There are many doors to choose from when finding the perfect front and back doors for our homes. These can range from UPVC and composite doors, sliding doors, patio doors, bi-fold doors and more, and can also come in different colours, with some types being made to measure.
Whether you would like to change your existing door with a like for like a replacement, or you’re in the process of modernising your home and looking for a set of bi-fold doors to add the finishing touch, knowing what each of these doors offers when it comes to your home security is essential.
Just like they come in various colours and sizes, doors also offer different types of locks and security elements.
In this post, we will look at some of the most popular doors currently available, matched with the locking mechanism they come with.
Door Ranges and Types
UPVC
UPVC doors are considered very low-maintenance and life-long products. Unlike wooden doors, they won’t rot over time, and paint doesn’t chip, flake or fade! They also come in a wide selection with many different types of patterned and coloured glass options.
UPVC doors are considered highly secure due to their plastic frame and key-operated multi-point locking systems. These locking mechanisms are most commonly found in UPVC doors and windows, bolting the door into the frame and locking at multiple points by turning the key.
These multiple locks come in a 5 or 3 multi-point locking system, with 3 being the minimum locking points on UPVC doors. UPVC door locks are available in various styles and sizes, each suited to a specific door type.
UPVC doors are trendy in the UK, especially for back garden sheds and outbuildings. They’re durable and easy to maintain but can be more expensive than other types of doors.
The most common type of UPVC door is the single-glazed door with a keyed lock. This is the most secure type of UPVC door lock, as it stops intruders from breaking into your home through the front or back door. You can also choose from various designs and colours for your UPVC doors.
Composite
Composite doors are made from different materials rather than just one, allowing them to be a little bit more specific and unique in presentation. They’re also much denser than UPVC doors and are robust, reliable, durable and secure.
Composite doors offer an incredibly sturdy frame, combined with glass-reinforced plastic, built to stop unwelcome visitors from entering a property.
Available in different colours and with glass options also available, composite doors are a popular choice found in many modern-day homes.
As with UPVC, a multi-point locking system is also used on composite doors regarding locks and the security mechanisms installed. The difference between these two doors is the door’s frame and density. Matched with the multi-point locking system, composite doors do, on this occasion, offer a higher level of security.
Note: Cylinder locks can also be used on composite doors, but opt for anti-snap cylinders to increase security.
Using a composite door lock, you can rest assured that your property is safe and secure. If you are looking for a quality lock that can be installed quickly, this is the type you should go for. Here are some of its features:
Easy to install
Composite door locks are effortless to install and do not require any special tools or skills. You will only need a screwdriver to get it done. Once installed, it will not cause any damage or leave marks on your door. They also come with an adjustable latch to fit perfectly on all doors, regardless of size or thickness.
High-quality material
The high-quality material used to make these locks makes them durable and reliable. They are also resistant to corrosion and rusting, which will last longer than other locks available today. In addition, they come with a lifetime warranty so that if something goes wrong with them, you can get them replaced without any additional cost or hassle.
French Doors
French doors are often found as double doors, opening outwards into gardens or patios, mainly from conservatories or dining rooms into back gardens. These doors are often full-panel glass doors, and when opened out, they will open to the entire width of the door.
The most common lock found on French doors is the key-operated 5-lever mortise lock, which we would also recommend (where appropriate) be supplemented by mortise rack bolts and hinge bolts.
If the standard mortise locks aren’t suitable, you can opt for the multi-point locking system, the second most common French door lock.
French door locks secure the two doors of a French door set. Because these doors are so large, they can be challenging to secure. The most common type of French door lock is a cylinder lock with two knobs on its faceplate (one on each side).
These locks have an old-fashioned look when compared to modern deadbolts. However, they are still trendy, and many homeowners prefer them for their classic styling.
French door locks come in various styles and sizes. Some are designed with a single knob on each side of the lock, while others have two knobs that operate independently. Some locks feature keyless entry mechanisms that allow you to open your door without finding your keys first.
Sliding Patio Doors
Patio doors are similar to French doors, but their sliding option lets you achieve a much wider opening space and takes up (or certainly gives the impression) a lot less room. However, with sliding patio doors, only half of the space can be open anytime.
Sliding patio doors are much more vulnerable than most, as runners can be tampered with and easily lifted. Patio door locks, which are key operated at the top and bottom, can help prevent intruders from breaking in and look into the possibility of anti-lift devices.
A sliding patio door lock is a lock that keeps the sliding glass door closed and locked. This locking mechanism is usually used on sliding glass doors to prevent them from being broken into or opened. The sliding patio door lock is designed to be installed in the track of the sliding glass door so that it will not move when you try to open or close it, thus preventing anyone from breaking in through the glass panel.
A sliding patio door lock usually comes with two parts: one part slides over the top of the sliding door while the other fits into a groove underneath it. Turning the key in either part will move simultaneously, so they can’t be separated. When you turn this key around, it will ultimately come off so that nothing is holding your sliding door closed anymore.
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-folds are growing in popularity as people want to modernise their homes, let in as much light as possible, and provide much more space. Bi-fold doors are just that, doors that fold. They fold back in sections, like a concertina, offering full glass panelling and folding back entirely to the wall with a very small frame constructed in place.
Bi-Fold doors range from wood, UPVC, and aluminium, so you have a choice when finding the most suitable solution for your home. These doors are strong and made to last, offering a great alternative to French and sliding patio doors.
Most bi-fold doors come with multi-point locking mechanisms and inline tracking systems. You can install Twinpoint locks, drop bolts, and childproof and keyed locks to increase security.
A bi-fold door lock is a locking device that attaches to the outside of a bi-fold door and secures it in place. This type of lock is similar to a deadbolt, except it has two independent locks instead of one. The two locks secure each side of the door separately, making it more difficult for someone to force open the door from the outside. Bi-fold doors are found in many residential homes and commercial buildings.
Bi-fold doors are easy to open but can be difficult to close when they’re not installed correctly or if too much weight is pushing against them. This makes them an ideal target for burglars who want to break into your home without causing damage or attracting attention. A bi-fold door lock prevents intruders from gaining access, so you can sleep soundly at night, knowing your home is safe and secure.
Are you looking for someone who knows locks?
When it comes to replacing locks on doors, upgrading your locking systems, repairing old locks or adding additional locks to doors, you need someone you can trust and someone who knows a thing or two about locks.
If you need a trusted locksmith in Sunderland, we are here. We have operated as a local locksmith company throughout the Northeast for many years. Our team is highly trained in locks, mechanisms, and security systems.
We work with you, offering the best solutions and locking systems to meet your needs. All British Standards are approved and kitemarked; we also know what insurance companies look for.
Speak to our emergency locksmiths today and learn how we can help you find the perfect lock for your chosen door.
