If you’re in need of some aged doors and windows for a renovation project, check out Drummonds.
They have a large number of reclaimed doors in various shapes and sizes, in oak, pine and mahogany. Also on offer are carved wooden doors and antique door frames.
Drummonds also has a fine selection of antique windows in all materials, and of all sizes and shapes.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 29th February 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Doors, Security
Your typical French doors are of a timber framed construction. You can install rack bolts inside the doors which rise up into the frame at the top and down into the sill or floor at the bottom. It is important that bolts are fitted on the overlapping door.
If you want added piece of mind, also install some hinge bolts.
For metal doors you should fit surface mounted self locking bolts.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Thu 28th February 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Doors, Security
Sashlock’s combine both a latch and bolt with handles on either side of the door. This type of lock is usually seen on back doors.
A sashlock usually incorporates three levers - which is not ideal for security. However, this can be replaced with an upgrader unit which includes five levers and a deadlocking action.
Having the deadlocking facility is pretty important on back doors as they are often glazed and in isolated locations. This makes them the target of choice for burglars.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Wed 27th February 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Doors, Security
Usual security measures for patio doors comprise a small lock mounted on the inside door - the bolt then fits into a hole with the other door.
These kind of locks can be fitted to metal framed doors or timber doors. You will of course need appropriate screws for each door material type.
For increased security fit locks to both the top and bottom of the door.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 26th February 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Doors, Security
A latchbolt is an ideal replacement for a nightlatch. They are also known as a locking latch, which has both bolt and a latch.
The latch is operated by a handle on the inside, while the bolt is key operated. It is not advisable to put both a nightlatch and latchbolt on one door - why? - because you will have to turn knobs every time the door is opened.
A mortice lock cut into a door does offer more security, but weakens the doors structure to some extent. So if your front door is less than 45mm wide, a thin pattern mortice lock would be the best solution.
