Security
Door and Window Security
Security, quite rightly is uppermost in everybody's mind when selecting replacement windows, doors and conservatories.
At Cristal we are also very security conscious and place great emphasis on your security and peace of mind - ask to see our working models and view the most up to date fenestration security products available.
You are buying a replacement product and the locks chosen will of course offer you a high degree of added security. However they are not infallible as many intruders have already done their homework on what is available in the market place and have looked into ways to get past them - that’s how they earn their living.
It is worth while consulting your local Crime prevention officer for additional advice with regard to burglar alarms and other measures that can be taken. Most insurance companies now lay down a minimum specification to what locks are required under your policy - believe it or not many of these still relate to timber framed units.
Read the clauses in your insurance policy about going out of the home.
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All windows should be locked shut |
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The slightest opening gives the thief an easier access |
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All doors should be dead bolted and not left on the latch. |
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If you do not deadlock you may find your policy is void. . |
Let’s lay to rest some of the old common myths associated with window and door security...
It's easy to remove the glass from replacement windows.
Glazing
All of our products are internally glazed as standard (we can still offer some products as externally glazed as add on orders to originals. These will be security tape glazed as standard, the glass has to be cut out). Gone are the days of glazing gaskets that allowed undesirables to remove the glass from outside with little or no noise.
It's easy to jemmy open an opening sash.
Locking Systems
We specify multi-point shoot bolt locking systems as standard, coupled with key locking handles. The lock closes into metal keeps (not plastic or Kevlar like some competitors) this will also give you a nite vent facility enabling the window to be slightly opened and locked in position for increased ventilation as well as a very strong compression factor to eliminate draughts.
The hinge side of the window is the easiest to jemmy.
There are various qualities of hardware available and we will only use quality materials. It’s true the hinge side is the most venerable so we can offer heavy duty hinges with built in anti-jemmy devices or even upgrade your specifications to include sash locks to the hinge side of the window for increased security.
PVC windows just break up when jemmied or can just be levered out of the wall.
A Myth
PVC is a compound material and being flexible offers very good resistance against attack if anything any breakages are normally in small chunks. Our windows are fitted to the walls by use of high security self tap screws (a special headed bit is required to undo these) fixture points are spaced out around the frame. We also use high density expanding foam to take up any irregularities in the brick and once cured this gives a very good bond that has to be cut out to remove (we could just foam the frames in!). You would not be able to jemmy them out.
PVC frames are flimsy twist and buckle if attacked
All modern PVCu frames are constructed of multi chamber box construction coupled with steel or aluminium reinforcing to the main structure of the frames. This gives increased strength as well as security.
Residential Door Locks
We specify as standard high security multi-point locking systems with either 2 or 4 claw bolts, roller cams and centre dead bolts - both for front, back and French doors.
Key cylinders can include the latest anti-bump devices coupled with high security flag hinges with the option of Dog Bolts to the hinge side; these make our residential doors a fortress.
French doors can be specified with dual handles that will incorporate a shoot bolt top and bottom to the slave leaf.
Centre dead lock
Lower claw bolt, along with heavy duty flag security hinge.
PVCu doors can be opened by putting your hand through the letter box and open the door?
Yes this is true if people do not use the dead lock facility when leaving the house. This is no different to any type of door on the market. Once again when leaving the house, activate the dead lock and key lock it.
Patio sliding doors
Our doors will only be specified with a 6 point opposing multi-point claw bolt system, this gives an added benefit that it also acts as an anti lift device, We can also upgrade the locking system to include shoot bolts to the head & sill. Our doors come complete with built in anti-lift blocks and are of course internal glazed.
By working closely with our suppliers Cristal enjoys the benefits of being able to supply products that have been tested, licensed, certified and certificated under the "Secured by Design" Initiative from that supplier.
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