Important Things You Should Know About Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are expensive but well worth the investment if you are considering renovations. Your house opens up to the garden and creates an amazing aesthetic when these doors are installed. It pays to exercise caution and care in a selection of the doors and consider various factors.
Price is not everything
The cheapest is not the best and the most expensive also is not necessarily the best. A Bifold door is not just panels put together; it is an entire system where design, engineering precision and choice of hardware plays an important in the door's looks and performance just as much as the bifold door installation does. Buying a well known international brand with local support is a good option.
Material of door
Bifolds can have wood, steel, uPVC or aluminum section frames. Wood can obstruct the view and be heavy. uPVC material can flex and distort which will affect the working of the door and there is a size limitation as well. Steel can be heavy. Aluminum is the best material for sections. It is relatively stable and does not tend to distort with temperature variations. From the maintenance point too aluminum scores because powder coated or natural anodized aluminum does not need frequent paint or maintenance.
Top hung or bottom rolling?
Bifold doors are available as top hung or bottom rolling types. If a strong enough beam is present then the top hung type is best because it does not collect leaves and debris and the frame conceals the mechanism from view.
Hardware and installation
Hardware is complex with bifold doors and must be precision engineered from quality materials besides being fitted just right during installation. Improper alignment can affect performance and cause stress on frames besides making the door hard to open and close. Quality systems have wheels that run on flat tracks and pivoted end doors for smooth movement even when the jamb does not allow much adjustment. Bifold door installation is important too when it comes to getting the threshold right to prevent rain seepage and yet creating a smooth transition that does not cause one to stub one's toes. Rain penetration is an important matter especially if the door is exposed. This is where the expertise of installer comes into play to provide a perfectly rebated rain-proof threshold. Security is another aspect to consider in the matter of bifold door hardware and a typical secure door would have multipoint locking system with shoot bolt for intermediate panels.
Single or double glazing
Energy conservation is important so double glazing is recommended. It will also provide some degree of acoustic insulation. Quality manufacturers provide U-values of 1.8w/sqmK or lower for such energy efficient bifold doors.
Screening
There are times when one may want an unimpeded view and there are times when one may want to shut out the light. Curtains are good but can impede the view. Venetian blinds that roll up all the way to the top may be ideal. If you choose a double glazed door then the blinds may be incorporated into the panels but at the cost of impeding the view. It is best to coordinate with the installer and clear this point as well before ordering a bifold door.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/
Why You Should Consider UPVC Replacement Windows For Your Home
When it comes to home improvement, UPVC replacement windows can certainly add value to your home. People who are looking around a home with a view to buying it are usually relieved that replacing double glazing is one home improvement task they will not have to tackle. But there are other advantages to installing replacement windows and doors. Here are some aspects to consider if your remodelling plan includes windows replacement.
The choice of windows replacement material is an important one. For house windows, the main choices are timber and UPVC (also called PVC or PVCu) and UPVC has significant advantages over the timber framed house windows. When reinstalling windows you should consider the amount of effort you will have to spend on maintaining the windows once they are installed. Timber needs to be repainted frequently and is not easy to keep clean.
In contrast, UPVC windows require very little cleaning. They are not likely to rot, as wood is, and you won't have the regular expense of undercoat and gloss paint. To maintain your vinyl double glass windows, all you will need is soap and water and a soft cloth. That will keep your replacement windows in peak condition for years.
Cleaning aside, when it comes to home improvement and remodelling, there are other advantages to UPVC for your replacement windows. Double glazing in this type of window is weathertight – that means no stray raindrops trickling in. And you will save on central heating two. UPVC double glass windows consist of an insulative membrane between two sheets of glass. This is guaranteed to keep the cold out and the warmth in, and because they work so well, your heating bills will be reduced. Vinyl windows and doors are reckoned to halve heat loss from the home, which will result in a considerable saving.
If you are interested in aesthetics, then you can get matching PVCu exterior home doors to complement your replacement windows. Both replacement windows and doors feature a secure locking mechanism which may incorporate a Yale lock. In addition, many modern vinyl windows can be locked in a slightly open position to permit air flow.
One of the home improvement projects that many people take on is building conservatories. There are many home improvement articles which will help you with your conservatory construction project. You can also buy all the materials and build it yourself. It is likely that your conservatory construction plan will include sliding patio doors and outside doors with UPVC doors. This applies both to exterior doors and those leading to the house. The reason for this is to enhance the heat retention properties of the conservatory, so when you are ready to install, vinyl patio doors and vinyl windows will certainly be on your list.
If you are thinking about reinstalling windows you can choose almost any style that suits you for your house windows. Casement windows, sash windows, tinted windows – there are several types of UPVC windows to choose from. This means that when doing a home improvement project, your replacement windows need not be dull.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/
Why You Should Consider UPVC Replacement Windows For Your Home
When it comes to home improvement, UPVC replacement windows can certainly add value to your home. People who are looking around a home with a view to buying it are usually relieved that replacing double glazing is one home improvement task they will not have to tackle. But there are other advantages to installing replacement windows and doors. Here are some aspects to consider if your remodelling plan includes windows replacement.
The choice of windows replacement material is an important one. For house windows, the main choices are timber and UPVC (also called PVC or PVCu) and UPVC has significant advantages over the timber framed house windows. When reinstalling windows you should consider the amount of effort you will have to spend on maintaining the windows once they are installed. Timber needs to be repainted frequently and is not easy to keep clean.
In contrast, UPVC windows require very little cleaning. They are not likely to rot, as wood is, and you won't have the regular expense of undercoat and gloss paint. To maintain your vinyl double glass windows, all you will need is soap and water and a soft cloth. That will keep your replacement windows in peak condition for years.
Cleaning aside, when it comes to home improvement and remodelling, there are other advantages to UPVC for your replacement windows. Double glazing in this type of window is weathertight – that means no stray raindrops trickling in. And you will save on central heating two. UPVC double glass windows consist of an insulative membrane between two sheets of glass. This is guaranteed to keep the cold out and the warmth in, and because they work so well, your heating bills will be reduced. Vinyl windows and doors are reckoned to halve heat loss from the home, which will result in a considerable saving.
If you are interested in aesthetics, then you can get matching PVCu exterior home doors to complement your replacement windows. Both replacement windows and doors feature a secure locking mechanism which may incorporate a Yale lock. In addition, many modern vinyl windows can be locked in a slightly open position to permit air flow.
One of the home improvement projects that many people take on is building conservatories. There are many home improvement articles which will help you with your conservatory construction project. You can also buy all the materials and build it yourself. It is likely that your conservatory construction plan will include sliding patio doors and outside doors with UPVC doors. This applies both to exterior doors and those leading to the house. The reason for this is to enhance the heat retention properties of the conservatory, so when you are ready to install, vinyl patio doors and vinyl windows will certainly be on your list.
If you are thinking about reinstalling windows you can choose almost any style that suits you for your house windows. Casement windows, sash windows, tinted windows – there are several types of UPVC windows to choose from. This means that when doing a home improvement project, your replacement windows need not be dull.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/
UPVC Doors – Is Yours Secure?
During the last 20 years UPVC doors have overtaken timber doors in popularity. One of the reasons for this is the multipoint locks which are fitted to them and are seen as very secure due to all of the locking points. However, with crime rates on the rise and burglaries increasing rapidly, is your UPVC door as secure as you think it is? Should you consider fitting a better lock or fitting additional security measures to your door?
Many of the first generation of multipoint locks have a latch and deadbolt in the centre (near the handle) and 2 to 4 rollers on the rest of the lock above and below the handles. Rollers look like short lengths of round bar and move up and down when the handles are used to operate the lock mechanism. The rollers sit in keeps on the door frame when the door is locked. These early roller only multipoint locks are not very secure and can be opened by levering them away from the frame and pushing the door open. If you have one of these locks fitted to your UPVC door you should consider upgrading to a multipoint lock with hook and / or deadbolts in addition to rollers. Hooks and deadbolts do not allow the door to be levered away from the frame enough to be opened. If you are unsure if your lock needs to be upgraded than call a local locksmith for advice, decent ones will provide advice and a quote for free.
Once you have a secure multipoint lock on your door you need to consider that the only thing preventing all of the hook, deadbolts, and rollers being moved out of the way using the handle is the cylinder fitted to the lock. The cylinder is the bit that you put the key in. Thieves use a variety of methods to defeat the cylinder. One method that has gained in popularity in recent years is lock snapping, West Yorkshire police recently released figures showing that a quarter of all burglaries in West Yorkshire are being committed by criminals using this technique to gain entry to the property. This method requires only basic tools, very little skill, and only takes a few seconds. The cylinder is literally snapped in half and part is removed from the door, allowing the lock to be operated using a bent screwdriver to replicate the action of the cam in the cylinder. Another method used by thieves is lock bumping. This technique uses a special 'bump key' which is placed part way into the cylinder and then tapped in whilst a slight turning force is applied to the key. This bounces the pins in the cylinder apart allowing the cylinder to turn and the lock to open. This method requires a little practice but is very quick and makes no noise, it also leaves no sign of forced entry which means you may not be able to claim on your insurance.
It is obvious from the above that the best multipoint lock in the world is useless if fitted with a cylinder which can easily be defeated. The good news is that the lock manufacturers have addressed these problems and have manufactured a range of cylinders which resist lock snapping, referred to as anti snap locks or snap safe locks, and resist bumping, referred to as anti bump locks. Anti snap or snap safe locks work in one of two ways, either part of the cylinder breaks off when snapped (leaving the door locked and still operable by the key) or the cylinder has reinforcement around the vulnerable area to prevent it being snapped. All good quality cylinders will also have special pins inside to make picking the lock difficult and special features to protect against the lock being drilled. With various cylinders to choose from how do you decide which to buy? Make sure that the cylinder should be both anti snap / snap safe and anti bump. Two things to look for are the Kitemark symbol which shows that the cylinder meets the relevant British Standard, and 'Secured by Design' approval which means the lock is approved by the Police and insurance companies.
My name is Kevin Readman and I am a trading locksmith covering the Leeds, Wakefield and the surrounding area in West Yorkshire. I trade as Doctor Lock. I provide domestic and commercial locksmith services and also supply and fit alarm systems, small safes etc. Contact me today for a free security survey or any lock services.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/
UPVC Doors – Is Yours Secure?
During the last 20 years UPVC doors have overtaken timber doors in popularity. One of the reasons for this is the multipoint locks which are fitted to them and are seen as very secure due to all of the locking points. However, with crime rates on the rise and burglaries increasing rapidly, is your UPVC door as secure as you think it is? Should you consider fitting a better lock or fitting additional security measures to your door?
Many of the first generation of multipoint locks have a latch and deadbolt in the centre (near the handle) and 2 to 4 rollers on the rest of the lock above and below the handles. Rollers look like short lengths of round bar and move up and down when the handles are used to operate the lock mechanism. The rollers sit in keeps on the door frame when the door is locked. These early roller only multipoint locks are not very secure and can be opened by levering them away from the frame and pushing the door open. If you have one of these locks fitted to your UPVC door you should consider upgrading to a multipoint lock with hook and / or deadbolts in addition to rollers. Hooks and deadbolts do not allow the door to be levered away from the frame enough to be opened. If you are unsure if your lock needs to be upgraded than call a local locksmith for advice, decent ones will provide advice and a quote for free.
Once you have a secure multipoint lock on your door you need to consider that the only thing preventing all of the hook, deadbolts, and rollers being moved out of the way using the handle is the cylinder fitted to the lock. The cylinder is the bit that you put the key in. Thieves use a variety of methods to defeat the cylinder. One method that has gained in popularity in recent years is lock snapping, West Yorkshire police recently released figures showing that a quarter of all burglaries in West Yorkshire are being committed by criminals using this technique to gain entry to the property. This method requires only basic tools, very little skill, and only takes a few seconds. The cylinder is literally snapped in half and part is removed from the door, allowing the lock to be operated using a bent screwdriver to replicate the action of the cam in the cylinder. Another method used by thieves is lock bumping. This technique uses a special 'bump key' which is placed part way into the cylinder and then tapped in whilst a slight turning force is applied to the key. This bounces the pins in the cylinder apart allowing the cylinder to turn and the lock to open. This method requires a little practice but is very quick and makes no noise, it also leaves no sign of forced entry which means you may not be able to claim on your insurance.
It is obvious from the above that the best multipoint lock in the world is useless if fitted with a cylinder which can easily be defeated. The good news is that the lock manufacturers have addressed these problems and have manufactured a range of cylinders which resist lock snapping, referred to as anti snap locks or snap safe locks, and resist bumping, referred to as anti bump locks. Anti snap or snap safe locks work in one of two ways, either part of the cylinder breaks off when snapped (leaving the door locked and still operable by the key) or the cylinder has reinforcement around the vulnerable area to prevent it being snapped. All good quality cylinders will also have special pins inside to make picking the lock difficult and special features to protect against the lock being drilled. With various cylinders to choose from how do you decide which to buy? Make sure that the cylinder should be both anti snap / snap safe and anti bump. Two things to look for are the Kitemark symbol which shows that the cylinder meets the relevant British Standard, and 'Secured by Design' approval which means the lock is approved by the Police and insurance companies.
My name is Kevin Readman and I am a trading locksmith covering the Leeds, Wakefield and the surrounding area in West Yorkshire. I trade as Doctor Lock. I provide domestic and commercial locksmith services and also supply and fit alarm systems, small safes etc. Contact me today for a free security survey or any lock services.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/
UPVC Door Lock Types
Is you current UPVC door lock out of date of broken, have you seen a better one on a friends door and are thinking about replacing or installing one on your own door? There are a whole range of UPVC lock types available on the market. Whether you have an exterior door that you want to secure or you have interior doors that you want to be able to lock and unlock, you will find an option to work for you.
1. Multi point UPVC locks
When a handle is turned, a series of roller cams secure the door. The handle can either be locked in place by a key or simply turned from the inside to lock the cams in position. The more cams that are in place down the length of the door, the more secure the system.
2. Keyed UPVC door locks
Classic keyed systems will tend to incorporate a cylinder system. One reason that you should use this type of door lock is because of the level of security that is offered versus for example a multi point system with a handle but no key to secure the door. This type of lock of course requires a key to be able to lock and unlock it, so you can be sure that it will be harder for a thief to get in. It is typically installed on storm doors, patio doors, and any other type of doors that need to be safely secured.
3. Manual combination UPVC door locks
If you are looking for another option you might consider a combination door locks as a great alternative. These locks require for the person who is unlocking them to put in a combination code to be able to unlock the door. There are a few different options ranging from using a few numbers to going with a much more complicated combination. If you can afford it, you will want to make sure to choose an option that has a lot of numbers that have to be entered. This will make it that much harder for a thief to guess the combination, although it will be that much harder to remember yourself.
4. Digital combination or keypad door locks
A more up to date version of the manual combination lock, a code is required to unlock the door. Although easier to enter the code, and store multiple codes for different individuals, they are of course prone to electronic failure or power outage. A key backup if often supplied.
5. Deadbolts UPVC locks
These small bars are often secured in a locking position to the top and bottom frames of the door, and are released by a key. They are typically used to supplement a central keyed or keyless lock and make it much harder for the door to be forced with a lever like a crowbar.
6. Security bars
These are also used as a supplementary security feature on UPVC door, and fit between the sliding element of the door and the frame horizontally, stopping the door from being forced open.
Within each of these broad categories, there are a lot of other UPVC door lock types and features to consider. Using more than one option at the same time will give you a really secure entry point, and you will be able to guard your valuables against theft. You work too hard for the things you have to get them taken away by someone who wants to come in and steal them.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/
Why Choose a Composite Door?
Composite Doors are the perfect replacement for your old wooden or uPVC door. They are highly durable and aesthetically pleasing. A composite door is constructed by layering different materials like plastic, fiber glass, wood and polyurethane foam. It adds up all the advantages of the different materials used in its construction to give you a door which has all the qualities you desire. If I want a door, this is what I would seriously consider.
Durability
This particular type of door is built to last. They come retrofitted with galvanized steel plates, roughly 70mm thick, around the edge which adds to the sturdiness of the door. The entire structure of the door is fitted into a hardwood frame which provides additional structural strength. Unlike wooden or uPVC doors, these doors don't undergo too much natural wear and tear.
Maintenance
GRP or Glass Reinforced Polymer is used in the construction of a composite door. This tends to give the product a glossy finish and it also makes it very easy to clean. A composite door can be cleaned easily with a rag and some detergent solution. The GRP used in the construction ensures that the skin of the door doesn't deform or disfigure over time. The scratch resistant finish of the door helps it maintain its aesthetic value over a long period of time.
Aesthetics
The GRP used in the construction of a composite door also enables it to come in a variety of colours. It lets you blend in your new door with the rest of your décor. Timber grain effects are slightly more expensive but they can give you the look and feel of a classic wooden door. The GRP gives the door a smooth finish which looks perfectly suited for your home or office usage. A number of decorative fixtures and accessories are available for these doors. They add to its aesthetic value.
Weather resistant
These doors are built to resist harsh weather conditions. Since the core of the door is constructed out of polyurethane foam, it is a very good insulation against extreme temperatures. It will help you cut down your power bill since it lets you regulate the temperature inside the house. With a composite door in place, you won't need to worry about damp wood and bloated doors which just won't lock.
Composite doors are constructed to last a considerably longer time than an ordinary wooden or uPVC door. It is aesthetically sound since it is almost immune to natural wear and tear and water damage. It also forms a very good addition to your home, especially when you have to deal with extreme changes in temperature.
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Maintenance and Repair of UPVC Windows
UPVC is a very durable material and with proper maintenance and repair can have a life in excess of 20-25 years. Compared to products such as timber windows, UPVC windows, be they double-glazed or triple-glazed, do not need high volumes of time consuming maintenance and painting / treatment. Simple twice-yearly cleaning and inspection and quarterly lubrication is most likely adequate for these windows.
In broad general terms, any part of the window that is visible when the windows are closed should receive a wash twice yearly. This can be done with a warm soapy solution, taking care not to use abrasive materials such as scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning solutions such as ammonia based cleansers. It is always a good idea to remove such items as jewellery and watches, before commencing cleaning work on PVC-u windows as this avoids unnecessary damage (to the jewellery and to the windows!).
There are also the options of installing windows with self-cleaning glass, such as 'St. Gobain Bio Clean' and 'Piklington Activ'.
When the windows are open, the remaining parts that you can then see should receive a wipe to remove dead insects, cobwebs, old oil or lubricants. The use of a vacuum cleaner can be helpful in these situations.
Always keep any drainage holes clear as this will ensure that any build up of condensation inside will be removed.
All hinges and locking points should be kept clean. As with any metal moving mechanism, regular application of a light lubricant oil will help to keep these parts in good working order. WD-40 spray is ideal for such tasks. A light application of a product such as petroleum jelly to hinges and moving parts after lubrication will help ensure their protection. Perhaps avoid heavier grease lubricants and avoid too much application that can result in grease oozing to the frames. It is always a good idea while cleaning to check the tightness of any visible screws at this time.
Clean the gaskets, weather strips and seals regularly with mild non-abrasive detergents. While you are cleaning, inspect to ensure that all seals remain correctly fitted to the frames. Many gaskets and seals can be removed and replaced without the complete removal of the window. If seals or gaskets do need to be repaired, the task should probably be carried out by a trained maintenance person.
If your frames suffer a small mark or scratch, repair kits can be available, however it is best to avoid damage of the frames, as larger marks cannot be repaired.
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Common Faults With UPVC Doors and Windows
Modern uPVC doors and windows with multipoint locking systems offer excellent security, however when they go wrong it can be almost impossible for the average person to fix them due to their complex nature and internal moving parts. In most cases a professional locksmith with uPVC expertise will need to be called out. Here is a list of common faults with uPVC doors and windows.
Stiff Handle and Door/Window Not Locking
If the handle starts getting stiff and the door or window will not lock then it is most likely due to the door or window becoming misaligned with the frame. A simple adjustment of the hinges to realign with the frame should fix this problem in most instances.
Spinning Handle and Door/Window Not Opening
If the handle starts to spin all the way around and the door or window will not open then it is likely damage has occurred to the spindle and may require a brand new locking unit. This usually occurs after the door or window has been stiff to open for a while, so if you start feeling the handle getting stiff or becoming harder to lock/unlock then get the hinges realigned before it becomes a much more costly repair.
Door Only Locks From One Side
If the door will only lock from one side then you will need a new lock cylinder. This is a fairly quick job for any skilled locksmith and shouldn't cost too much either.
If you start to experience any of these problems then don't try to force the handle as you could make things a lot worse and potentially much more expensive to fix. Call a uPVC specialist to assess your door or window as soon as you notice a problem developing.
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Make Your Home Safe and Secure With UPVC Windows
Secure Your House with UPVC Windows
What usually comes to your mind as a vulnerable point when it comes to thieves? Not the door particularly but the windows. Most robberies and thefts happen by breaking in through a window. Reading this, don't you think you need added security with your windows then? Security of you and your family is a critical point and should not be ignored.
It can be anything, a window with a broken lock or the hinges being a rusty point and easily removable, if you are looking for a good way to secure your windows, turn to UPVC windows. A little clueless about the product; UPVC windows are specially made frames to stand durable over time and wither all kinds of attacks like those by climate. It is said that these frames are even tougher than materials like wood and aluminum. They are bright in appearance and white in colour.
What's so special about UPVC windows? They are made with a lock mechanism that cannot be broken or opened by a neighborhood thief. The glass is not bulletproof but on an attempt to break in, this glass creates a lot of noise to alert the household. Manufactured to British Standard 7412, this special quality will wake you from a deep sleep.
Not necessary just for the purpose, you can choose any colour apart from the bright white available to match your house interior with it. Windows that add to the decor as well as keep you secure inside are a must have. While constructing a house, we don't take in to account that there might be a robbery but to be forewarned, you can protect yourself and your family from the very start. Make a wise choice and install UPVC windows and you can sleep unperturbed at night about your security.
Click here for more information: https://farleu.com/common-faults-with-upvc-doors-and-windows/