Did you know October is National Home Security Awareness Month?
Now the clocks have gone back & the nights are drawing in sadly, home burglaries tend to rise, a recent survey conducted by security experts, ADT confirmed this showing that 76.5% of us are more concerned about our home safety during the Autumn & Winter months. We’re all guilty of being super busy with life & all the demands that are made of us but, its imperative we keep our homes safe & secure.
To emphasise the significance of taking proactive measures to secure your home, October is designated as National Home Security Month, an annual campaign initiated in 2013. So, on that note lets discuss certain steps & product offerings Silent View Windows have available to help ensure your home & loved ones are protected…
Windows & Doors –
Have you been living with old windows and doors for many years now? In likelihood the resilience they once offered may have diminished somewhat. It is likely the locking system incorporated into their design could also be insufficient for the present day also.
All of our PVCu residential doors can be Secured by Design certified if requested. What is ‘Secured by Design’? SBD is a security initiative working to improve buildings and their component parts, to deter and reduce crime, new windows or doors obviously fall within this too. This UK Police initiative aims to improve the security of buildings by using high-performance products that have undergone rigorous testing. With Secured by Design doors, you get enhanced protection against forced entry, making them a top choice for homeowners looking to increase security. Reinforced frames and high-security multi-point locking systems provide robust resistance against break-ins. If this is something you’d be interested in – make sure you ask as it doesn’t come as a standard.
PVCu windows offer state-of-the-art security features which, make them a robust choice for homeowners. These windows can also be Secured by Design certified, ensuring they meet police-preferred security standards. This certification is only granted to products that have undergone extensive testing to resist various forms of forced entry.
Security Features:
1.Multi-Point Locking System; windows come with an advanced multi-point locking system that secures the window at multiple points around the frame.
Did you know 70% of intruders gain access through a door? While, 30% through a window? Multi-point locks are considered one of the most secure locking systems available firmly deterring burglars when they realise the type of locking system they’re up against. The system makes it much harder for an intruder to force the window open, as pressure on one area of the frame will not easily compromise the security of the window.
2.Internal Beading; unlike externally beaded windows where the glass could be removed from the outside, our PVCu windows feature internal beading. This means the glass can only be removed from inside your home. In order to remove the beading, an intruder would have to smash the glass & reach in – inevitably waking you or triggering an alarm in the process. All of our PVCu windows offer internal beading to ensure your glazing is as secure as possible.
3.Reinforced Frames: The PVCu frames are reinforced to provide additional rigidity and strength, making it harder for intruders to break through. The high-tensile steel reinforcement bars embedded within the frames ensure that even with external pressure, the window remains secure.
4.Security Glazing Options: Our windows can be fitted with toughened or laminated glass, which adds another layer of security. Toughened glass is resistant to impact, while laminated glass features a protective interlayer that holds the glass together even when shattered, preventing easy access to your home and enhancing security.
5.Lockable Handles: Every window supplied by Silent View Windows is fitted with secure, lockable handles. This provides peace of mind knowing that even if the locks are tampered with, the handles themselves are locked from the inside and cannot be opened without a key. Non lockable handles leave your windows vulnerable to intruders who, can often gain access by forcing or manipulating the handle.
6.Enhanced Weather Seals: Primarily designed for thermal efficiency however, the enhanced weather seals also contribute to security. They create a tighter fit that makes it harder for tools like crowbars to be inserted between the window and the frame.
7.Optional security locks and restrictors ensure safe ventilation – restrictors and security locks prevent your windows from opening too far i.e. if you have children. Not necessarily the best preventer in terms of security but, another barrier for burglars to get past if windows are open.
8. At Silent View Windows we can install secondary glazing (a lightweight aluminium window fitted inside of an existing window to prevent entire windows being taken out) This additional glazing not only deters break-ins but, also enhances energy efficiency, making them an ideal solution for those seeking a combination of security, comfort, and elegance in their homes.
With PVCu windows fitted by Silent View Windows, you get both cutting-edge design and the highest level of protection, ensuring your home is not only energy-efficient but also safe from potential break-ins.
Aluminium Doors: Bi-Folds and Sliding Doors
Compared to many other types of doors, aluminium doors are crafted with security in mind, they are robust & have the advantage of the inherent strength of the material creating a resilient barrier between your home and the outside world. Their incredible strength means’ they are more difficult to break through than other door styles.
Aluminium sliding, bi-fold & patio doors come with toughened or laminated glass along with security-approved hardware, ensuring that your home remains secure while adding modern elegance. People are often under the misconception that slim aluminium profiles compromise on strength however, in actuality, their metal frames make them difficult to cut or break through. Unlike wood or uPVC, a burglar would not be able to pry off or saw through this material without using tools that are loud enough to alert the whole road. Find out more about the aluminium doors we have to offer here.
Security Features of Aluminium Windows:
- High-Strength Aluminium Frames: Aluminium is naturally strong and highly resistant to bending or warping, making it an excellent choice for window frames. Our aluminium windows are made from thermally broken aluminium, which enhances their structural integrity while improving thermal efficiency. These strong frames are difficult to force open, providing a solid barrier against intruders.
- Multi-Point Locking Systems: Like our PVCu windows, our aluminium windows come equipped with multi-point locking systems. These locks secure the window at multiple points, making it harder for burglars to break in. When combined with the strength of aluminium frames, this system offers outstanding security.
- Internal Beading: Our aluminium windows feature internal glazing beading, which prevents the glass from being removed externally. This added layer of protection ensures that even if someone attempts to tamper with the glass from outside, they won’t succeed in gaining entry.
- Toughened or Laminated Glass: Aluminium windows can be fitted with toughened or laminated glass to further enhance security. These glass options make it harder for intruders to smash through the windows. Laminated glass, in particular, remains intact even if broken, thanks to the protective layer between the panes.
- Slim but Secure Profiles: As mentioned above the slim profile of aluminium windows does not compromise on security. The frames may look sleek and elegant but, they maintain the high level of security needed to deter intruders.
Many composite doors feature a polyurethane foam core – great for thermal performance and weather resistance but, not so much when it comes to security. The composite doors fitted by Silent View Windows feature a solid timber core, far denser & stronger than insulating foam adding an extra layer of protection. They also come equipped with a multi-point locking system, anti-snap, and anti-drill cylinders, all designed to prevent common break-in techniques. Their robust construction offers peace of mind, knowing your home is safeguarded against any threats.
The Ultion Lock – Maximum Protection
Ultion is a trusted and renowned brand in the security industry, specialising in high-quality door locks and hardwear. The Ultion lock is one of the highest-rated locks on the market, providing ultimate security for your doors, offering unapparelled protection against forced and unauthorised entry. The lock has been engineered with an 11-pin mechanism and additional molybdenum core, making it resistant to snapping, picking, drilling, and bumping. The Ultion lock locks down into “attack mode” when it detects forced entry attempts, further reinforcing your doors security.
Security Features of Timber Windows & Doors;
Timber doors
Timber doors are inherently strong, providing a formidable barrier against unauthorised access, the durability and density of timber makes it extremely hard to breach, enhancing the overall security of your home. The doors come with robust security – point locking systems, anti-drill and anti-snap cylinders, as well as secure hinges. Their durable construction ensures resistance to forced entry, while toughened glass options enhance protection even further.
Timber Windows
- Timber windows are equipped with high-security locking mechanisms, key-locking handles, and reinforced frames. They can also feature laminated glass for enhanced security, this type of glass is made from two or more layers of glass that are bonded together with a plastic interlayer, it’s the interlayer which makes the glass much more difficult to break ensuring excellent resistance against break-ins. When timber windows & doors are installed properly (which is guaranteed with Silent View Windows) you can relax knowing both doors and windows meet high security standards, providing peace of mind for homeowners and businesses alike.
We hope this blog has helped you to have a better understanding in regards to the different security options with windows & doors. At Silent View Windows we have plenty of knowledge on security so, if you have any questions or, think it might be time to replace your windows or doors give us a call on 01844 397700 or send an enquiry via our website.
Remember – if you’re intrigued to see how secure your neighbourhood / road is use the National Home Security campaign website postcode checker here.
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