When you think of UPVC doors, the first thing that comes to mind is complete security and safety. They have been a part of the industry for decades now and they have withstood the test of time. When you buy a door, it not just ensures your home’s security but also provides a level of comfort and convenience that cannot be matched by any other material. In this article we have compiled some information about UPVC door security that can help you stay secure and safe.
What are UPVC doors?
We all know what a UPVC door is, but what does it mean? UPVC stands for plasticized polyvinyl chloride. It is rigid, maintained-free, and has a long-life span. No wonder it is common in residential property, but it does come with its issues, and we are here to help you provide all the information.
How weather affects UPVC doors?
UPVC is known for its toughness, yet it does shrink in extreme weather conditions. Even though there is no permanent damage caused because of it, but the temporary problem can be frustrating. The main concern is that in extreme heat, 40 degrees and above, it expands as much as 2.4 cm.
It usually gets back to its original size once the plastic cools off. But in case you can’t wait for that long, you can spray the UPVC with cold water or use a cold, wet cloth to cool off the plastic. If that also doesn’t work, doors and windows come with easy to alter flag hinges to accommodate for heat expansion and allow adjustment as and when required.
When the plastic returns to its original temperature, it might need re-adjustment to get to its original position. If this problem continues, that’s where we come in. One more frequent problem is the functioning of the door, it gets difficult to lock the door, or it is catching up against the frame. In that case, you don’t need to get a new one, all it takes is re-adjustment, and your local locksmith can do it with ease.
Why does UPVC door gets damaged?
There are many reasons for the door to be damaged.
- Glass doors are usually heavy, and the fact that they have only one side support, and nothing on the other side, becomes difficult for the hinges to carry the load, and eventually, they give up.
- Wear and Tear – we all tend to bang the door instead of simply shutting it. Over the years, wear and tear do catch up, and the doors get crashed.
- Doors nowadays are fitted with flag hinges, which makes it easy to adjust them in any direction, which was not the case for them. They had fixed hinges, as they could only go from left to right.
What to do when the UPVC door gets damaged?
When you notice that the door is damaged, you can close the door slowly to look for the edge which is touching the frame, or sometimes the door is not locking smoothly as it usually does, or maybe it’s rubbing on the bottom while shutting. Now you can adjust the hinges accordingly, and that should resolve the problem.
5 Tips to Improve uPVC Door Security
1. Sash Jammers
Many people have never heard of sash jammers, let alone recognised their value. Sash jammers are a superb security device for uPVC doors and can be used as a replacement for lockable grilles.
Upto 80% of all doors are secured with a sash jammer. Sash jammers provide door security by restricting the opening of a UPVC door. The correct and secure fitting of a sash jammer is vital as they act as a security device, preventing intruders from gaining entry to your home or business.
2. Anti-Snap Lock
Anti-Snap Lock to secure UPVC Doors if you have UPVC doors, it is advised that you use anti-snap locks. This will prevent opportunists from prying open the door of your house easily and gaining entry. You can find these locks in hardware stores and online. These are simple devices, but they are effective at preventing intruders from gaining access to your premises without permission.
3. Door chain
The door chain is an inexpensive, yet effective safety device that can be used to prevent break-ins in your home. It is easy to install, and most will only take a few minutes. The best time to install the door chain on your UPVC door is while it’s being installed or shortly after.
4. Door handle
On the door handles of a building, there are many types of door handles to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons, which makes it essential for us to select one that suits our needs. One of the most popular choices is UPVC door handle. This type of material is very sturdy, not to mention that they come in various styles and designs. If you want to be sure that your home is secure at night, then you need a high-quality lock.
5. Hinge Bolts
Hinge bolts are a type of fastener that is used to secure UPVC doors and windows. This security bolt is an essential part of your door as it provides the strength and stability that holds the two panels together and prevents them from being opened. The hinge bolts should be checked regularly, particularly if you live in an area that suffers from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or high rainfall.
Call Locksmith Monkey in Portland for UPVC door security
A burglary can be a traumatic and stressful experience, not only for the homeowner but also for the family. It’s important to ensure that your home is as safe as possible by reducing any opportunity for thieves to break in. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your UPVC doors are secure.
The best way to keep your home safe is to install a quality UPVC door lock. Having the right locks installed can also help you sleep better at night, knowing you’ve taken the proper precautions if there are ever intruders around your home. We hope this article was helpful! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Locksmith Monkey in Portland today. We will make sure to work on any type of locksmith services including solving your lock and key issues.
