Windows and doors cannot perform any function without hardware. Whether it is required to open or lock a door, or slide open a window, it is hardware that works with all types of products.
Residential Hardware
With residential doors, much of the locking hardware centres around multi point locking systems comprising lift up handles to throw shoot bolts and additional bolts for added security. This complements door hinges, keeps and other hardware that all play a relevant part. Handles are varied in design, shape and colour choices all working to complement the products. Technology has now progressed to electronic door locks, key fob readers and much more.
Window hardware today mostly comprises multi point locking systems with espagnolette handles all working together to make windows secure and ensuring they meet the relevant British or European standards. Other windows such as tilt and turn, pivot or sliding windows use different hardware necessary to perform these different optioning functions.
High Security is standard in aluminium windows and doors.
The hardware used on residential aluminium doors and windows today has to complement the aesthetic qualities of the window itself and provide handles and locking systems with high security. The modern aluminium windows and doors available today meet crucial industry and Police approval standards to create a very secure window and door indeed.
The multi point locking systems available will meet BS7950 for windows and PAS 24 for doors. Insurance companies will usually be satisfied with windows meeting these standards and Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification being a further advantage.
Aluminium door hinges benefit from a unique interlocking action and coupled with the opposing directions of the door hook locks means doors cannot be prised apart or twisted out of its frame.
Sliding Doors are fitted with “anti-lift” devices to prevent lifting and removal of the sliding panes as well have having interlocking stiles which are designed to prevent the doors being prised apart. There are also locks with up to six or more centre hooks operating in opposite directions, anti slamming devices to prevent damage to the door hardware should a door be forced shut.
The locking systems found in today’s modern aluminium doors can also feature “lock out” functions keeping the operation of the door lock and the door cylinder separate, systems to prevent locking yourself outside as well as internal features to enable quick escape in the event of an emergency without having additional keys to hand.
Door and window hardware must also be stylish as well as secure.
With hardware playing an important part in the overall look of a window or a door, they are required to be stylish as well as highly secure. Modern aluminium windows and doors have extensive ranges of handles available and the quality products available are fully colour matched. Additionally there are various styles of handles for doors such as lever/lever, or lever pad, D style pull handles and bar type handles.
Windows can have inline or cranked handles as well as accessories such as peg stays or monkey tail designs.
Colours range from simple black and whites to matt black handles, polished or satin gold, polished chrome and satin stainless steel. Bespoke colours are also available to special order.
Commercial Hardware
Much of the hardware we take for granted is there to perform vital safety functions.
On commercial doors in particular, the hardware is the most important component in enabling this very simple in construction, yet highly capable product to perform a whole variety of functions and features. Door hardware here comprises door closers, access control systems, panic bars and emergency exit devices, keypad entry locks and entry and exit systems to suit many types of different shops, office, laboratories, hospitals and much more.
Door handles are also important in commercial doors given their very heavy usage every day and are also available as warm to the touch furniture to meet the needs of visually impaired people and the disabled.
Most commercial door hardware is also available with some form of automation.
Commercial windows utilise similar hardware to residential systems, but here window hardware extends to specialist needs such as anti ligature furniture widely used in secure environments such as prisons and mental institutions. Additionally window hardware can create fully reversible windows for cleaning, parallel opening windows, specialist constructions for high use or extreme security.
There are tens of thousands of options in hardware for residential and commercial systems, all designed to meet the needs of many different systems company designs and applications.