Double Glazing Door Locks Many homeowners choose double-glazed doors and windows for their energy efficiency, insulation and sound reduction. However, they can also be an effective deterrent against burglars. Check that your double-glazed windows have anti-jemmy hinges to enhance their security. These specialised hardware parts make it extremely difficult to pry the window sashes off. Multi-point locking Multipoint door locks are among the most secure security tools you can install at home or at work. They are virtually impossible to pick or break and can be a great addition to any security system. They can also improve your energy efficiency by reducing drafts and enhancing the seal around the door frame. Multi-point locking systems consist of a deadbolt and a live bolt (latch) joined by hook bolts above and below the latch, plus flush bolts that secure the sill and head of the door frame. They typically extend across the entire length of the door, at least. In commercial contexts, these are called "full-width" systems, because they secure the entire door opening. The majority of uPVC doors are equipped with multi-point locking, but certain timber doors are available with this level of security. This type of lock offers an increased level of security than standard locks and will often be listed as part of an approved by the police Secured by Design initiative for new homes. When a uPVC door with a multi-point lock has been closed the handle on the outside operates the latch bolt. The inside handle is locked by turning the lock's thumbturn on the inside, with the door handle raised or with keys. Always use a key when you lock your door. The use of a handle to lock the door could damage the latch or deadbolt. If your uPVC multi-point lock isn't functioning properly, it could be because it's not aligned with the frame of the door. You can test this by placing a spirit-level over the top of the doors, and then looking for gaps in the miter joints. If you find an opening it's worth contacting your double glazing specialist to have a look and resolve the issue. They'll be able replace the lock on your behalf or fit a replacement. They will be able tell whether it's due to damage to the frame or the lock unit. In such cases the technician can repair or replace the multipoint lock to make it work again. Espagnolette locks Espagnolette locks are now a standard locking mechanism for double-glazed uPVC windows. They are easily recognised by their flat strip design which moves as you turn the handle. They work in harmony with secure multi-point locks placed around the frame to secure and unlock your windows. If you are looking to improve your uPVC window, espagnolette handles can be used to build new windows or for renovations. They are available in a wide variety of styles, including modern and traditional. They also have a wide variety of bar sizes and backset options, as well as mushrooms cam heights, and a selection of profiles to fit every application. Although a very popular choice the espagnolette locks have been criticized as providing low levels of security to French doors. Having a single point of locking in the center of the door could be overcome 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. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/solihull-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ are typically the main entry points into 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 actually a one-piece mechanism that is able to be fitted externally on the edges of your French doors or internally on a casement window frame. The mechanism is operated by a handle, and consists of a rod with hooks at the head and at the sill that fit into sockets in the window frame. When the handle is turned, the rod is moved between up and down, and the hooks secure into their receivers, allowing them to lock and unlock your windows. They are a great option for those looking to increase the security of their French doors without compromising the aesthetics the door or the overall look of the room. These handles are compatible with a range of other designs and are able to be master keyed for added security. Like cockspur handles espagnolette handle designs come in both inline and cranked models to fit the shape of your window. Inline versions operate the same way as the original, whereas Cranked versions are available in both left and right handed versions. Laminated glass It is often used for windows because it is extremely difficult to break. It is also safer than standard safety glass because it is fused together into one piece instead of breaking into sharp shards. This makes it ideal for residential and commercial buildings. Lamination is a method that involves the joining of two pieces of glass with a plastic interlayer in between. The entire piece is heated and put under pressure to make it stronger enough to serve as the construction of a door or window. The laminated glass created is five times stronger and a hundred times more stiff than the glass that has been tempered. It also withstands stronger impacts and resists weathering. This kind of glass is ideal for structures that require high-performance for safety, such as increased security (impact resistant glass) UV protection or noise reduction. Laminated glass can be combined with high-performance coatings that improve the thermal insulation as well as solar control. It is available in a range of options to fit your project and budget. In contrast to tempered glass, laminated glass can be cut after production and still be safe to use. It is also less likely to shatter when cut from the side rather than the edge of the glass. This makes it a great option for glass that does not open or close, like cellar windows. It also helps reduce the sound that travels through high-rise buildings. The Saflex PVB interlayer within the laminated glass helps to absorb some of the sun's harmful UV rays, thus preventing discoloration of furniture and fabrics. Although laminated glass is more expensive than tempered, it has many benefits that will help you save money over time. It is also more robust and resistant to scratches and abrasions. It can be made according to your exact specifications. It's also less susceptible to heat damage, which makes it an ideal choice for coastal areas or high-rise buildings. In fact, certain building codes require that all exterior doors and some interior windows be made of laminated glass. Friction hinges Friction hinges help hold doors panels, flaps and doors. They also can withstand the movement of other hinges and prevent hard slamming and unintentional closing and opening. They come in different sizes and shapes, and can be equipped with a variety torques. These forces determine how long hinges stay open or closed. Aluminum is a fantastic material for friction hinges due to its strength, durability, resistance to corrosion and high strength-to-weight ratio. It is light and easy to handle. It can also be made into a range of finishes and is easy to install and repair. Brass is a different material that is widely that is used in friction hinges. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is naturally resistant to corrosion. It is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, but is more expensive. The friction hinges used in uPVC double glazing door systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the particular application. These modifications may include the amount of damping, the viscosity of lubricant, and the degree of tolerance between components. They can also be influenced by the environmental conditions that the hinge will be utilized. These factors can impact the dynamic torque of a hinge. It is crucial to keep track of the metric in crucial applications. There are a variety of friction hinges, such as one-way and detent. One-way friction hinges have constant torque in one direction, while detent friction hinges do not have torque in the opposite direction. Other variations include curl, disc, and pipe friction. Each type of friction hinge has a unique set of characteristics that make it more or less efficient for specific uses. Friction hinges are also referred to as hinges that stop free because they allow a door or lid to remain at an angle even after the force has been eliminated. This can help prevent injuries due to accidental closures. This kind hinge is ideal for harsh, medical or hazardous environments. The hinges can be made to provide different degrees of free play, and can work at a variety of angles.