Double Glazing Door Locks Many homeowners opt for double-glazed doors and windows for their energy efficiency, insulation and sound reduction. However, they are also an effective deterrent to burglars. To ensure the security of your double glazed windows, check that they have been equipped with anti-jemmy hinges. These special hardware components make it very difficult to pry open window sashes. Multi-point locking Multipoint door locks are one of the most reliable security devices you can put in at your workplace or in your home. They are nearly impossible for anyone to break or pick, and are a great addition to any security system. They can also increase your energy efficiency by reducing drafts as well as improving the seal around the door frame. Multi-point locking systems are comprised of a deadbolt and live bolt (latch) paired with hook bolts that are above and below the latch, plus flush bolts that are locked into the head and sill of the door frame. They usually extend across the entire width of the door, or even more. In commercial settings, they are known as "full-width" systems because they are able to secure the entire opening. Multi-point locking is a feature on the majority of uPVC and some doors made of timber. This kind of lock offers a higher level of security compared to standard locks. It is usually specified as part of the Secured by Design initiative, which has been endorsed by the police. When a multi-point uPVC lock door is shut the handle on the outside opens the latch bolt. The inside handle is locked by turning the thumbturn lock on the inside, with the door handle raised or by using keys. Always use a key to lock your door when it's closed, as trying to use a lever or deadbolt bolt with a handle could damage the lock as well as the hinges. If your uPVC multi-point lock doesn't function correctly it could be due to it's misaligned with the door frame. You can test this by placing a spirit level on the top of the door, and checking for any gaps in the miter joints, where the frame meets the door. It's worth asking your double glazing specialist to determine if there's an opening and how to close it. They'll be able replace the lock for you or install a new one. They'll be able to determine whether it's due to damage to the frame or lock unit. In such cases they'll be able repair or replace your multipoint lock in order to make it work again. Espagnolette locks Espagnolette locks have become a standard locking mechanism for double-glazed uPVC windows. The shape of the flat strip that rotates when you turn the handle is a great way to identify them. They are used with multi-point locks that are placed around the frame of your window to lock and unlock it securely. If you're looking to upgrade your uPVC windows, handles made of espagnolette are a great option for either new builds or renovations. They are available in a broad variety of styles, including contemporary and period. They also come with a wide variety of bar sizes and backset options, as well as mushrooms cam heights, and a choice of profiles to fit every application. Although they are a very well-liked option, espagnolette locks have been criticized for delivering low levels of security to French doors. With only one point of locking in the middle of the door is easily bypassed with enough force. It is also possible for thieves to open French doors by pushing the handle to the right or left. These doors are typically used as the primary entrance to your home. They should be kept secure to minimise the risk of intrusion by a stranger. Despite their name, espagnolette locks are not a bolt but actually a one-piece mechanism that can be mounted externally on the edge of your French doors or internally on the frame of a casement window. The mechanism operates with an handle. It consists of a rod which has hooks at its head and sill. The hooks are inserted into sockets on the frame of your window. When the handle of the window is operated the rod is moved upwards and downwards. 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 the door or the overall appearance of the room. These types of handles are compatible with a variety of different designs and are able to be master-keyed for extra security. Like cockspur handles, espagnolette handle are available in both crank and inline models depending on the orientation of your windows. Inline versions turn in the same direction as the original. Cranked versions are available in right-handed and left-handed options. Laminated glass It is often used as a window because it is very difficult to break. It is also safer than standard safety glass as it is fused to one piece instead of breaking into sharp fragments. This makes it perfect for homes as well as commercial properties. Lamination is a process that is the process of combining 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 function as windows or doors. The laminated glass that is created is up to 5 times stronger and 100 times stiffer than glass that has been tempered. It also withstands greater impacts and resists weathering. This kind of glazing is ideal for construction sites that require high performance for safety, such as increased 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 is available in a variety of options to suit your needs and budget. Laminated glass is more secure to use than tempered glass since it is able to be cut after the fact. It is less likely to break if cut from the back of the glass, rather than the edge. This makes it a great choice for glass that does not open or close, like cellar windows. It is also used in high-rise buildings in urban areas because it can reduce the volume of noise that is transmitted from the street to the interior. The Saflex PVB interlayer of the laminated glass is also able to absorb some of the sun's harmful UV rays, which prevents discoloration of fabrics and furnishings. Although laminated glass is more expensive than tempered, it offers many advantages that will help you save money over time. It's also more robust and resistant to scratches and abrasions. It can be manufactured to meet your specific requirements. It is also less susceptible to heat damage, which makes it an ideal option for coastal areas or high-rise structures. In fact, certain building codes require that all exterior doors and certain interior windows be made from laminated glass. Friction hinges Friction hinges are designed to hold and support the positions of doors, flaps, panels, and windows. They also impede the movement of other hinges and prevent the slamming of a heavy object or accidental opening and closing. They are available in various dimensions and shapes, and can have a variety of torques. These forces determine the length of time that hinges remain open or closed. Aluminum is a great material for friction hinges due to its strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, and high strength-toweight ratio. It is lightweight and easy to handle. It can also be crafted into a variety of finishes, and is simple to install and repair. Another popular material for friction hinges is brass. Brass is an alloy comprised of zinc and copper. It is naturally corrosion resistance. It is also stronger and more durable than steel, but it is more expensive. The friction hinges that are used in uPVC double glazing door systems can be tailored to the specific requirements of the particular application. These modifications can include the amount of damping, the viscosity of lubricant, the degree of tolerance to space between components, and conditions in which the hinge will be used. These variables can affect the dynamic torque of the hinge, and it is essential to keep track of this metric in critical 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 disc, curl, and pipe friction. Every type of friction hinge is unique and has its own set of properties that make it more or less suitable for certain situations. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/weymouth-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ are also referred as hinges that stop free since they permit doors or lids to remain at an angle even after the force has been removed. This prevents injuries by preventing accidental closing. This type of hinge is ideal for use in harsh, medical or hazardous areas. The hinges can be configured to allow for different degrees of free play, and can be designed to work at various angles.