Double Glazing Door Locks Many homeowners choose double-glazed windows and doors to increase insulation and energy efficiency as well as sound reduction. They also serve as a deterrent to burglars. To increase the security of your double-glazed windows, make sure they have been equipped with anti-jemmy hinges. These hardware components are specially designed to make it extremely difficult to get windows sashes. Multi-point locking Multipoint door locks are among the most effective security devices you can install in your home or workplace. They are virtually impossible to pick or break and can be an excellent addition to any security system. They can also increase the efficiency of your energy by reducing drafts as well as improving the seal around the door frame. Multi-point locking systems comprise of a deadbolt and live bolt (latch) joined by hook bolts that are above and below the latch, as well as flush bolts that are locked into the sill and head of the door frame. They usually extend most if they are not all across the width of the door. These systems are often referred to as "full-width", in commercial contexts. They secure the entire opening of the door. The majority of uPVC doors are equipped with multi-point locking, however certain timber doors are available with this level of security. This kind of lock provides an even higher security level than standard locks and will often be listed as part of a police-approved Secured by Design initiative for new homes. When a multi-point uPVC lock door is closed, the outside handle will activate the latch bolt. The inside handle is locked by turning the lock's thumbturn on the inside with the door handle raised or with the key. You should always use keys to lock your door when it is closed, since trying to push the deadbolt or latch bolt with a handle may cause damage to the lock and hinges. If your uPVC lock is not working properly, it could be that it is not aligned with the frame of the door. You can check by placing a spirit-level over the top of the doors and looking for gaps in the miter joints. It's worth consulting your double glazing specialist 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 caused by damage to the frame or the lock unit. In such cases they'll be able repair or replace the multipoint lock to get it functioning again. Espagnolette locks Espagnolette locks are among the most commonly used window locking mechanisms that are used for modern uPVC double glazed windows. They are easily recognised by their flat strip shape that rotates when you turn the handle. They work in harmony with secure multi-point locks placed around the frame to securely lock and release your windows. If you're looking to improve your uPVC windows, the espagnolette handles are a good option for new builds or renovations. They are available in a range of styles, both contemporary and period, and come in a variety of bar lengths, backset options and mushroom cam heights with a selection of a profile that will suit most applications. The lock with a slat is a popular option, but it has been criticized for offering a low level of security on French doors. Having a single point of locking at the center of the door can be overcome with enough force. In addition, it is relatively easy for thieves to gain access to your French doors by bending the handle to the left or right. These doors are usually used as the primary entrance to your home and should be kept secure to reduce the chance of unauthorized entry. Although they are referred to as espagnolette locks, these locks aren't bolts but actually a one-piece mechanism that fits externally onto the outside of your French doors or inside the frame of a casement window. The mechanism is operated with an handle. It is comprised of a rod which has hooks at its head and sill. The hooks are inserted into sockets in the window frame. When the handle is operated, the rod is moved up and down and the hooks are locked into their receivers to secure and unlock your windows. These are a great solution 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 can be used in different styles and can be master-keyed for added peace of mind. Like cockspur handles, espagnolette handle are available in both crank and inline models, based on the orientation of your windows. Inline versions operate in the same manner as the original, whereas cranked versions are available in left and right handed versions. Laminated glass It is often used as a window because it is extremely difficult to break. It is also safer than standard glass because it fuses together into one single piece of safety glass, rather than breaking into sharp, loose shards. This makes it ideal for commercial and residential properties. Lamination is the process of joining two pieces flat glass and an interlayer of plastic. The whole piece is then heated and then put under pressure to make it stronger enough to serve as a window or door. The resulting laminated glass is five times stronger and 100 times stronger than glass that is tempered. It is also able to be able to withstand more severe impacts and withstand weathering. This type of glass is ideal for buildings that must perform well, like enhanced security (impact-resistant glass) and 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's available in a range of options to suit your needs and budget. As opposed to tempered glass glass can be cut following production, and be safe to use. It is less likely to break if it's cut from the side of the glass instead of the edge. This makes it a good choice for glass that won't open or close like cellar windows. It is also used to reduce the noise that travels through high-rise structures. The Saflex PVB interlayer in the laminated glass is also able to block some of the sun's damaging UV rays, which prevents discoloration of furnishings and fabrics. Although laminated glass is typically more expensive than tempered glass, it offers numerous advantages that could save you money in the long run. It is also more durable and resistant to abrasions and scratches. It can be created to meet your specific specifications. Additionally, it's less prone to heat damage and is an ideal choice for high-rises and coastal areas. Certain building codes require that exterior doors as well as certain interior windows are made from laminated glasses. Friction hinges Friction hinges are designed to support and hold the location of doors and flaps, panels and windows. They can also resist other hinges' movement and prevent slamming hard and accidental opening and closing. They are available in various dimensions and shapes, and they can be equipped with a variety torques. These forces determine how long hinges stay open or shut. Aluminum is a fantastic 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 range of finishes and is simple to install and repair. Brass is another material widely that is used in friction hinges. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc which has a natural resistance to corrosion. It is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, but is more expensive. The hinges with friction that are used in uPVC double glazing door systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the application. These customizations could include the amount of damping, the viscosity of the lubricant and the degree of tolerance between components. They may also include the conditions of the environment where the hinge will be used. These factors can impact the dynamic torque of hinges. It is important to be aware of the metric when in critical applications. There are a variety of friction hinges. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ include one-way and detent. One-way friction hinges provide constant torque in one direction, while detent friction hinges have no torque in the opposite direction. Other variations include curl, disc and pipe friction. Each type of hinge is distinct and has its own set properties that make it more or less useful for certain situations. Friction hinges are also known as 'free-stop' hinges because they allow doors or lids to remain at an angle even after the force has been eliminated. This prevents injuries by preventing accidental closing. This type hinge is ideal for medical, rugged or hazardous locations. The hinges are able to be designed to allow different levels of free play and can be made to work in a range of angles.