Upgrade Your Double Glazing Door Locks Double glazing windows are a great way to keep burglars at bay and provide peace of mind in your home. They also offer great energy efficiency, keeping drafts out and heat in. Espagnolette locking systems are the most popular window lock for uPVC doors. They work combination with secure multi-point locks to secure your home. Cockspur handles are more traditional and better suited to old-fashioned projects or slimmer frames. Restrictive Window Hinges The hinges of your uPVC windows play a vital function in keeping your window closed and secure. If they are not secured an intruder could use the window as leverage to open your door. One of the most effective ways to ensure that your doors are securely shut and locked is by upgrading your existing hinges to secure ones. Security hinges are available in a range of sizes and types to meet the requirements of the majority of uPVC windows. They are also very easy to install since they do not require any modifications or tools. These hinges have a friction torque positioning hinge that is steady no matter what force it is put through. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/rochdale-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ means that an intruder who tries 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 enter the home. Most modern double glazing comes with the standard set of window hinges. These are usually made of stainless steel and are very strong. However windows located in vulnerable positions such as on ground floor or higher floors of your home, you may want to upgrade the hinges to security hinges. These are much stronger than standard hinges and come with specific locking mechanism that blocks the window from being opened by intruders. It is crucial to make sure that you match the height of the stack between the old hinges and the new ones when you select hinges for security. This will ensure that the new hinges fit correctly and give a neat professional look to your uPVC window. If you'd prefer, you can also install restricted window friction hinges. They come with a built-in restrictor to stop the window from opening to much. This is for the safety of children. They are typically fitted to fire escape windows (egress) and comply with building codes. The hinges are only open for at a certain distance and then released by pressing a small button. They are available in pairs and are available in various lengths and stack heights. High-Security Locks You should consider investing in high-security locks if you wish to make it more difficult for someone to break into your home. These locks have extra security features, such as extreme pick resistance, bump-proof construction, and keys that cannot be duplicated without permission. Although they are more expensive than standard locks, some homeowners and business owners might find them worth the cost. Some of the most popular brands for high-security locks include Medeco, Assa Abloy and Mul-t-lock. These brands are renowned for their high-quality products and exceptional customer service. These locks are made from steel that has been hardened, and they come with additional security features like patented bows on the keys and sidebars. They also have drill resistance and free-rotating plugs. These locks are commonly used in commercial spaces, but they can also be found at many residences. One of the biggest issues that burglars have with traditional locks is the ability to make keys that open them. High-security locks come with special bows for keys or warding patterns that prevent copying without a keycard or other specialized equipment. They may even contain a pin code that must be entered in order to activate them. These locks are commonly used in businesses to protect vulnerable areas like cash counting rooms, pharmaceutical drug rooms and warehouses. Despite the additional security offered by these locks, they're generally not suitable for doors that are open to the elements. Wind, rain, and other weather conditions can cause damage to the lock mechanism. This makes it easier for criminals to bypass the lock. It is essential to purchase a good quality double-glazed door that has reinforced locking points to ensure your home is secure from external attack. For instance, the uPVC locking system made by SKS is designed to withstand a variety of attacks. It also comes with a number of security features including anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump. The security of high-security locks might not be worth the investment in terms of residential safety. The majority of burglars gain entry to a home through a window, sliding door or backdoor that's left unlocked. A high-security lock won't stop these types attacks as the perpetrators are likely to discover a new way of entering. However, if you have something of value in your home that requires protecting, a high-security lock is worth the investment. Anti-Crowbar Finishing This anti-jemmy lock was made to meet an accepted insurance requirement. It is made of 20mm steel bars that can be fixed and rotated to deter attacks from tools like hacksaws. It's polyester powder coated in a choice of colours to give it a robust finish that blends into any decor. It's also a cost-effective solution, as there are no electrical components that could fail and planning permissions are not usually required. Espagnolette locking systems are a common option for modern uPVC windows. They are compatible with secure multi-point locks placed across the frame to hold the handle in place. They are also offered in cockspur handles for traditional and heritage enhancement 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 doors and windows are extremely durable, but require some care. The locks and hinges need to be regularly cleaned. Dirt and grime can accumulate over time, which can cause damage. This can make the lock less effective and make your home more vulnerable. Cleaning and maintaining the locks on your door is easy. Use mild detergent or a dampened cloth to remove dirt from the hinges and lock. If a stubborn stain is persists an expert cream-based uPVC cleaner may be required. In addition to cleaning your locks, your hinges and locks should be lubricated from time to time. Using a silicon spray specifically made for this purpose can help the locking mechanism to function properly and reduce the likelihood of corrosion from salt in the air around them. After lubricating the lock and hinges by gently pulling or pushing on them several times to make sure that the grease has had a chance to fully penetrate the mechanism. You should never force a lock or hinge to close or open, since this can increase the stress on the mechanism and could cause it to wear out prematurely. If you experience difficulty opening or closing your window or door, it is likely that the locking mechanism has been unbalanced. You should consult an locksmith as soon as you can to determine the cause. To stop burglars from gaining access to your windows you should consider installing an aftermarket deadbolt. The bolts are inserted to the door frame and are not able to be removed from the outside. This adds an extra layer of protection. Double Glazing Quoter can assist you in upgrading your current uPVC windows with high-security locks. Contact us today. Our online quote builder will offer instant quotes on an array of front door designs and locking options including high-security doors. You can use the costs to help you decide which one is right for your home. Our guide to prices can help you select the best design for your budget when planning to install a uPVC double-glazed front door.