Archive for category: Doors

From door and window handles to hinges and locks, selecting the right replacement hardware is crucial to ensuring everything fits and functions properly. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the correct replacement hardware for your home.

Window Handle Identification Guide

Choosing the right window handle is essential to maintaining both the appearance and functionality of your window. Here’s how to get it right:

• Identify the Window Type: First, determine what type of window you have. Is it a casement, sash, or tilt-and-turn window? The handle style will depend on the type of opening mechanism your window uses.
  
• Handle Style: Window handles come in different styles like cranked or inline. Inline handles are straight, while cranked handles are offset, so they don’t protrude far into the room. Make sure the replacement matches the style of the original handle for consistency and ease of use.
• Measure Key Dimensions: To ensure a perfect fit, measure any key dimensions such as the spindle length and width. The spindle connects the handle to the locking mechanism inside the window, so getting the measurement right ensures smooth operation. Also, note any specific features like a locking mechanism or push button to match your current handle.

Having these details will ensure you buy the correct handle for your window, making replacement straightforward and hassle-free.

Door Handle Measuring & Identifying Guide

Replacing a door handle, especially for UPVC or composite doors, requires precise measurements to ensure the new handle fits securely. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Measurements for Door Handles

There are two essential dimensions to get right when replacing a door handle:

1. PZ Dimension
   The PZ dimension is the distance from the centre of the spindle (the part of the handle that turns when you rotate the handle) to the centre of the euro cylinder hole (where the key enters the lock). This measurement is crucial because it ensures that the lock and handle align correctly. Different door handle designs have varying PZ dimensions, so measure carefully to ensure compatibility.
   
2. Screw-to-Screw (Fixing Centres) Dimension
   This is the distance between the two screws that secure the handle to the door. Measure from the centre of the top fixing screw hole to the centre of the bottom screw hole. Getting this measurement right ensures that the handle mounts securely onto the door without any gaps or misalignments.

Additional measurements you may need:

• Top Screw to Spindle: Measure the distance from the centre of the top screw hole to the spindle hole. This dimension is important to ensure the handle’s fixing points align with the internal locking mechanism.
• Overall Back Plate Length: Measure the total length of the back plate (the part of the handle that sits flush against the door). This ensures the replacement handle covers the same area and looks proportionate to your door.

Taking these measurements accurately will help you find the perfect replacement door handle and avoid unnecessary returns or adjustments.

UPVC Door Lock Measuring Guide

When replacing a multi-point lock in a UPVC or composite door, knowing the right measurements is critical for smooth operation and security. Multi-point locks have multiple locking points along the length of the door, making them more secure, but they also require careful measurement.

Critical Dimensions for Multi-Point Locks

1. PZ Dimension
   Similar to door handles, the PZ dimension on a multi-point lock measures the distance from the spindle (follower) hole to the centre of the euro cylinder hole. This ensures that the handle and lock align perfectly for a smooth locking mechanism.
2. Backset Dimension
   The backset dimension is the distance from the front face of the lock (the part visible on the edge of the door) to the centre of the spindle hole. This dimension ensures that the internal mechanism aligns properly with the door frame, allowing the lock to engage smoothly.

Without these two measurements, it can be difficult to find a replacement lock that fits and functions correctly. Always use a ruler or calliper to measure in millimetres for accuracy.

Euro Cylinder Measuring & Identifying Guide

The euro cylinder is the part of the lock where you insert your key. To replace it, you’ll need to know the correct dimensions for both the internal and external sides of the cylinder.

How to Measure a Euro Cylinder

1. Internal Size
   This measurement is taken from the internal side of your door (the side facing into your home) to the centre of the black rotating clip, known as the cam. Make sure you measure from the edge of the cylinder to the centre of the cam accurately.
   
2. External Size
   Similarly, measure the external size from the outside face of your door (facing the exterior of your property) to the centre of the cam. These two measurements are crucial for ensuring the cylinder fits snugly and offers maximum security.

By measuring both the internal and external sizes of your euro cylinder, you can confidently purchase the correct replacement and avoid the common mistake of choosing a cylinder that’s too short or too long.

Friction Hinge Measuring Guide

Friction hinges are critical for maintaining the smooth operation of your windows, especially in casement designs. Choosing the right replacement hinge requires three key steps:

1. Hinge Type
   First, identify whether your window is Top Hung (opens from the bottom) or Side Hung (opens from the side). The hinge type will differ depending on the orientation of your window.
2. Hinge Length
   Measure the length of the hinge from one end to the other, rounding to the nearest inch. Common sizes include 10″, 12″, 16″, etc. Accurate measurement is crucial for ensuring that the hinge fits properly and supports the weight of your window.
3. Stack Height
   The stack height refers to the thickness of the hinge when it’s closed, either 13mm or 17mm. If you can’t measure this directly, consider using stack packer caps to convert a 13mm hinge to a 17mm stack. For each pair of hinges, you’ll need six packer caps to complete the conversion.

By following these steps, you can easily find the right friction hinge for your window and ensure smooth, reliable operation.

Hardware Handing Guide

Lastly, it’s important to determine the correct hand (left or right) for your door or window hardware. This step ensures that the replacement part opens and functions as intended.

• For door handles, stand facing the door from the outside. If the hinges are on the right, you’ll need a right-handed handle, and if they’re on the left, you’ll need a left-handed handle.
• For window handles, open the window and check which side the handle is on. This will help you determine whether you need a left- or right-hand replacement.

By ensuring you get the correct handing, you avoid the frustration of ordering the wrong part.

---

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently select the right replacement hardware for your windows and doors. Taking accurate measurements and understanding the key components of each part will make the replacement process smooth and stress-free.

TREAT YOUR HOME, AS WELL AS YOUR LOVED ONE THIS VALENTINES DAY

Security, warmth, longevity – the key components to any successful relationship as well as the qualities you require from your windows and doors. That’s why at Select Windows, we believe you should treat your home, as well as your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

SECURITY

Feeling safe in your home is the most important thing, that’s why we fit all of our products with the most secure lock on the market. The British Standard 3 Star Maximum Cyclinder Security from ERA offers you the highest protection for your home, giving you piece of mind that you and your loved one aren’t at risk in your home. All of our products are also accredited by the Secured by Design police backed initiative for extra reassurance in the security of our windows and doors.

WARMTH

A cosy night in with your partner isn’t quite the same if you are experiencing problems with draught, leaks or the cold. So why not invest in an upgrade for your home to ensure you stay warm? Our windows and doors are made to achieve the highest levels of weather-tightness and resistance to draughts. Retaining the heat in the winter and resisting condensation, our energy efficient windows will also reduce your energy bills – so you can spend more on flowers and chocolate than on your bills!

LONGEVITY

Just like you want a relationship that’s built to last, you want your home to survive the long haul. That’s why investing in new windows and doors will add value and security to your home for years to come.  With strong and weather proof material, our windows and doors can revamp your home with a new look whilst providing a low maintenance and energy efficient result.  You can choose from a variety of different styles and colours, recreating the look of your home with your partner together.