PVC Windows
and PVC Doors
Visage PVC Windows and
PVC Doors - What should you look
for in a pvc window or pvc door?
At first glance, you could be forgiven
for thinking that PVC windows and
PVC doors are very much the same
as any other type of PVC windows
and PVC doors and indeed some companies
would very much like you to think
that this is the case. However,
pvc windows and pvc doors are no
different to any other product on
the market and the principle of
'you only get what you pay for'
usually applies.
As a general rule of thumb, be
wary of excessively cheap prices
or unbelievably good discounts -
it might suit your pocket now but
you could regret your purchase when
you start to experience problems
after the sale and in the years
to come.
With most things in life, common
sense prevails and products with
a host of features will generally
be a better buy and better equipped
to give you years of trouble free
service. As a guide, the main things
to look for in pvc windows and pvc
doors are as follows:
Frames
Perhaps the first place to look
when buying pvc windows and pvc
doors is at the frame's profile.
There are a couple of major factors
that should really be taken into
consideration. Firstly, is the frame
welded (by that we mean fully welded)
or mechanically jointed (i.e. screwed
together)? In many situations a
weld can be the strongest part of
any construction, not just in pvc
windows and pvc doors. Secondly,
how substantial is the frame? A
recent trend has been towards a
frame with a 70mm depth (i.e. front
to back), moving away from 60mm.
This adds to its rigidity - and
also is more of a direct replacement
for traditional wooden frames so
you shouldn't need as much plastering,
painting and finishing off!
Glazing
On some PVC windows and pvc doors,
glazing is installed from the outside
and only secured with external glazing
beads. This has really come about
because it makes it easier and,
therefore, cheaper to manufacture.
Unfortunately, external beads can
easily be removed from the outside,
quickly followed by the glass unit.
Many installers now use heavy-duty
adhesive tape (known as security
tape) to bond the glass to the frame,
which works towards overcoming this
problem, but if a break-in was attempted
the frames will probably need replacing
due to the damage caused. Although
more comprehensive systems have
the beads on the inside meaning
the glass cannot be removed from
the outside. Internal beading is
probably one of the most effective
intruder deterrents available.
Window locks
PVC windows should have a high-security
locking system that protects all-around
the frame. Security on all four
sides offers the best protection
from forced entry as the opening
part of the frame is locked across
all edges. This can be achieved
with a mixture of shootbolts (top
and bottom), deadbolt (opening side),
security hinges, (top, bottom and
hinge side) and locking wedges (hinge
side). All pvc windows should really
lock on a night vent - this is a
type of secure ventilation whereby
the window is still locked but slightly
ajar.
Window hinge
A major factor in the preventative
design of any pvc windows system
is the hinge. No matter how substantial
the windows may appear to be, the
hinge can be the weak link. Generally,
security hinges should be recommended.
These locate into the frame in the
closed position and should really
be screwed into both the vertical
and horizontal parts of the profile.
Door locks
The same principles can be said
for pvc doors as windows in terms
of locking systems. For pvc doors,
there is a wide range of aggressive
looking hooks and bolts that shoot
out at the turn of a handle or key.
But a small piece of advice - look
at the hinged side and make sure
that it is also well protected like
all Visage® pvc doors as standard.
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