Sunderland City Locksmiths provide an analysis of UPVC doors, including the features of these doors and why this material is commonly used.
About Sunderland City Locksmiths
Sunderland City Locksmiths are recommended local Sunderland locksmiths who provide residents and business owners in the Sunderland area, with a full range of expert key and lock related services including UPVC Door Repairs. Our reputation speaks for us; we have a long history of working on physical security jobs in the local area going back many years.
We are happy to try our hand at any lock and key related job. We also offer a 24/7 emergency call out service, with no charge for the call out itself. We will only charge you for any work you need to be carried out while we are there. We can cover everything from getting you back into a vehicle you have been locked out of, to fitting modern security systems for your commercial premises.
One of the most common types of doors you will find in the UK is UPVC doors. Standing for
‘unplasticized polyvinyl chloride’, these doors are generally seen as a more affordable alternative to
composite doors, without sacrificing the quality.
Features
UPVC is a low-maintenance plastic that is often used for door and window frames. Due to its rigid
nature, the solid material has proven to be stylish yet durable option for many homeowners. By
wrapping an insulated steel frame in UPVC, the final product is strong and thermally efficient,
meaning that heat is trapped and stopped from escaping like with some other materials. Similarly,
these doors are a great option when it comes to soundproofing, as they are able to significantly
reduce the level of noise travelling either in or out of your home.
This material is also not effected by exposure to any of the natural elements, resisting any damage
from rainfall, wind or any other extreme weather conditions. Additionally, there are regulations that
require all UPVC frames to ensure they are made from materials that reduce the risk of spreading
fires.
Security
Due to the manufacturing process, UPVC doors are much cheaper than composite doors. Despite the
lower cost and lighter frame, UPVC doors are still considered to be very secure and a safe choice to
prevent any attempted break-ins. This is because of the multi point lock system they use.
There are various methods that can be used in order to improve the security of these doors further,
such as by adding hinge bolts or door chains. Hinge bolts offer extra protection to any door that has
its hinge exposed, making it much more difficult for anyone to knock the door off its hinge.
Additionally, door chains allow you to open the door fractionally whilst still being secured to the
wall. This allows owners to see who is at the door without allowing them to enter. It should be noted
that door chains on their own is not an advisable security setup, as they are best when used in
addition to a more heavy-duty lock system.
Lock Fitting
Fitting locks to UPVC doors is a much different process when compared to fitting locks to wooden,
composite doors. This is due to the materials used, with the materials used for UPVC doors much
lighter and thinner. This increases the risk involved when removing and fitting locks on these types
of doors, as they can be damaged much more easily. This is why it is generally recommended to seek
the services of an experienced locksmith when you need any work done on a UPVC frame.