Double Glazing Door Locks Many homeowners choose double-glazed windows and doors for their insulation and energy efficiency as well as sound reduction. However, they are also an effective deterrent against burglars. Check that your double-glazed windows are fitted with anti jemmy hinges to increase their security. These special hardware components make it difficult to get the window sashes open. Multi-point locking Multipoint door locks are one of the most effective security tools you can install at your home or office. They are virtually impossible to break or pick, and they can be an excellent addition to any security system. They also can improve the efficiency of your energy use by reducing drafts around the doorframe and improving the seal. Multi-point locking systems are composed of a deadbolt, live bolt, and hook bolts located above and beneath the latch. They also have flush bolts that lock into the head of the door and the sill. They usually extend across the entire length of the door, or even more. These systems are often referred to as "full-width" in commercial contexts. They are used to secure the entire opening of the door. Multi-point locking is offered on the majority of uPVC and certain timber doors. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/canterbury-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ of lock provides an even higher level of security than standard locks and will often be included in a police-approved Secured by Design initiative for new construction homes. When a uPVC door with a multi-point lock is shut, the outside handle operates the latch bolt. The inside handle can be locked by turning the thumbturn on the inside while the door handle is raised or using a lock key. You should always use keys to lock your door when it's closed. Attempting to force the deadbolt or latch bolt using a handle can damage the lock as well as the hinges. If your uPVC lock isn't working correctly, it could be that it's not aligned with the frame of the door. You can test this by placing a spirit level on top of the door and looking for gaps in the miter joints, where the frame connects to the door. It's worth asking your double glazing expert if there is a gap and to fix it. They can replace the lock or install a replacement. They'll be able to tell if it's caused by damage to the frame or lock unit. In such cases, they'll be able to repair or replace your 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 which moves as you turn the handle. They work with multi-point locks that are placed around the frame of your window to lock and unlock it securely. If you're seeking to upgrade your uPVC windows, handles made of espagnolette are a great option for new builds or renovations. They are available in a variety of styles, both contemporary and period, and are available in a variety of bar lengths, backset options and mushrooms cam heights that come with a choice of profile keepers to fit the majority of applications. The espagnolette lock is a well-liked choice but has been criticized for providing an inadequate security level on French doors. Having a single point of locking in the middle of the door is easily bypassed with enough force. In addition, it is fairly easy for thieves to gain access to your French doors by bending the handle to either the left or right. These doors are often the main entrances to your home, and they should be secured to reduce the chance of intrusion from outside. In spite of their name, espagnolette locks aren't bolts but a single piece mechanism that can be mounted externally on the outside of your French doors or inside a frame for a casement window. The mechanism is operated by a handle and consists of a rod that has hooks at the sill and head which fit into sockets within the window frame. When the handle of the window is operated the rod is moved up and down. The hooks then secure into their respective receivers. These are a great solution for those looking to improve the security of their French doors without compromising the aesthetics of the door or the overall appearance of the room. These types of handles can be paired with a variety of different designs and are able to be master keyed for added security. Like cockspur handles espagnolette handles are available in both inline and crank models, based on the orientation of your windows. Inline versions simply turn in the same manner as the original, while the cranked versions are available in both right and left handed designs. Laminated glass Laminated glass is typically used for windows since it is extremely difficult to break. It is also more secure than standard safety glass because it is fused into one piece instead of breaking into sharp shards. This makes it perfect for both residential and commercial properties. Lamination is a process that combines two pieces of flat glass with a plastic interlayer between. The entire piece is heated before being press-pressed to create a strong enough to use as a door or window. The laminated glass that is created is up to 5 times stronger and 100 times more rigid than glass that is tempered. It is also able to endure more severe impacts, and resist weathering. This type of glazing is ideal for buildings that require demanding performance like increased safety (impact resistant glass) UV protection or noise reduction. Laminated glazing can be used with a high-performance coating to increase thermal insulation and solar control. It is available in a wide range of options to suit your budget and project. Laminated glass is more secure to use than tempered glass as it is cut even after the production. It is less likely to break if it's cut from the sides of the glass rather than the edge. This makes it an excellent choice for glass that doesn't open or close like cellar windows. It is also utilized in high-rise buildings in urban areas due to its ability to reduce the amount of noise that travels from the street to the interior. The Saflex PVB layer that is found in the laminated glasses is also able to absorb the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. This prevents discoloration of furniture, fabrics, and other items. Although laminated glass is typically more expensive than tempered glass, it offers multiple benefits that can save you money over the long term. It is also more durable and resistant to abrasions and scratches. It can be made to meet your specific requirements. In addition, it's less prone to heat damage, and is an ideal choice for high-rise and coastal areas. Certain building codes also require that exterior doors and some interior windows are made from laminated glasses. Friction hinges Friction hinges are used to support and hold in place doors panels, flaps and doors. They can also impede other hinges' movement and prevent hard slamming as well as accidental closing and opening. They come in different sizes and shapes, and they can be equipped with a variety torques. These forces determine the length of time that hinges remain open or shut. Aluminum is a great material for friction hinges due to its strength-to-weight ratio that is high, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It is also light and easy to handle. It can also be crafted into a wide range of finishes and is easy to set up and repair. Another popular material for friction hinges is brass. Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc which is naturally resistant to corrosion. It is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, however it is more expensive. The hinges with friction used in uPVC double glazing door systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of the application. These customizations may include the amount of damping, the viscosity of lubricant and the amount of tolerance for space between components, and environmental conditions where the hinge is used. These variables can affect the dynamic torque of hinges. It is crucial to be aware of the metric when in critical applications. There are various kinds of friction hinges such as one-way and detent. One-way friction hinges have constant torque in one direction, whereas detent friction hinges have no torque in the opposite direction. Other variations include discs pipe and curl friction. Each type of friction hinge has a unique set of properties that make it more or less effective in specific applications. Friction hinges are also referred as hinges with a free-stop since they permit doors or lids to remain at an angle even after the force has been removed. This protects against injuries by preventing accidental closing. This kind of hinge is perfect for medical, rugged or dangerous areas. The hinges are configurable to have different degrees or free play, and they can function at different angles.