should have a locksmith examine for you as soon as you can.
To prevent burglars from getting access to your windows you should consider installing a deadbolt from an aftermarket. upvc window replacement lock are set to the frame of the door and cannot be removed from the outside. This adds an additional layer of protection.
Double Glazing Quoter can assist you in upgrading your current uPVC windows with locks that are high-security. Contact us now. Our online quote generator can give instant quotes for a variety of front door styles, locking options and high-security doors. The prices are available to help you determine which one is right for your home. Our guide to prices can help you select the best design for your budget if you are planning to install a uPVC double-glazed front door.