Double Glazing Door Locks Many homeowners opt for double-glazed windows and doors for their energy efficiency, insulation and sound reduction. However, they can also be an effective deterrent for burglars. To ensure the security of your double-glazed windows, ensure that they have been equipped with anti-jemmy hinges. These specialised hardware parts make it difficult to get the sashes of your windows open. Multi-point locking Multipoint door locks are one of the most secure security devices you can install in your home or workplace. They are virtually impossible to break or pick and can be an excellent addition to any security system. They can also improve the efficiency of your energy by reducing drafts and improving the seal around the door frame. Multi-point locking systems are composed of a deadbolt, a live bolt, and hook bolts located above and beneath the latch. They also have flush bolts which lock into the door's head and the sill. They generally extend most of the time, but not all across the entire width of the door. In commercial settings, they are called "full-width" systems due to the fact that they protect the entire opening. The majority of uPVC doors have multi-point locking, but certain timber doors are available with this level of security. This type of lock offers a higher level of security compared to standard locks. It is typically mentioned as part of the Secured by Design initiative, which has been endorsed by the police. When a uPVC door with a multi-point lock has been closed, 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. Always use a key to lock your door. Using an outside handle to lock your door could cause damage to the latch or deadbolt. If your uPVC multi-point lock isn't functioning correctly, it could be because it's not aligned properly with the frame of the door. You can check this by placing a spirit level on top of the door and observing any gaps in the miter joints, where the frame meets the door. It is worth asking your double glazing expert to determine if there's a gap and how to fix it. They can either replace the lock or install a replacement. They'll be able to tell whether the issue is due to damage to the frame or the lock unit itself. In these instances the technician will be able to repair or replace the multipoint lock in order to make it work again. Espagnolette locks Espagnolette locks are among the most commonly used window locking mechanisms that are used for modern uPVC double-glazed windows. The flat strip shape that rotates when you turn the handle is a good way to identify them. They work using multi-point locks within the frame of your window to lock and unlock it safely. If you're looking to improve your uPVC window handles, espagnolette handles can be used for new builds or renovations. They are available in a variety of contemporary and period styles and are available in a variety of bar lengths, backset options, and mushrooms cam heights that come with a selection of profile keepers to fit all kinds of applications. Although a very popular choice however, espagnolette locks have also been criticized for providing low levels of security to French doors. A single locking point in the middle of the door can be easily accessed. It is also possible for burglars to open French doors by pushing the handle to the right or left. These doors are usually the main entrances to your home, and they should be secured to limit the chance of intrusion from outside. The espagnolette lock isn't an actual bolt, but rather it is a single-piece mechanism that can be fitted externally to the edge of French doors, or internally to a casement frame. The mechanism is operated via a handle and comprises of a rod with hooks at the sill and head which fit into sockets within the window frame. When the handle is turned the rod moves upwards and downwards, and the hooks are locked into their receivers to secure and unlock your windows. They are a great option for those who wish to increase the security of French doors without compromising on the design and aesthetics of the door. These types of handles can be paired with a variety of other styles and can be master keyed for added peace of mind. 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 Cranked versions are available in both right and left handed designs. Laminated glass Laminated glass is typically used for windows since it is extremely hard to break. It is also more secure than regular safety glass since it is fused to a single piece rather than breaking into sharp shards. This makes it ideal for homes as well as commercial buildings. Lamination is the process of combining two pieces flat glass and an interlayer of plastic. The entire piece is heated before being press-pressed to create a strong enough to function as a door or window. The laminated glass that is created is five times stronger and 100 times stronger than glass that has been tempered. It is also able to endure more severe impacts, and withstand weathering. This kind of glass is perfect for buildings that need to perform well, such as enhanced security (impact-resistant glass) UV protection, or noise reduction. Laminated glazing can be combined with a high-performance coating to enhance both thermal insulation and solar control. It's available in a range of choices to meet your needs and budget. Laminated glass is safer to use than tempered glass because it is cut after the fact. It is also less likely to shatter when cut from the side instead of the edge of the glass. This makes it a good choice for glass that doesn't open or close, such as cellar windows. It is also used in high-rise structures in urban areas due to its ability to reduce the amount of noise that travels from the street to the interior of the. The Saflex PVB interlayer of the laminated glass also helps to suffocate some of the sun's damaging UV rays, thus preventing discoloration of furniture and fabrics. Although laminated glazing is typically more expensive than tempered glass, it offers numerous advantages that could save you money over the long term. It's also more durable and resistant to abrasions and scratches. It can be created to meet your specific requirements. Additionally, it's less prone to heat damage and is a great choice for high-rise and coastal areas. In fact, certain building codes require that all exterior doors and some interior windows be made from laminated glass. Friction hinges Friction hinges support and hold doors as well as flaps and panels. They can also impede the movement of other hinges and prevent slamming hard as well as accidental closing and opening. They come in different sizes and shapes, and they can have a variety of torques. These forces determine how long hinges stay open or closed. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/chelmsford-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is a great material for friction hinges due to its durability, corrosion resistance 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. Brass is another material widely that is used in friction hinges. Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper and has a natural resistance to corrosion. It is also stronger and more durable than steel, but it is more expensive. The hinges made of friction that are utilized in uPVC double glazing door systems can be customized to the specific requirements of the particular application. These adjustments can include the amount of damping, the viscosity of lubricant, the degree of tolerance for space between components, as well as the environmental conditions where the hinge will be used. These factors can impact the dynamic torque of a hinge. It is essential to monitor the 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 friction hinge has a unique set of properties that make it more or less effective in specific applications. Friction hinges are also known as hinges that stop free since they permit doors or lids to remain at an angle even after the force has been eliminated. This can help prevent injuries due to accidental closures. This type of hinge is ideal for use in medical, rugged, or hazardous environments. The hinges can be configured to have different degrees or free play, and can function at various angles.