Double Glazing Door Locks
Many homeowners choose double-glazed windows and doors to increase insulation, energy efficiency and sound reduction. They are also a powerful deterrent for burglars.
Check that your double-glazed windows are fitted with anti jemmy hinges to increase their security. These specialised hardware parts make it extremely difficult to get the window sashes open.
Multi-point locking
Multipoint door locks are one of the most efficient security tools you can install at your home or office. They are nearly impossible for anyone to pick or break, and are a great option to add to any security system. They can also increase the efficiency of your energy by reducing drafts and improving the seal around the door frame.
Multi-point locking systems are comprised of a deadbolt and live bolt (latch) coupled with hook bolts above and below the latch, plus flush bolts that are locked into the sill and head of the door frame. They typically extend the most, if they do not extend all the way across the length of the door. replacing window locks are often referred to as "full-width", in commercial contexts. They protect the entire opening of the door.
Multi-point locking is offered on most uPVC and certain timber doors. This kind of lock offers an increased level of security when compared to conventional locks. It is often mentioned as part of the Secured by Design initiative, which has been approved by the police.
When a uPVC multi-point lock door is closed and the outside handle is turned on, it opens the latch bolt. The inside handle is locked by turning the lock's thumbturn on the inside, with the door handle raised or by using keys. Always use keys to lock your door when it's closed, as trying to force the deadbolt or latch bolt with a handle could cause damage to the lock and hinges.
If your uPVC lock is not working properly, it could mean that it is not aligned with the frame of the door. You can check by placing a spirit-level over the top of the doors, and then looking for gaps in the miter joints.
If you notice an opening it's worth contacting your double glazing expert to have a look and resolve the issue. They'll be able to repair the lock for you or install a replacement. They'll be able to determine whether the issue is caused by damage to the frame or the lock unit itself. In these cases the technician can repair or replace the multipoint lock to make it work again.
Espagnolette locks
Espagnolette locks have become a standard locking mechanism for double-glazed uPVC windows. They can be identified by their flat strip design that rotates when you turn the handle. They are used using multi-point locks within the frame of your window to secure the window and lock it. If you are looking to upgrade your uPVC window handles, espagnolette handles are utilized for new constructions or renovations. They are available in a variety of styles, both contemporary and period, and come in a range of bar lengths, backset options, and the heights of the mushroom cams, with a variety of profile keeps to suit the majority of applications.
The lock with a slat is a popular choice but has been criticized for delivering an inadequate security level on French doors. A single lock point in the middle of the door is easily bypassed. It is also quite easy for burglars to gain access to your French doors by bending the handle to move to the left or right. These doors are usually the main entrances to your home, and should be secured to limit the chance of unauthorized intrusion.
Although they are referred to as espagnolette locks, these locks are not a bolt they are actually a one-piece mechanism that fits externally onto the outside of your French doors or inside the frame of a casement window. The mechanism is operated with the help of a handle. It is made up of a rod with hooks at its sill and head. The hooks are inserted into sockets in the window frame. When the handle is turned the rod is moved up and down and the hooks lock into their receivers to lock and unlock your windows.
These are an excellent solution for those looking to increase the security of French doors without compromising the design and aesthetics of the door. These types of handles can be paired with a range of other styles and can be master keyed to give you added security.
Like cockspur handles espagnolette handles are available in both crank and inline models based on the orientation of your windows. Inline versions turn in the same manner as the original, whereas the cranked versions are available in both left and right handed versions.
Laminated glass
Laminated glass is typically used for windows as it is extremely difficult to break. It is also safer than regular safety glass since it is fused to one piece rather than breaking into sharp shards. This makes it perfect for both residential and commercial properties.
Lamination is the process of combining two pieces flat glass and an interlayer of plastic. The whole piece is then heated and put under pressure to make it stronger enough to be used as a window or door. The laminated glass that is created is five times stronger and 100 times stiffer than the glass that has been tempered. It also withstands stronger impacts and resists weathering.
This type of glass is ideal for buildings that need to perform well, like enhanced safety (impact-resistant glass), UV protection, or noise reduction. Laminated glass can be paired with high-performance coatings to improve both solar and thermal control. It is available in a variety of options to suit your needs and budget.
Laminated glass is safer to use than tempered glass because it is cut even after the production. It is also less likely to shatter when cut from the side instead of the edge of the glass. This makes it a great option for glass that doesn't open and close like cellar windows.
It is also used in high-rise structures in urban areas because of its ability to reduce the amount of noise that flows from the street to the interior of the. The Saflex PVB interlayer of the laminated glass also helps to block some of the sun's harmful UV rays, thus preventing discoloration of furniture and fabrics.
Although laminated glazing is typically more expensive than glass that is tempered, it has many advantages that can save you money in the long run. It's also more durable, resistant to abrasion and scratches, and can be made to your exact specifications. It is also less susceptible to heat damage, which makes it an ideal option for coastal areas or high-rise structures. In fact, some building codes require that all exterior doors and some interior windows are made of laminated glass.
Friction hinges
Friction hinges support and hold doors, flaps and panels. They can also resist the movement of other hinges and prevent hard slamming and accidental opening and closing. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also have different amounts of torque that are the forces that determine how long hinges remain open or closed.
Aluminum is a great material for friction hinges due to its strength, durability, resistance to corrosion and high strength-to-weight ratio. It is lightweight and easy-to-handle. It is also available in various colors, and it's simple to set up and fix. Another popular material for friction hinges is brass. Brass is an alloy made of zinc and copper, and it has a natural resistance to corrosion. It is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, however it is more expensive.
The hinges that use friction in uPVC door systems with double glazing can be modified according to the application. These modifications can include the amount of damping, the lubricant viscosity and the amount of space tolerance between components, and environmental conditions where the hinge will be utilized. These factors can affect the dynamic torque of the hinge and it is important to keep track of this metric in critical applications.
There are different types of friction hinges including detent and one-way. Detent friction hinges don't have torque in the reverse direction. Other variations include disc, pipe and curl friction. Each type of hinge has its own set of characteristics that make it more or less useful for specific uses.
Friction hinges are also referred as hinges that stop free because they allow doors or lids to remain at an angle after the force has been eliminated. This helps to prevent injuries by preventing accidental closures. This type hinge is suitable for use in harsh, medical or hazardous areas. The hinges are configurable to provide different degrees of free play, and can be designed to work at different angles.