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What should you look for in a window or door?

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that one type of PVCu window and door is very much the same as any other type of PVCu window and door and indeed some companies would very much like you to think that this is the case. However, windows and doors are no different to any other product on the market and the principle of 'you only get what you pay for' usually applies.

As a general rule of thumb, be wary of excessively cheap prices or unbelievably good discounts - it might suit your pocket now but you could regret your purchase when you start to experience problems after the sale and in the years to come.

With most things in life, common sense prevails and products with a host of features will generally be a better buy and better equipped to give you years of trouble free service. As a guide, the main things to look for are as follows:

Frames

Perhaps the first place to look when buying windows and doors is at the frame's profile. There are a couple of major factors that should really be taken into consideration. Firstly, is the frame welded (by that we mean fully welded) or mechanically jointed (i.e. screwed together)? In many situations a weld can be the strongest part of any construction, not just in windows and doors. Secondly, how substantial is the frame? A recent trend has been towards a frame with a 70mm depth (i.e. front to back), moving away from 60mm. This adds to its rigidity - and also is more of a direct replacement for traditional wooden frames so you shouldn't need as much plastering, painting and finishing off!

Glazing

On some PVCu windows and doors, glazing is installed from the outside and only secured with external glazing beads. This has really come about because it makes it easier and, therefore, cheaper to manufacture. Unfortunately, external beads can easily be removed from the outside, quickly followed by the glass unit. Many installers now use heavy-duty adhesive tape (known as security tape) to bond the glass to the frame, which works towards overcoming this problem, but if a break-in was attempted the frames will probably need replacing due to the damage caused. Although more comprehensive systems have the beads on the inside meaning the glass cannot be removed from the outside. Internal beading is probably one of the most effective intruder deterrents available.

Window locks

PVCu windows should have a high-security locking system that protects all-around the frame. Security on all four sides offers the best protection from forced entry as the opening part of the frame is locked across all edges. This can be achieved with a mixture of shootbolts (top and bottom), deadbolt (opening side), security hinges, (top, bottom and hinge side) and locking wedges (hinge side). All windows should really lock on a night vent - this is a type of secure ventilation whereby the window is still locked but slightly ajar.

Window hinge

A major factor in the preventative design of any window system is the hinge. No matter how substantial the windows may appear to be, the hinge can be the weak link. Generally, security hinges should be recommended. These locate into the frame in the closed position and should really be screwed into both the vertical and horizontal parts of the profile.

Door locks

The same principles can be said for doors as windows in terms of locking systems. For doors, there is a wide range of aggressive looking hooks and bolts that shoot out at the turn of a handle or key. But a small piece of advice - look at the hinged side and make sure that it is also well protected.