How Do I... Ensure My Doors and Windows Are Safe?
Your doors and windows contribute to your home's security envelope – an expert reveals what you need to know
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, David Anderson, franchise owner of Lock & Roll Leichhardt in Sydney, NSW, gives the lowdown on keeping your home secure with the right doors, windows and hardware.
What’s the appeal of smart door and window locks?
Smart door and window locks can be a convenient and safe option for securing your home. Electronically activated locking systems, electric strikes (a door-access system) and magnetic locks have been common in commercial buildings for years, but now they’re creeping into residential buildings too.
For the ultimate in convenience, some of these systems are being incorporated into home-building management systems via wireless connectivity, smart phone apps, and digital assistants or smart hubs such as Google Home. This lets you lock or unlock your doors and windows (or see who’s at your front door) remotely via your phone, tablet or a remote control.
Keyless door locks are also gaining in popularity. Entrance locks that incorporate door furniture and a keypad or biometric unlocking device are readily available at hardware stores nowadays for far less than they were a few years ago.
Smart door and window locks can be a convenient and safe option for securing your home. Electronically activated locking systems, electric strikes (a door-access system) and magnetic locks have been common in commercial buildings for years, but now they’re creeping into residential buildings too.
For the ultimate in convenience, some of these systems are being incorporated into home-building management systems via wireless connectivity, smart phone apps, and digital assistants or smart hubs such as Google Home. This lets you lock or unlock your doors and windows (or see who’s at your front door) remotely via your phone, tablet or a remote control.
Keyless door locks are also gaining in popularity. Entrance locks that incorporate door furniture and a keypad or biometric unlocking device are readily available at hardware stores nowadays for far less than they were a few years ago.
How do I secure my screen doors?
Choose a screen door designed for security. There are many different types of screen doors on the market, including ones that just keep the flies out and others that are more robust and designed to prevent intruders from entering your home.
To boost security on your existing screen doors, start by choosing the right locking hardware for your door type. Then, consider a multi-point locking system that is concealed within the stile (the vertical part of the door frame that the lock and hinge attaches to).
Find a local door professional on Houzz
Choose a screen door designed for security. There are many different types of screen doors on the market, including ones that just keep the flies out and others that are more robust and designed to prevent intruders from entering your home.
To boost security on your existing screen doors, start by choosing the right locking hardware for your door type. Then, consider a multi-point locking system that is concealed within the stile (the vertical part of the door frame that the lock and hinge attaches to).
Find a local door professional on Houzz
How do I make sure my windows are child-safe?
This is the subject of some state-based legislation, and is mostly targeted at preventing falls from apartments located above a certain height or where windows lead to a swimming pool.
But safety concerns can crop up in houses and other property set-ups too. You can buy window restrictors from your local hardware store that will allow you to partially open a window wide enough to let in a breeze, but not wide enough for a child to climb or fall out. Restrictors are designed for all types of windows, and can be retrofitted to existing windows or fitted to new models.
It’s best to seek expert advice where safety for children is a consideration.
This is the subject of some state-based legislation, and is mostly targeted at preventing falls from apartments located above a certain height or where windows lead to a swimming pool.
But safety concerns can crop up in houses and other property set-ups too. You can buy window restrictors from your local hardware store that will allow you to partially open a window wide enough to let in a breeze, but not wide enough for a child to climb or fall out. Restrictors are designed for all types of windows, and can be retrofitted to existing windows or fitted to new models.
It’s best to seek expert advice where safety for children is a consideration.
What signs of damage should I be aware of?
- A window or door that is hard to open.
- A hinged door that has dropped off its hinges.
- A sliding door where the rollers have failed.
- A locking mechanism on your door or window that doesn’t work.
- A double-hung window that no longer stays up (which is a serious safety concern as the window can jam your fingers and the glass can shatter).
Are there any areas that need particular care?
Window and door hardware in coastal homes is particularly susceptible to corrosion. You can reduce the damaging effects of salt-laden air by wiping hardware with a damp cloth regularly.
Window and door hardware in coastal homes is particularly susceptible to corrosion. You can reduce the damaging effects of salt-laden air by wiping hardware with a damp cloth regularly.
How can I keep doors and locks functioning properly?
Have them regularly serviced and maintained by a window professional and door specialist, particularly if you live near the sea or have a more complicated door style, such as bi-folds or a multi-folding system. Doing this can end up saving you thousands on replacing damaged doors and windows.
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
Have them regularly serviced and maintained by a window professional and door specialist, particularly if you live near the sea or have a more complicated door style, such as bi-folds or a multi-folding system. Doing this can end up saving you thousands on replacing damaged doors and windows.
Window Shopping: Creative Window Designs for Every Style of Home
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Want more decorating advice? Check out How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below, save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more decorating advice? Check out How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
There are different types of locks and latches for different windows. You’ll need to consider the following:
- The type of window you have: Locks and latches designed for double-hung windows, for example, won’t work on an awning window.
- What the window frame is made from: Wood, aluminium and vinyl or uPVC window frames all require different types of locking hardware.
- How much security you need: Do you need the window to be lockable or do you jut need it to latch so the window remains in a closed position?
- How the window functions: Locking or latching can be achieved using a window winder, which are often used on awning or casement windows that project outwards from a building.
If in doubt about which lock or latch is right for your windows, ask your hardware supplier for advice.Find a window specialist near you on Houzz