DIY HARDWARE SOLUTIONS FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS

It’s sometimes very difficult to know how panicked you can be when the things you take for granted go wrong! So something simple like a window handle breaking off in your hand or your front door lock suddenly jamming in an open position can send shivers down your spine! Most people would certainly panic and there would be very little you could do if it happened late at night. So its got to be worth thinking about scenarios like this to avoid being caught out when things really matter.

The problem with window and door locks these days is that they are too complicated and if something goes wrong there are no easy solutions to fix them. Take uPVC windows for example, you are likely to find all manner of window handles from the old cockspur to the more standardised espag handles seen on uPVC windows with multi-point locks. In fact there are many more older types of window handles and lock mechanisms and these can be impossible to replace  if they go wrong. So if you find yourself in this position what’s the answer (short term anyway)? BE PREPARED!

It would always make sense to note down a double glazing repair company, locksmith or similar with an out of hours call out service. These days you can find Double Glazing Repairs listed in the directories so do your homework now.

Take preventitive measures around the home like carrying some spares like uPVC window handles or a spare euro door lock for your front door, or at least have the old ones handy in the garage.

The truly proactive amongst us can think one step ahead and here are a few ideas for them:

Fit window restrictors - These are not a security device for your window but a back up form of defence. They are originally intended to improve window safety around the home particularly where small children may tamper with the window and also as a form of ventilation. They generally fit uPVC windows or some aluminium double glazed windows and are nice and discrete by virtue of their concealed location inside the window where the hinge sits. They can be challenging to fit depending on the make-up of the frames but by and large they sit inline with the hinges. When installing the restraint you can adjust the gap you want by siting the restictor position towards the opening corner for less gap or the opposite way for more of a gap. Recommended though that you keep this to the point that people can’t reach through to take control of the device. There are more complex variations of a window restrictor available these days but a lot of simple devices that are relatively inexpensive just requiring some diy skill to install. One very important consideration is fitting them to windows above ground floor level as you will need to fit the bracket or pins from the outside. Not impossible though…

Fit Frame Guard Window Locks - These are great little devices for uPVC windows and basically sit on the window in a locked or unlocked form. Whilst in the house you can leave them swept out of the way so everyday use of the window is possible and then at night sweep the arm across into the push button locking position and deadlock with the key as well. The nice thing is they can also be seen as a visual deterrent so will improve window security in several ways. There just can’t be any reason why you don’t have them on your window. If you want to make them a real force then we recommend you use special jack nuts so that the fixing is fully braced into the cavity of the profile. The fixings sit under the window lock so they can’t be seen. A lot of people will have to use these type of devices after a break-in as the main locks on the window will have been compromised leaving you with a window that won’t close or lock in any way! In that respect you can consider this a great solution for an exterior door too. When the lock breaks down just turn the Frame-Guard locks into position and what’s more these devices come with packers that screw into the underside of the arm so you can get a real force on the arm to pull the door or window in tight for weatherproofing. The biggest reason why people fit these locks is when they are out of the house like on holiday but useful when in the house too when things break down!

It pays to think ahead and for such little planning and cost can you afford to wait for the inevitable to happen?

Author: George Mitchell