Multi-Point Locking – what is the Point?

Recently we received an enquiry to replace a french door and side windows following a robbery. As familiar as we are with the hardware and technology involved in modern windows systems, this was the first time we’d be going to look at a system that had actually been breached.

We’ve seen lots of images and videos but nothing prepares you for the scene of devastation and the traumatised home-owners.

It is surprising that an insurance company asks their customer to find a reputable company to replace the ruined doors and windows – their customers are very upset and shaken by such an event and you would expect the insurer to do all these things for them!

We arrived at their home and were surprised not to see an old window and door that would be typical of the neighbourhood but instead fairly modern PVCu ones.

The locking system on the french doors had proved effective – the Scene of Crime officers had shown us all the attempts with a crow bar to pry the doors apart but they had proved very effective in staying closed.

However, the successful method of entry used was to actually pry one of the opening window sashes out of its frame!

The opening window sash did not have shoot bolts rising and dropping into the top and bottom of the frame, nor did the hinge side of the sash have any protection or anti-jemmy bolts.

This made it very simple to insert a crow bar under the opening sash and pry it almost silently out of its frame.

Upon closer inspection, the locking mechanism on the window did have good quality components and could still be classed as ‘multi-point locking’. However, we would not class this as such as only one of the four sides of the window is in fact secure.

The Benefits of Multi-point Locking

Squire Window Cylinder Locks — *photo by kind permission of Henry Squire & Sons Ltd, copyright Henry Squire & Sons Ltd

Surrey Windows employ a true ‘multi-point locking’ system that secures the locking side of the sash using expanding bolts, the top and bottom of the window using shoot bolts and finally (and the one a lot of companies forget) the anti-jemmy bolt on the hinged side.

The robbery itself could have been performed fairly quietly so as not to disturb the neighbours to all three sides of this home.

Securing the doors and windows with true ‘multi-point locking’ would have only left one more option for entry and that would be smashing through the double-glazed glass unit itself.

Deter burglars with high quality locks

The noise created by having to do so would deter many potential burglars! When considering windows and doors – DO check out the security features, treat it as importantly as the energy ratings and appearance.

If you do have true ‘multi-point locking’ then DO tell your insurance company, it can reduce your premiums.

Come and visit our showroom today and we’ll show you our window security – even if you’re not ready to buy yet, it’s worth knowing how good your current windows and doors are.

Door and Window Security Enhancements

We know that Window Security and the safety of your home comes first. So we use the best defence to provide high window security. And keep the style and design!

One of the best ways to stop burglars is strong and secure Window and Door Locks

British Standard Window Security

Our windows are fitted with the leading rust resistant shoot-bolt locks, exceeding BS7950 security requirements.

♦ Anti-pry hinge bolt
♦ Key-locking handle for
bi-directional roller lock
♦ Key-locking handle for
extra security
♦ Easy clean friction stay
♦ Dual shoot bolts for
increased security
♦ Bi-directional roller lock for
greater security
♦ Low level glazed bead for
improved window security and visibility

We also provide extra hinge bolt security to each ground floor window casement. This gives added window security to the hinges from forced attacks from any intruders.

Stronghold® SnapsafeTM Cylinder

Break-ins through doors fitted with euro-cylinders are on the increase. High demand from victims and crime reduction authorities for a solution have been met with the introduction of the Squire Stronghold® SnapsafeTM cylinder.

As the illustration shows, the cylinder will snap at a pre-selected position. This leaves an in-built security zone inside the door furniture, with at least three active pin chambers.

The would be thief is now faced with taking more time to pick the lock and will usually give up. In most cases, even after the attack, the key holder will still be able to open the lock.

Burglaries are often made through unlocked doors or windows. High quality locks are a visible deterrent. Make sure you always choose the best door locks for your home.

For more details and to see our Window and Door Security range, visit our Window Showroom, we would be very pleased to see you !

Endurance Doors in Surrey

Looking for a durable new door with style and security ? Surrey Windows have been installing superb Endurance Doors in Surrey for many years.

These beautiful Composite doors have strength, durability and energy efficient properties. The perfect secure Replacement Door. They also come in a huge range of styles and lovely colours to suit just about any home.

The Endurance® door standard multi point locking system has high security nickel plated steel hooks.

Multi Point Locking System with High Security

These fully penetrate the door frame and keeps, helping prevent the door sash and frame being forced apart.

The engineered alloy sprung latch with a nickel plated steel deadbolt provides maximum strength in the centre of the door.

The lock is Secured By Design accredited.

To see the amazing strength of Endurance Doors play the video below where Endurance Team member David was convinced he could break in using a sledge hammer

Yale Keyless Locking

As well as the standard key less locking system, Endurance® doors can be supplied with a Yale Keyfree locking system.

With this you can lock and unlock your home either by using a remote control fob or by using a personal code on the built-in keypad on your door handle.

The key pad lights up in the dark to help at night time. And the lock even has a built in alarm that sounds if the locked is tampered with.

Endurance Doors in Surrey with a solid guarantee !

Endurance Doors come with a long guarantee on their range of solid and secure composite doors.

All handles, letter plates, knockers and spy holes are covered by a full 10 year warranty for all finishes, excluding Keyless locks.

For more details and to see the range, visit our Door Showroom in Banstead, we would be delighted to see you !

Choosing the right Windows for your Home

There are a wide variety of PVCu windows in the market, make sure you choose the latest most technologically advanced. PVCu Windows come in differing styles and profiles.

What you might not know is that when choosing the right windows for your home the replacement PVC Windows for Surrey by Surrey Windows are the latest, most technically advanced windows available today.

Energy Efficient Windows

The surrey Energy A window is newly designed and developed for the UK and manufactured in the UK. Our window uses 100% lead free, recyclable PVCu coupled with the highest quality energy saving glass.

This is Window Technology of the Future that will genuinely save you money. The surrey Energy A window features many advantages over other PVCu Windows:

a unique 4 chamber sash and frame arrangement – high technology design resulting in strong frames and sashes.
A high gloss polished finish that reduces cleaning and maintenance and retains a cleaner look for longer.
Resists airborne pollutants and moulds.
Choice of traditional Ovolo or contemporary chamfered profile
Wide choice of styles and designs.

Window Security

Security is of paramount importance nowadays. If you are looking for high security pvcu windows, the surrey Energy A offers anti-jemmy bolts, low profile glazing gasket and locking handles.

Also included in our range are internal glazing beads and high security multi point locking system with bi directional deadbolts, roller cam bolts, twin shoot bolts and hinge guards.

We know there is a wide choice of product available in the marketplace today, but a window is not just a window.

All of our Latest Technology PVCu windows are available to view in our showroom in Banstead.

Here you will find a comprehensive range of products to view, in a relaxed, no pressure environment. Contact us if you would like more information.

Bifolding Door Installers

Looking for Bifolding Door installers ? Make sure you choose wisely. Bi-folding, or Sliding Folding Doors, are one of the most popular home improvement product today. Open up your living space or extension. Bi-folding doors offer wide glass areas and a totally clear opening and bring the outside in.

You will no doubt have seen lots of advertising locally and nationally for bi-folding doors but you must choose wisely when it comes to bifolding door installers.

Bifolding Door Installers – you get what you pay for !

Bifolding Doors in Surrey, London and nearby areas are available at a wide range of prices. From the budget door for several hundred pounds to several thousand depending upon the design and specification. The budget door will in most cases be in PVCu.

All of the quality bi-folding doors are made from aluminium. If you are looking for Bifolding Door Installers for an extension or for replacing your old patio doors you must keep in mind that this is a far more complex product than a standard pair of french doors.

With bi-folding doors it is very much a case of you get what you pay for. One thing you must consider with bi-folding doors is not to buy them in PVCu.

Surrey Windows supply the finest quality PVCu windows and doors but will NOT supply a PVCu bifolding door. Why?

This is due to the nature of sliding folding or bi-folding doors and the way they slide, fold, open and operate. As well as usually being fitted in a much wider and taller opening than standard french doors or patio doors. This means you must have a product which is firstly well designed and well made.

And it must be fitted with the best quality hardware and running gear.
It is widely accepted that pvcu is subject to much more thermal expansion than aluminium and in the case of bi-folding doors, pvcu can have issues with alignment and reliablity over the lifetime of a bi-folding door.

The thermal expansion of plastic (PVCu) over aluminium means that bi-folding doors in pvcu may not work reliably, especially over the summer months.

If you are looking for the best quality bi-folding doors, we offer you the Easifold product from Origin Doors only in aluminium.

Origin is acknowledged as the market leader in bi-folding door design and ONLY the Origin Doors by Surrey Windows are available with a 20 year manufacturers guarantee.
No other bifolding door on the market today offers this level of guarantee.

If you are considering bi-folding doors in your home aluminium is the best choice.
It may not be the cheapest option, but in bifolding doors Aluminium offers the correct mix of slim sight lines, security, inherent strength and minimal thermal expansion.

The Origin Aluminium Bi-folding Door will be a great product for many years to come. The slim sight lines of aluminium mean you will also have a greater glass area than pvcu as well as a more attractive frame.

Information on our bi-folding doors is available here . Please contact us if you would like any more information on the best quality, bi-folding doors in Surrey today.

Toughened Safety Glass in doors and windows

Replacing existing Double Glazing Units, Windows and Doors? Or shopping around for new Double Glazing? You will know that glass is a critical part of Double Glazing.

The glass plays the biggest part in keeping your new windows and doors energy efficient.

It forms the largest part of most windows and doors. Glass is also required to provide very important safety features for all doors and particular locations of windows.

The provision of safety glass ensures safety comes first. Double Glazing Units – Why do doors and windows need safety glass?

It is a legal requirement that toughened safety glass must be fitted to all replacement doors. This legal requirement for toughened safety glass also extends to windows near floor level and other “critical locations”.

This safety glazing rule is laid down in The Building Regulations for England & Wales and gives clear information where toughened safety glass is required. The same rules apply when existing windows are being replaced or for new windows fitted into new buildings.

What are “critical locations” requiring safety glass?

In simple terms the critical area in a window or a door is the glazing that you are likely to come into contact with as you move around a house or commercial building. This possible contact with glass must ensure:

glass must be shielded or protected from impact
if glass is to break it must break in such a way that is not going to cause injury
glass must resist impact without breaking.

So where is toughened safety glass needed?

For any single, double or triple glazed replacement windows or doors, the following types as well as locations will need safety glass.

All glazing from the internal finished floor up to a height of 1500mm must be safety glass.
All doors whether partly glazed or fully glazed must have toughened safety glass
Any door side panels, flag windows or any type of window within 300mm of any door must also be safety glazed.
Windows must be fitted with toughened safety glass where the window is within 800mm of the finished floor level internally.
Top-lights above doors are not required legally to have toughened safety glass. However even with clear glass, the toughening process produces a different tint to the glass so we advise toughened glass in top-light areas as well

There are other areas where you may wish to consider the use of safety glass. If you are fitting a window near your bath or shower the finished floor level will actually be higher if taken from the shower tray or the bath itself.

Double Glazing Units – the difference between laminated glass and toughened safety glass?

Laminated glass is very much like the windscreen of your car. With laminated glass it is effectively two pieces of glass with a film in between. In the event of a glass breakage, whilst the glass will break it will hold together. Toughened glass uses a toughening process different from laminated glass.

Whilst it is hard to break toughened glass, should it break it will shatter into thousands of small harmless pieces. This again is similar to the side windows of a car which are toughened. If you have ever been unlucky enough to have a side window of your car broken, you will have noticed that it shatters into many pieces. This is toughened glass.

The choice of toughened or laminated glass is of-course up to you. Laminated glass tends to be more expensive and heavier than toughened glass. If you want maximum security laminated glass, it will hold together when broken unlike toughened.

Both types are suitable and acceptable under legal requirements and building regulations.

Visit our Double Glazing Showroom in Surrey for more help and advice

Window and Door Security