With double glazing it is important more than ever to invest in the highest grade of glazing you can possibly afford. Even if that means waiting a while until you are ready to go.
With technology moving quicker than ever in the glazing industry to keep up its beneficial to do research in to what you are trying to buy, what is being offered and more importantly what are they trying to sell you and what is its heat retention value.
With triple glazing on the horizon and aluminium making a grand re entry to the residential sector, potential buyers can be bombarded with all kinds of specifications and ratings. No doubt from a novice point of view it can be hard to find out exactly which is the spec you require.
Don't only think of the windows in the property, the front and back doors need attention too as they are a notorious source of drafts and cold spots.
The larger the area of glass the more important it is to invest in Argon filled cavities between the glass and to possibly think about potentially putting in triple glazing , which will consist of a combination of different energy saving panes of glass and various filled cavities to attain an A + onward status.
Many styles of composite doors already come with certain glass designs triple glazed which not only offer better insulation but also ease of cleaning as the designs are encapsulated within the double glazed unit which sits within the door.
More interesting links:
Composite doors | PVC Windows Advice | Double Glazing General | Glazing Questions
Timber windows are the most natural warming effect that every home would benefit from, apart from the fact that they are not any where near as energy efficient and need constant attention, repair and maintenance.
If the wooden windows are not kept properly with the correct treatments the weather will get in and start to manifest itself slowly at first then gradually enough to become uncontrollable from an nonprofessionals capabilities.
Time consuming painting labour year in year out and mind numbing treatments are something that need to be gotten rid of especially for the middle aged and older home owner who isn't getting any younger.
The prospect of climbing up ladders and perching in uncomfortable situations to weather seal timber frames is a daunting one, and its a good job there is an alternative.
PVC windows and doors offer all the benefits that anyone would need compared to timber.
Energy efficient
Almost maintenance free as they will need hinges etc spray oiling every 6 months
No need for painting and treating
No need for filling and sanding
Double glazed compared to many timber frames although some are double glazed but are no where near as efficient as PVC
Easily wiped clean with a damp cloth on the internal side.
Highly insulated frames as well as the double glazed unit
Lower your carbon footprint
Fully recyclable at the end of their life
Much more secure with composite integrated locking mechanisms and shoot bolts.
Handle locks on all functioning sashes
PVC will not warp or deteriorate in the wind, heat or extreme weather.
Available in all kinds of finishes to closely imitate timber windows and range in colours such as the reds, greys, blues, rosewoods, and oak as well as black and greens.
Stylish bevelled and scotia frame finishes with internal beds to match.
Night vents for bedroom venting in the summer months
A rated glazing available to combat condensation
A rated glazing to lower bills
A rated glazing to keep the rooms cool in the summer months as well as keeping heat in , in the winter months.
Guarantees that cover the windows for 10 years- so no worries about performance or
functionality.
Added option of easy clean/ fire escape hinges for multi purpose sashes.
20 real reasons not dig out the paint brushes and start the dreaded climbing up ladders to treat timber windows and doors.
Company information
More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @ Southport Doors & Double Glazing
Interesting links:
New Rockdoors | PVC windows | ultimate conservatories | high security door products
More advice and posts on :
What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?
combating condensation
Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide
The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address
What benefits are there with PVC windows
Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean
No matter which brand of PVC window you choose to opt for, and no matter who is fabricating the windows whether it be a mass producer or a small outfit who operates locally chances are that there will be key locks on the handles.
With all the greatest intentions of breaking into a modern second generation windows sash it would be very difficult to achieve, if not impossible.
As long as it is a high specification window and it incorporates a composite multipoint locking mechanism using a combination of roller cams and shoot bolts , once located and fully closed down it is not able to be manipulated. In fact it is virtually impossible to even gain a view of the locking points to start attempting a break in.
The fact is that most people don't actually use them through either giving up trying to find the keys all the time or the fact that they don't want to have a panic when trying to escape in the event of a fire.
So why the key locks ?
Peace of mind or insurance purposes.?
Many customers and secure minded home owners like the peace of mind that the handle is locked and that they have done everything possible within their simple day to day routine of securing their home.
The reality is that the handle locks are usually the first part of the handle to give way.
The idea of a push button to open the window handle and an automatic click of the button to indicate a locked window replaces the old opposite style of pushing to lock when closed.
Ultimately these replaced the old cock spur handles on the very early PVC windows in the late 80's early 90's.
Some thoughts are that they will get a reduction in home insurance because they state to the windows have locks on them.
But this came around first when old timber windows were very easy to break in to and added security bolts and key locks were introduced.
Insurance companies now class the majority of windows to have a secure multipoint locking systems as the majority of windows have been upgraded somehow since the the late 80's even in aluminium windows.So where is the benefit ? some rare insurance policies may mention it brings a small discount but the size is minimal.
There is an argument for someone breaking the glass of a sash and pulling the handle open, but breaking glass on windows isn't a method burglars prefer these days as DNA and threads off clothing is evidence. And with it being a very noisy technique and difficult to break a double glazed unit without causing cuts due to its construction and the way in which they are held and stuck together.
It just seems a bit strange that the part of the window handle that gives up first and the part that is not necessarily covered for 10 years is still incorporated into the window. Most manufacturers only giving 12 months as standard. Is this a service call out for replacements we really need considering the amount of window handles being installed ?
If it doesn't add security value or financial benefits or even an operational advantage in using them, why do we still have them ?
Company information
More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @ Southport Doors & Double Glazing
Interesting links:
New Rockdoors | PVC windows | ultimate conservatories | high security door products
More advice and posts on :
What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?
combating condensation
Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide
The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address
What benefits are there with PVC windows
Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean
It is inevitable that burglars will always find a way or technique to break and enter a property.
If a locksmith can get in one way or another that technique will eventually filter down to the scum who want to take away your prized possessions.
Timber Doors
Although timber doors were substantial in the way of being a solid core slab, they lacked a lot in actual security due to the poor locking options. A Yale snip and mortice lock were usually the only main options with the odd door having a night time shoot bolt.
The problem is that even if you add shoot bolts all the way up the door frame they are only attached or chiselled in to the actual frame.
This makes the outer frame weak and very easy to force open. In fact the more locks on a door can make it even easier to force open.
Most timber doors can be kicked through with no tools required as long as it is directly on the lock itself.
The actual locks can also be picked, drilled and bumped if needed.
PVC Doors
The revolutionary PVC door provided the home owner with peace of mind that it never need painting treating and not sticking in wet weather like a timber door.
It also gave a much cleaner image for the door entrance and offered endless new designs and options in glass not seen before in residential homes.
They also provided a draft proof environment with the added comfort of being more insulating than the old timber doors. They have held this advantage for around 20 years until the house breakers dropped on to the fact that there were possibilities of manipulating certain aspects of the doors depending on age and specification.
Some older PVC doors which may still be in working condition may look OK but are too tempting to a burglar. They can often be easily kicked in as the welds and profiles on 1st generation PVC was quite week. 2nd generation PVC windows and doors addressed many of the flaws created years ago.
Doors with some of the first panels to be introduced to residential installations were not up to good security standards either and could be kicked through as they had no reinforcing whatsoever.Where as newer ones have a core material of either steel or hardboard.
Locks on PVC Doors
Taking into account that the PVC door that you have installed is still within its 10 year guarantee and its a more modern specification then you still need to address what cylinder ( locking barrel) is in the door.
The fact that the locking strip on the side of the door has probably between 4 and 9 locking points on activation doesn't make it any more safe as the key cylinder can be eliminated and deactivate the whole locking system.
On destroying the cylinder using various techniques anyone can enter a property and in some cases not even leave a trace of breaking and entering which is a difficult scenario when claiming on the insurance.
Bumping
A burglar uses a self made key from a blank and uses it in certain way to bump the cylinder and access the door in the same way you would use your own. This is the most difficult technique but leaves no evidence of a break in. Video description here
Snapping & extraction
You tube is full of people showing the craze of snapping locks. It is a problem in northern regions and is easily copied. It is the quickest technique and can be as quick as 10 seconds and pretty quiet. Removing the outer part of the cylinder with hardly any tools and operating the lock from outside to gain entry.
Drilling
This is the noisiest technique and only used by people who are allowed access and don't want to damage the door but just remove the lock maybe because they have lost the key. The cylinder is drilled down the sheer line and each pin gives way. The lock is then extracted.
It is much easier to destroy a lock quickly rather than trying to force a PVC door open there fore the more secure locks are needed to keep homes safe. The days of breaking glass has gone as DNA is left behind and it is far too noisy.
It is important to realise that it will normally be the rear door of the property that will be attacked for entry as it will be darker and more secluded around the back and the burglar will have more time to work.
Anti snap, bump and drill locks.
These locks are far more distinctive and have a side on key entrance and also use a dimple key as opposed to a traditional looking 5 pin key .These locks will act as a deterrent even once a potential burglar sees them.
The overall security and strength of PVC doors has improved a lot over the years and there will always be a need for PVC as it is good value and does a job, but the optimum residential door security lies elsewhere with the new composite doors and Rock doors.
Composite and Rock Doors
These doors are the most secure doors that you are going to get and have the upgrading options of ultra secure locks and reinforced features.
Imitating a traditional timber door they Carry all the beneficial features that the PVC doors have but without the warping and swelling in the summer months. They also allow a choice of aesthetically pleasing colours and designs not previously available with PVC doors.
They are a solid draft proof slab situated inside a PVC frame and come highly recommended by the police.
composite doors description here Rockdoor description here
Company information
More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @ Southport Doors & Double Glazing
More advice posts on :
What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?
combating condensation
Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide
The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address
What benefits are there with PVC windows
Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean
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