Double Glazing On The Web

3 good reasons to choose UPVC windows: security, durability and low maintenance.

If you are looking for a good reason to choose UPVC over wooden frames then security could be a deciding factor. Add to that the fact that UPVC windows are a lot less maintenance than other frames, requiring only the occasional wipe down with a standard detergent. Finally, wherever you live in the country, UPVC windows are considerably more durable when it comes to withstanding the elements and bearing up against the harsh UK weather.

I could go on to mention energy efficiency, cost, ease of installation, noise reduction … but if you’re only looking for 3 reasons, security, durability and low maintenance are very good places to start. Find out more about UPVC windows on the Double Glazing on the Web website.

It seems Christmas brings out the best and worst in us.  Unfortunately while we are in the mood for giving and receiving, some people are in the mood for taking so be sure that your doors are fitted with decent locks.  It pays to be security conscious at this time of year, all those presents under the tree can often prove just too tempting to the criminally minded.

Visiting family this Christmas?  Remember an unoccupied home at this time of year is highly attractive to burglars.  Think how you would get into your house if you were locked out?  If you have any doubt about the security of your home it maybe time to consider new door locks.  Ensure you have strong locks to your doors and windows and make sure you use the locks you have!  Choose the right lock for the type of doors and windows in your home.  With various door locking mechanisms to choose from, make sure you explain your requirements thoroughly when making enquiries.

Tip: When you’ve had new door locks fitted for additional security….don’t be a plonker and hide your new keys under the mat; this is the first place a burglar will look!  Large ornamental objects surrounding the door like rocks, flower pots and door ledges are also a very obvious.  If you must put a spare key outdoors, find a place away from the actual door!

Windows are one of those things we take for granted – will I do at least, but then I took central heating for granted until my boiler packed up! If your windows are in a poor state of repair, especially at this time of the year, whether they are double glazed or wooden frames, they will be leaking considerable heat from your property. This in turn directly impacts on the bottom-line of your heating bills. Not only that, but they can also be a security risk and an easy target for burglars.

If you are unlucky enough during the credit crunch to be in the market for replacement doors or windows, then at least you can be consoled that after the initial outlay, in the longer term your new windows and doors will be saving you money, saving the environment and securing your property.

Apparently police have the authority to try the doors of private properties without warning in an attempt to remind people of the need to be security conscious. Over the years various initiatives have been run by local police forces with surprising results.

Unless you live in a remote corner of the country or have a pack of very large dogs, most people nowadays lock their doors as a matter of routine. However  in a recent operation conducted in Liverpool, out of 3,500 doors checked by police, 66 were unlocked. A further 14 had large ground floor windows open.

Obviously self-locking Yale fitted doors bypass human error, but the popular uPVC doors with handles have to be locked from the inside.

Sadly we no longer live in an era when we can leave our doors unlocked uncase the neighbour’s pop round or the kids are out playing. Make sure both your front and back doors are solid or uPVC with Yale or upgraded locks and if they do have glass panels, make sure they are double glazed and for securities sake remember to lock your doors them at all times!

This week our theme has been increasing the security of your home and the fact that the first steps to beefing up your home security is to ensure that your doors and windows are robust and well-secured.

With the doors to your home this need for secure locks almost goes without saying, however, you’d be amazed at how many people don’t secure their windows.  Don’t forget, windows are another entry point into your home.

All our windows are fitted with a roller cam lock system as standard.  This system comprises four adjustable roller cams with individual keeps, plus a handle that click locks and has a further key lock.  And just to be on the safe side, we have added a dead bolt for good measure.

However, here at DGOTW, we do understand that daily news reports of increasing crime rates might make you crave even more security, which is why we offer an optional upgrade to the Sac shoot bolt system.  Here’s a summary explaining why this system brings extra security  to your home.  The Sac shoot bolt system features:

• an 8 Point locking system with unique corner drive design on all windows regardless of size

• unique full depth eurogroove lock-out design to maximise security performance

• 400% more shootbolt contact area with keep when compared to traditional flat shootbolts

• modern contemporary design with options of composite or steel plated keeps

• Unique anti-slip and lock detail to shootbolt head

• Supaglide gear box action, tested to 100,000 cycles (that equals 30 years of heavy use)

• The Sac shootbolt system is rigorously tested to BS7950 and beyond to achieve Secure by Design status

• The system is backed up by Progress Plus - an anti break-in guarantee that brings extra peace of mind.

That should do the trick!

The other day, before we were rudely interrupted, we were discussing the importance of home security and how the most important thing you can do - before adding all the security lights, the crunchy gravel, and the prickly hedges - is to ensure your doors and windows are as secure as possible.

Here at DGOTW we believe we have the answer to any insecurities you may have about the security of your door.

Our composite doors have not only been tested against extreme weather, they have also been tested against the most determined burglars.  These doors passed all those tests with flying colours, and here’s why:

• They’re thick - 44mm compared the the usual 28mm of conventional uPVC panel doors
• The door frame is made in one piece - adding extra strength
• A 5-pin cylinder lock with added security comes as standard
• The lock is flush fit
• The doors have 3 locking points
• You can choose to have an extra top-of-the-range extra security cylinder lock fitted

More about the Mul-T-Lock

The Mul-T-Lock is, apparently, very big on the continent! Comprising a Break Secure Cylinder that is top of the range, it has been specifically designed to resist the most persistent burglar or, rather, wannabe burglar.

When someone applies force, the break secure section comes away, leaving the cylinder in working order. The cylinder has seven pins and is anti-jiggle, anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-extraction.

The lock comes with two high security keys. And replacements and additional keys can only be cut with the Mul-T-Lock registration card.

Safe as houses oughta be!

Next time - window locks.

We’ve talked a lot, and heard a lot, about how installing double glazing will help you to follow the green agenda and help to cut your energy bills.  Very laudable too.  However, there is another benefit that comes with replacing your doors and windows that we don’t read about so often - improved home security.

Its a sad but true fact that - despite the false statistics that, up until very recently, were fed to us by Her Majesty’s esteemed government - crime rates are rising.  Over the past fifteen years or so there has been a growing malaise within Britain, the causes of which are not within the remit of this article.

What is within the remit of this piece is the fact that the growing malaise has resulted in all of us needing to be more vigilant when it comes to protecting ourselves, our homes, and our families.

There are a number of actions you can take to increase your home security:

1. Keep gates and outside doors locked and ensure fences are in good repair
2. If you don’t have window locks - get some
3. If you have an integral garage - secure it, it’s another route into your home
4. Consider gravel paths - you’ll hear clearly whenever somebody approaches your home
5. Remember that overgrown shrubs and trees are excellent hiding places for intruders

Now - go back and look at items 1 and 2 on the list, which was researched by looking at the websites of security specialists and local police forces, and you’ll see that secure doors and windows are the number one priority when planning your home security system.

We’ll tell you how to strengthen your barricades next time.

A report from Palmer Market Research, a market research organisation active in the UK building industry,the public sector market for replacement windows continues to offer some business potential. this despite the falling private sector market.  Even so, the market for replacement windows in the social housing sector fell by 4% in 2007.

Palmers subdivide the social housing market into a further two sectors:

• Local authorities and Arms Length Management Organisations
• Housing Associations and other Registered Social Landlords

Robert Palmer, who heads up Palmers, says that the overall downward trend masks differences between the two sub-sectors and, although the local authority market is down, the housing association market is buoyant.

His company’s prediction is for a decline in the replacement window market by 5% in 2010, growing to a 6% decline in 2011 and 2012.  Palmer is also at pains to point out that exterior doors consistently outperform replacement windows.  Based on this fact, he predicts a 3% growth for the exterior door market in 2008, a 2.5% increase in 2009, moving to a slight decline between 2010 and 2012.

He bases these predictions not just on the less saturated market but also on the increased perceived need for home security.

You know, Palmer has a point about home security - so next time, I’ll tell you how our exterior doors can increase the security of your home.