Security of Windows and Doors
The importance of robust Window and Door Security, and how Window Advice Centre can help and advise
Robust window and door security is vital. If you have older windows and doors in your home, it’s essential to be aware of the potential security vulnerabilities they can pose. These outdated windows and doors may lack the necessary security features to protect your property effectively.
Fortunately, replacing them with robust double glazed windows and doors brings numerous security benefits. By replacing older windows and doors with robust double glazed alternatives, you are taking a proactive step towards fortifying your home’s security. Not only do these upgrades provide enhanced protection, but they also offer improved insulation, noise reduction, and energy efficiency.
At Window Advice Centre, we specialize in helping homeowners enhance their home security through the installation of high-quality, robust double glazed windows and doors. Our team of friendly, professional experts is ready to guide you through the process, ensuring your home is equipped with the best solutions to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Take the first step towards a more secure home by exploring the following advice on the home security benefits of double glazed windows and doors. Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is well-protected against potential threats.
Window Security
Windows are often targeted by intruders or burglars as a vulnerable point of entry to your home, therefore it is essential to have robust window security. Double glazed replacement windows offer several security advantages compared to single glazed or older window systems. These advantages stem from their construction, materials, and specific security features integrated into their design.
Key Locking Handles
Key locking handles are a type of window handle that uses a key to lock the window in place. This makes them a more secure option than windows that only have a thumbturn or lever lock. Key locking handles are often used in double glazed replacement windows because they offer an additional layer of security.
Key locking handles are a simple and effective way to improve the security of your double glazed replacement windows. They are easy to use, and they can be a great deterrent to burglars.
Here are some of the benefits of using key locking handles in double glazed replacement windows:
• Child safety: Key locking handles can be used to prevent children from opening windows and falling out.
If you are looking for a way to improve the security of your double glazed replacement windows, key locking handles are a great option. They are easy to use, they are effective, and they can provide an extra layer of security for your home.
Multi-Point Locking security
Multi-point locking is a type of window locking system that uses multiple points of contact to secure the window in place. This makes it more difficult for burglars to break into your home through the windows.
Systems featuring multi-point locking typically have three or more points of contact, which are located at different points around the window frame. When the window is locked, these points of contact engage with the frame, making it very difficult to force the window open.
These multi-point locking systems are often used in double glazed replacement windows because they offer a high level of security. They are also more secure than single-point locking systems, which only have one point of contact.
Espagnolette locks are the most common type of multi-point locking system. They have a long strip that bolts into the side of the door, and it locks at multiple points along the frame. The mushroom-headed pins in this type of locking system are designed to prevent burglars from forcing the window open by prying it with a crowbar or other tool. The mushroom-shaped heads of the pins are wider than the holes in the frame, so they cannot be easily pried out.
No matter which type of multi-point locking system you choose, it is important to have it installed by a qualified professional. This will ensure that the system is installed correctly and that it will provide the level of security that you need.
Friction Hinges
Friction hinges are a type of hardware commonly used in double glazed replacement windows. They play a crucial role in supporting and enabling the smooth operation of the window sashes, allowing them to open, close, and remain in various positions securely.
Further, friction hinges are a popular choice for double glazed replacement windows because they are simple, effective, and affordable. They are also relatively easy to install, and they do not require any maintenance.
Benefits of using friction hinges in double glazed replacement windows include the following:
- Simple: Friction hinges are very simple to operate. There is no need to use a key or a lock, and the window can be opened and closed easily.
- Effective: Friction hinges are very effective at holding the window in place. They are also very difficult to force open, making them a good choice for security.
- Affordable: Friction hinges are relatively affordable, making them a good option for budget-minded homeowners.
If you are looking for a simple, effective, and affordable way to secure your double glazed replacement windows, friction hinges are a great option.
Internal Beading security
Internal beading is a type of glazing bead that is used in double glazed replacement windows. It is located on the inside of the window frame, and it is used to secure the glass unit in place.
Additionally, internal beading is a more secure option than external beading, because it cannot be removed from the outside of the window. This makes it more difficult for burglars to break into your home through the windows.
Consquently, if you are looking for a secure and weatherproof way to improve the security of your double glazed replacement windows, internal beading is a great option.
Anti-Jemmy Hinges
Anti-jemmy hinges are specialized hardware components used in double glazed replacement windows to enhance security and deter forced entry attempts, specifically those involving prying or jemmying the window sashes.
Moreover, anti-jemmy hinges are designed to prevent or make it extremely difficult for intruders to pry open the window sashes using tools or implements like crowbars or screwdrivers. They provide an additional level of resistance against forced entry.
Hinge-Side Brackets
Hinge-side brackets are a type of window security that can help prevent burglars from breaking into your home through the windows. They are tough, interlocking brackets that are attached to the outside of a window sash on the hinge side. When the window is closed and locked, the brackets prevent the window from being moved out of place if an intruder tries to lever it open.
Security brackets are especially effective when used in combination with other security features, such as friction hinges and a locking mechanism. When all four sides of a window are protected with security brackets, friction hinges, and a locking mechanism, it becomes much more difficult for burglars to break into your home through the windows.
Laminated Glass security
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made up of two panes of glass that are bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The PVB layer helps to keep the glass panes bonded together even if the glass is broken. This makes laminated glass much stronger than regular glass, and it also reduces the risk of injury if the glass does break.
As a result of offering a number of security benefits, laminated glass is often used in double glazed replacement windows. First, it is much more difficult to break than regular glass, which can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home through the windows. Second, if laminated glass does break, the pieces of glass will stay bonded together by the PVB layer, which reduces the risk of injury. Third, laminated glass can be used in conjunction with other security features, such as security locks and security brackets, to create a more secure window that is more difficult for burglars to break into.
Door Security
Door security is of paramount importance to homeowners, as it serves as a primary barrier against unauthorized access and intrusions. Robust replacement external doors offer several advantages that contribute to enhanced home security.
Homeowners should prioritize door security, and robust replacement external doors offer numerous advantages in this regard. From their physical deterrent effect to advanced locking systems, reinforced frames and hinges, resistance to drilling and kicking, and the option to add supplementary security features, these doors provide a strong defence against intrusions. By investing in high-quality replacement external doors, homeowners can significantly enhance their home’s security, providing peace of mind and protecting their property and loved ones.
Multi-Point Locking
Multi-point locking systems are used in UPVC doors to improve the security of the door. They work by having multiple points of contact between the door and the frame, which makes it more difficult for burglars to break into the door.
There are two main types of multi-point locking systems used in UPVC doors: Hook & Latch and Cams.
Hook & Latch systems use a series of hooks and latches to secure the door in the frame. The hooks are located on the edge of the door, and the latches are located on the frame. When the door is closed, the hooks engage the latches, securing the door in place.
Roller Cams systems use a series of cams to secure the door in the frame. The cams are located on the edge of the door, and they engage with corresponding cam tracks on the frame. When the door is closed, the cams rotate, engaging the cam tracks, securing the door in place.
Modern Multi-Point Locking only works if you lift up the handle and then remember to turn and remove the key.
Remember – Lift, Lock and Remove…
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3-Star Euro Cylinder Lock security
A 3-star Euro cylinder lock is a type of lock cylinder that is designed to provide a high level of security for doors, particularly for external doors such as front doors or patio doors. It is commonly used in homes, businesses, and other properties where security is a top priority.
The “3-star” rating refers to the highest level of security certification provided by the British Standards Institution (BSI) under the TS 007:2014 standard. This standard assesses the resistance of a lock cylinder against common methods of attack, including drilling, picking, bumping, and snapping.
To achieve a 3-star rating, a Euro cylinder lock must have several key features:
Anti-Snap Technology: One of the crucial features of a 3-star Euro cylinder lock is its resistance to snapping attacks. Snapping is a common method used by intruders to quickly break the lock cylinder by applying force and snapping it into two pieces. A 3-star Euro cylinder lock incorporates anti-snap technology, such as sacrificial sections or reinforced materials, to prevent this type of attack.
Anti-Pick Design: The lock cylinder should have an advanced pin tumbler system or other anti-pick mechanisms to resist manipulation and picking attempts by skilled individuals trying to bypass the lock without a key.
Drill Resistance: A 3-star Euro cylinder lock is designed to withstand drilling attempts, which involve drilling into the lock cylinder to manipulate its internal components. It may include hardened steel inserts or protective plates to deter drilling attacks.
Bump Resistance: Bumping is a method that uses a specially crafted key, often called a bump key, to manipulate the pins within the lock cylinder and open it. A 3-star Euro cylinder lock incorporates features to resist bumping, such as special pin configurations or additional security measures.
Key Control and Security: High-security Euro cylinder locks typically come with restricted key profiles, making it more difficult for unauthorized duplication of keys. This helps maintain key control and prevents unauthorized access.
3-Star Euro Cylinder locks are a good choice for homeowners who are looking for a high level of security.
Composite Materials
Composite GRP doors are made of a composite material that consists of a layer of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) sandwiched between two layers of wood. This makes them much stronger and more durable than traditional wooden doors. Additionally, composite GRP doors are almost twice the thickness of a standard uPVC door, making them a good choice for homeowners concerned about security.
Anti-Tamper Hinges
Anti-tamper hinge covers are protective components used in uPVC doors to enhance security and prevent tampering with the door hinges. These covers are designed to fit over the hinge flags, which are the visible parts of the hinges on the edge of the door.
The anti-tamper hinge covers are typically made of durable materials, such as uPVC or metal. They are specifically designed to provide a protective barrier over the hinge flags, securing them against unauthorized access or tampering. These covers are often shaped to fit the contours of the hinge flags, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
The primary purpose of anti-tamper hinge covers is to deter potential intruders from attempting to remove the door hinges. By concealing the hinge flags and preventing easy access to the hinge fixings, these covers make it significantly more challenging for intruders to disassemble or manipulate the door from the hinge side.
Anti-tamper hinge covers offer several security benefits. Firstly, they help prevent the removal of the door leaf by blocking access to the hinge screws or pins. This makes it more difficult for intruders to disengage the hinges and gain entry to the property.
Furthermore, these covers provide an additional layer of protection against attacks, such as hinge cutting or drilling. They act as a physical barrier, making it harder for intruders to reach and tamper with the hinge fixings, thereby increasing the overall security of the door.
Another advantage of anti-tamper hinge flag covers is their visual deterrent effect. The presence of these covers sends a signal to potential intruders that the door has added security measures in place, dissuading them from attempting a break-in.
Laminated Glass security
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made up of two panes of glass that are bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The PVB layer helps to keep the glass panes bonded together even if the glass is broken. This makes laminated glass much stronger than regular glass, and it also reduces the risk of injury if the glass does break.
Door Chains
A door chain is a security device that can be used to improve the security of a UPVC door. It is a metal chain that is attached to the door and the door frame. When the chain is engaged, it prevents the door from opening more than a few inches. This allows you to see who is at the door without giving them full access to your home.
Door chains can be a effective way to deter burglars. If a burglar tries to force their way into your home, the door chain will prevent them from being able to open the door fully. This will give you time to call the police or take other action to protect yourself. However, it is important to note that door chains are not a foolproof security measure. If a burglar is determined to break into your home, they may be able to overcome the door chain. However, door chains can be a valuable deterrent and can help to protect your home from unwanted intruders.
Description of the PAS24:2022 Security Standard
PAS24:2022 is a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) overseen by the BSI (British Standards Institution) that specifies test methods and acceptance criteria for the enhanced security performance of doorsets and windows intended to resist the type of attack normally associated with casual or opportunistic burglars.
The standard applies to new doorsets and windows as manufactured and prior to installation. PAS24:2022 is a revision of the previous PAS24:2016 standard, and it includes a number of new requirements, such as:
• Increased security against forced entry
• Improved resistance to attack with tools
• Enhanced security against attacks on glass
Windows that meet the requirements of PAS24:2022 will be marked with a PAS 24 certificate. PAS24:2022 is a valuable tool for homeowners and businesses who want to improve the security of their property.
Specific security features that are tested under PAS24:2022 include:
• The strength of the frame and glazing
• The effectiveness of the locking mechanisms
• The resistance to forced entry with tools
• The resistance to attacks on glass
PAS24:2022 is a rigorous standard, and it ensures that windows that meet its requirements are highly secure. If you are considering replacing your windows, be sure to look for windows that have been tested to PAS24:2022. This will help to ensure that your home is safe from burglars.
Benefits of using PAS24:2022 windows and doors include the following:
• Increased security: PAS24:2022 windows and doors are more resistant to forced entry, making them a more secure option for your home.
• Improved energy efficiency: PAS24:2022 windows and doors are often made with better insulation, which can help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Enhanced curb appeal: PAS24:2022 windows and doors can improve the appearance of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.
If you are looking for a secure and energy-efficient way to improve the security of your home, PAS24:2022 windows and doors are a great option.
Improve your Window & Door Security with Window Advice Centre
Window Advice Centre offer services that enable homeowners to improve their window and door security through high quality double glazed replacements. Here’s a summary of how we can help homeowners enhance their window and door security measures:
Security Assessment: Window Advice Centre conduct a thorough Survey including an assessment of the security of existing windows and doors in the home. This assessment involves evaluating the strength of frames, locks, and glazing to identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
Expert Recommendations: Based on our Survey, Window Advice Centre provide homeowners with expert recommendations tailored to their specific needs. We offer guidance on upgrading to more secure window and door systems, reinforcing existing frames, and enhancing locking mechanisms.
Product Sourcing: Window Advice Centre have access to a wide range of suppliers and can assist homeowners in sourcing high-quality and secure window and door products. We ensure that the recommended products meet stringent security standards.
Installation Guidance: Window Advice Centre can provide guidance on proper installation techniques to ensure that new windows and doors are installed securely and effectively. We can advise homeowners on finding reputable installers or coordinate the installation process.
Security Standards Compliance: At Window Advice Centre, we stay updated with industry standards and regulations related to window and door security. We provide guidance to homeowners on compliance requirements and recommend products that meet or exceed these standards.
Ongoing Support: Window Advice Centre co-ordinate ongoing support to homeowners, even after the installation process. We address any concerns or issues that may arise with the installed windows and doors, ensuring that homeowners feel secure and satisfied with their choices.
By utilizing our services, homeowners can benefit from Window Advice Centre’s professional expertise and guidance in improving their home’s window and door security. From security assessments to product sourcing and installation guidance, we empower homeowners to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to enhance the security of their windows and doors.
If you are a homeowner in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, Dundee, Fife, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire or elsewhere across Central Scotland and are interested in finding out more about Security then do not hesitate to contact Window Advice Centre by telephone on 0141 332 7878 or arrange a FREE no-obligation Survey of your property by clicking this Book a FREE Survey link. From a single Survey you receive itemised quotations from up to 10 of the most suitable competitive approved contractors.
