When to update your windows and doors

Improving your window and door security has never been more important, especially with recent statistics showing that 76% of domestic burglaries in the UK were accessed through a door. With the average lifespan of uPVC windows and doors lasting around 20 years, when is the right time to update them?

There is only so much security an old or damaged door can provide. If you’ve recently moved house and have no prior knowledge of when your doors and windows were last replaced, now might be a good time to do so. Nothing says increased front door security than a better performing door and it’s also a great deterrent to potential thieves as it shows you’re invested in securing your home and nothing is going to get in the way of that.

Buying a new front door may seem a little daunting, as there’s so many designs and colours to choose from, but it also opens up more opportunities of improving your front door security. By installing a Yale Platinum 3-star Cylinder lock, this ensures that your door can offer superior protection against a variety of techniques. This high performing cylinder has been specially designed to offer protection from Anti-Bump, Anti-Pull, Anti-Pick and Anti-Drill burglary attack methods. Even if someone were to try and access your property via the ‘blowtorch burglary’ method, the opportunistic thief would not be able to gain access to your home through breaking the lock.

There’s no point in paying to heat your home, if it’s just going to escape through your doors and windows… Gaps between the frame and door naturally occur over time and in this instance, a new door is most likely the best solution. Replacing your door with a new one will not only keep the draft out, but in turn will help to lower your utility costs long-term. In an average UK home, up to 60% of energy used to heat or cool properties is lost through thermally ineffective windows and doors. According to Energy Saving Trust, if you were to install A++ rated double glazed windows (replacing single glazing), you could save up to £235 a year and 405kg of carbon dioxide.

Acoustic double-glazed windows can help insulate your home and reduce noise volumes, caused by the outside world, by up to 35dB. If you have small gaps around your window frame, a simple and easy way to keep them performing to the best of their ability is to seal these gaps with acoustic caulk. If this is a no-go and your windows are beyond repair, then it might be time to upgrade them.

If your windows and doors are in good condition but are only single glazed, then upgrading them to double-glazing will not only help with soundproofing, but it will also help to keep your home more secure, thermal efficiency and costs.

If you’ve come to the conclusion that brand-new windows and doors are a must, then why not explore our Yale Smart Doors and Windows? Available in a range of styles and sizes, our Yale Smart Doors and Windows are designed with prefabricated inserts, allowing you to increase your home security and install our next generation door and window sensors should you wish – say hello to SensCheck™.

SensCheck are our next generation door and window sensors, easy to fit and sit seamlessly within your Yale Smart Doors and Windows. With these sensors installed, you have the ability to check-in on the status of your home through the Yale Home App, allowing you to:

• Check if your doors are open, closed, locked or unlocked
• Check if your windows are open, in the vented window position or closed
• Arm or part-arm your home
• Get reminders via geo-fencing alerts
• Receive tamper alerts
• Receive chime notifications
• Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Philips Hue
• Add additional Sync Alarm Accessories to make the ultimate home security system

To connect your SensCheck Door and Window Sensors to your home network, a Yale Sync Hub is required. The Yale Sync Hub works hand in hand with the Yale Home App, giving you access to all the features above. The Yale Sync Hub has an integrated 94dB siren, which can be set to sound should your sensors experience an unexpected change in status.

To learn more about SensCheck™ and browse our comprehensive range of security solutions, click here.