UPVC Front Doors
Overview
Multipoint Locking Mechanisms
Much the same as the multipoint mechanisms used on other doors around the house, the main difference is that the multipoints fitted to front doors often feature a “nightlatch” facility. This works in much the same way as a Yale type lock does on timber doors.
If your lock has a nightlatch facility, then you will always require a key, in order to open the door from the outside, but you can also deadlock the mechanism too.
Unfortunately, many people fail to deadlock the door properly, and just rely on this latch feature. This is ok if you are in the house, (the nightlatch feature stops anyone from just walking in). But doors left “on the latch”, are frighteningly easy to force open. These doors should be deadlocked with the key whenever possible.
Some, older multipoint locks, are really basic in design. These locks often only use “rollers”, (moving studs on the edge of the mechanism), to secure the door.
More modern mechanisms may use special deadbolts, hookbolts and other devices, alongside rollers, for a much more attack-resistant mechanism.
We can often upgrade older, less secure, multipoint locks, with modern versions that offer much greater security, for far less than the cost of a new door.
The Euro Cylinder.
This lock cylinder, or barrel, operates the multipoint lock, and it is of the utmost importance that it is up to the job.
This little, insignificant looking lock cylinder controls the whole multipoint mechanism, and therefore the whole security of the door, (and the house)! It is a wise investment to upgrade it to one that incorporates all of the latest security features.
Additional Security
Door Chains
Special products are available for use on upvc doors, but door chains for timber doors are often more than adequate. If fitting these yourself, beware of screwing into the multipoint mechanism itself, as this can cause enormous damage. If in doubt, we will happily install these for you.
Door Viewers
As any glazing is likely to be patterned or frosted it may be difficult to identify callers.
Fitting a door viewer lets you see clearly who is there, helping you to decide whether it’s safe to open the door.
Letterbox Security
The letter flap on a upvc door can pose a security risk. A thief could use it to “fish” for items, keys etc from the hall area. There is also the risk that the letter flap may allow someone to interfere with the lock and open the door when it is on the latch. We can fit special cowls and restrictors, that reduce the opening and limit the view into the house, whilst still allowing postal deliveries to take place.
Another solution is to use a secure, locking, wall mounted post box on the outside wall, and to seal the letter flap on the door permanently.
Hinge Protection
If your upvc door opens outwards then the hinges will be exposed to attack. To remedy this, manufactures should fit products that prevent the door from being removed from the hinge side. They are not always fitted when the door is new though, but they are available to retro-fit.
Sash Jammers
Because upvc doors usually sit proud of the frame when closed, normal door bolts will not usually work.
Sash jammers overcome this problem. They are blocks with a hinged arm, that fit to the frame of the door. When the door is closed, the arm can be positioned over the door to stop it from opening.
Packing pieces are supplied to ensure a snug fit. Some sashjammers can be locked when in position.
For best security, sash jammers should be fitted both top and bottom.
Multipoint locks on front upvc doors are usually the same as for side and rear doors. The main difference is that they often also have a “nightlatch” feature built in, that works in a similar way to “Yale” type locks on timber doors.
The nightlatch feature prevents people from simply opening the door with the handle from the outside, a key must be used for this.
The nightlatch function on its own, provides only limited security, and the door should be properly deadlocked whenever possible
