Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
10th April 2024 Issue no. 700

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Securing homes from the future

The security of doors and windows is more important than ever following the introduction of new government guidance on the security of properties, introduced on 1st October 2015, through changes to part Q building requirements.

Neil Ginger, CEO of Origin, award winning British manufacturer of bi-folding doors, windows and blinds, talks to Locks and Security News about design features to ensure the highest level of safety and security.

Secure from Intruders

The popularity of bi-folding doors has soared over the past few years. According to Palmer research, 33,000 sets are forecast to be installed in 2016, which is almost double the number sold five years ago.

The traditionally weak areas for bi-folding doors are the cylinder/locking barrel and the handle. In fact, UK crime statistics illustrate that 27 per cent of burglaries involve lock snapping. This is the same on most doors as they often use insecure cylinders. These allow burglars to bump, drill or snap the cylinder to gain entry. It is advisable to specify bi-fold doors with a kite marked magnum lock security cylinder to stop any break-ins through the cylinder.

Ensure there is a multi-point lock on the lead door; we recommend an 8-point multi-point locking system and making sure the doors comply with PAS23/24 standards. The Origin Bi-fold Door also uses solid cast Yale handles for a superior level of security. Choosing laminated or toughened glass can also improve strength and security as they are tough for intruders to break.

For windows, Yale's Encloser Lock is a highly renowned and dependable choice for house builders. It works by engaging cylindrical cams into a zinc alloy keep. When locked, compressed and engaged, this will not only provide a strong and reliable system, but it will also provide optimal weather proofing, ensuring properties are safe from both intruders and the elements. The Origin Window has the Yale Encloser Lock fitted as standard for its supreme security and long-term reliability.

The security of properties is greatly improved by the use of the highest grade stainless steel hinges and hinge guards. The Origin Window is capable of carrying heavy loads above the standardised 50,000 cycle test required for residential windows as a result. Hinge guards are installed as standard, serving the purpose of both protecting the hinges as well as blocking intruders from jemmying the window open along the hinged side. Other features such as impenetrable crimped frames and locking handles make the Origin Window one of the most secure systems on the market.

Strong Design

Aluminium is unique in its properties. It combines strength and robustness with a light weight structure, meaning that it is extremely strong and weighs 67 per cent less than the weight of steel. This winning combination makes aluminium the ideal material for smooth gliding, easy to operate bi-folding doors and windows.

The strength of aluminium allows unbeatably narrow frames which gives aesthetically pleasing sight lines as well as letting in the maximum amount of light. Furthermore, architects are not restricted as aluminium is versatile and tough enough to allow complex layouts, such as moving corner posts and bay setups.

The versatility of aluminium has meant Origin is able to offer house builders a completely unique internally and externally flush casement on its window; removing any bulky overlapping framework that is synonymous with aluminium rebated systems. All that remains is a sleek shadow line where the sash sits inside the frame. The clean finish of the Origin Window is ideal for installation in traditional townhouses, new builds and period properties. The strength of the aluminium frames allows for incomparably slim sightlines and, with the edge of the frame as little as 50mm from the glass, it means less window and more light can be achieved.

Protect during the building stage

Bi-fold doors are usually ordered after the aperture has been cut to get the exact opening measurements. The standard industry lead time is six to eight weeks, which can mean the customer will have an opening in their wall for at least two months. This is far from ideal from a safety and security perspective and can often cause damp issues during the winter months.

Origin offers a 'Your Lead Time, Not Ours' service, meaning that trade customers can determine when they want their doors delivered. Even over the Christmas period, Origin's trade partners can order up to 14th December on popular colours for delivery before 22nd December.

The same also applies to windows, where long lead times can leave homes and properties vulnerable to intruders if issues occur on the delivery of orders. Since launching the original Origin Window in July 2014, we have cut the lead time on our window system to offer a one week lead time in ten popular colours and a three week lead time in a further 150 RAL colours. The window handles are available in brushed graphite, chrome, satin or gold, and in Origin's industry first colour match option, whereby the handle is uniquely powder coated to match the colour of the window.

The Origin Window maintains the same industry leading 20 year guarantee as before, offering our customers and homeowners the reassurance that the window will continue to perform year after year.

Tough Against the Elements

All UK installations should be certified compliant by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC), and meet all current building and thermal regulations in the UK.

As a British manufacturer that exports to Dubai and America, Origin has put its doors through demanding tests to achieve compliance for these markets. These require doors to withstand the most extreme of weather conditions, from hurricanes and sandstorms to intense heat and rain.

Demanding tests have allowed Origin's internal team to design and manufacture the best components for the Origin Bi-fold Door, to surpass all building regulations, both in the UK and abroad. While it is rare for Britain to experience such harsh weather conditions, it means that Origin offers the strongest and most secure bi-folding doors in the UK marketplace.

For more information, visit www.origin-global.com

11th November 2015