North West Bifolds

Bifolding Doors and Home Improvements for the North West UK

Tel: 0800 587 4068
The North West's specialist installer of architectural aluminium
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    • Origin OB-72 bifolding doors
    • Schuco Bifolding doors
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    • Endurance Composite Doors
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    • AluK Optio BSC94
    • Origin OS77 sliding doors
    • Reynaers sliding doors
    • Schuco
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    • Origin Aluminium Windows
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  • Blinds

Door and window security features to keep your home secure

2nd August 2019 by Northwest Bifolds

When choosing new windows and doors as well as the larger sized bifolding doors for your home, security is an important consideration.  Many of the windows and doors we fit for our customers are at the back of the house.  As well as this, many houses have private gardens making security even more critical. So how secure are new doors and windows? In this article, we explain the security of today’s aluminium products, and give you some door and window security tips to help keep your home secure.

How secure are new doors and windows?

What Door and Window Security Options are available?

As you do your research around new windows and doors, perhaps visiting a showroom, you’ll see both windows and doors fitted with multi-point locks.  Virtually all new windows and doors come with more than one locking point. Doors are even more important for security as they come with large glass panels opening up to connect with your outside space.  Therefore, you want to be sure your doors are particularly secure.

The good news is, thanks to product and industry standards, such as independent testing and manufacturing certification, most new windows and doors today provide excellent security in your home.  At  North West Bifolds, we go further, only selecting products we know have excellent security.

For our aluminium windows, they come with internal glazing beads, multi-point locks and locking window handles.  Our aluminium windows all come with either shoot bolt or espagnolette multi-point locks,  renowned for their high security and reliability.

Importantly, while windows and doors come with multipoint locks, doors need special attention.  Some cheaper doors fall short. Security is not just about the door lock. How the glass secures in the doors, the key-locking cylinder, door hinges and overall design of the door are also important things to think about. The cheaper the bifolding door, the more likely it has generic door locks, basic door cylinders and does not come with built-in security by design.

For instance, our Origin bifolding door range comes with an eight-point locking system.  Other brands only come with a four-point system. The door hinges are another potential weak point with cheaper doors.  Some are vulnerable to attack; others come designed to protect the doors where they meet in the closed position.

Glass security in windows and doors.

The glass must be safety glass in every door by law as well as any windows at low level areas.  Virtually every door and window on the market comes with ‘glazing beads’ holding the glass in place.  A well-designed product has these on the inside, not the outside.  The better-engineered products come with enhanced glass security such as security clips as an extra measure.  Moreover, our products have the beads locked in place until the inner gasket is removed first.

Therefore, check what security measures your windows and doors come with and always ask questions about how easy the glass could be to remove.  Glass plays an important part in making new windows and doors secure.

What makes your new windows and doors secure.

What are some of the things to look out when thinking about security on your new windows and doors? We give you some tips and advice as well as some of the questions to ask.

Independent Security Testing

Our products come with independent security testing. Examples include PAS23, PAS24:2016 or Approved Document Q.

If your windows and doors have any of this certification, you have peace of mind they’ve had independent security testing and certified accordingly.

European systems such as our  Schuco folding sliding doors have a similar WK European Standard.

Other applicable standards to windows and doors include the relevant British Standards and Kitemarking.

The door cylinder type and specification.

While a door may have a multi-point lock, always ask your installer about the door cylinder. Is it anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump? These three features are another additional level of security. Many cheaper doors only come with basic cylinders with several weak points.

Consider upgrading to laminated glass.

Most doors come with compliant toughened safety glass. Toughened glass is strong. However, should it even break, it shatters into thousands of blunt pieces.  Laminated glass offers a better level of security.  Laminated glass always holds together thanks to a plastic layer between each pane of glass. So even if an opportunistic burglar manages to break the glass, it will still hold together, preventing entry.  In most cases, SBD certified doors have laminated glass to pass the test.

Windows not needing safety glass have the standard annealed glass.  There is no reason why you can’t have toughened or laminated glass in your windows too.

Choose aluminium over uPVC.

Aluminium, by its very nature, is stronger than plastic. While uPVC products for the home do come with security certification, the stronger aluminium profiles offer you more security with more effort required to force the window or door open.  Many sliding and folding doors come as standard with anti-lift features.  Unlike hinged doors, bifolding doors also have intermediate hidden shoot bolts offering more locking points, more locks to have to get through. As a result, bifold doors provide extra layers of security.

Aluminium windows come with mechanical joints with strong screws, cleats and brackets holding window joints together.  Again these form a strong window construction adding to the overall security of the product.

Contact us today to find out more.

At North West Bifolds, we only provide the best brands of windows and doors, coming with great security features and the best components. Get in touch today to find out more or book an appointment to view our range of home improvement products in our showroom.

Filed Under: Doors & Windows

What our customers say:

North West Bifolds
North West Bifolds
4.6
Based on 19 reviews
See all reviewsWrite a review
North West Bifolds have recently installed 2 sets of bifold doors and a window in our kitchen. We are absolutely delighted; if we could score 10 stars then we would.The customer service we received at all stages was superb; from initial contact, through measuring up and the quote, to actual fitting and finishing off.The doors etc. are made by a company called Origin. If you visit their website and read customer reviews, you'll discover that Origin are leaders in the market. The materials are real quality and look great.North West Bifolds are one of Origin's preferred suppliers; who offer very competitive quotes. You won't be disappointed. So, in summary, you won't go far wrong if you trust North West Bifolds to supply and fit your next replacement windows and doors.
Dave C.
Dave C.
17:12 16 Nov 20
Quality install and workmanship. Very pleased with my Origin bifold doors. Excellent service throughout from Steve. Would highly recommend
anil p
anil p
09:05 26 Jun 20
We would highly recommend Steve and his company who are professional, reliable, courteous and efficient. He came to our home to discuss our requirements at some length. Once we had decided on bifolds with integral blinds, and the frame and blind colours, everything went very smoothly. Steve fitted our doors and windows in one day, with no hassle or fuss, and the results are absolutely amazing! Thanks!
Lawrence A.
Lawrence A.
15:42 20 Jun 20
Big thanks to Steve and his crew for doing such a fantastic job. Fitted new windows and bifolds to our new extension as well as replacing all the existing windows to our cottage. Excellent service from the start giving help with selection and quotes. Really quick turnaround for bespoke windows and installation started next day after delivery. Had a few issues with the old window openings when our tired hardwood windows were removed, but Steve took all this in his stride! We couldn't of had worse weather during the insulation but this didn't stop any of the work, a really dedicated team.The quality of the Origin widows is exceptional, we went for the walnut finish and we are really pleased how it all looks. We would certainly recommend NorthWest Bifolds ... very friendly and easy to work with!
Jean A.
Jean A.
21:01 22 Jan 20
Had origin bi fold doors fitted by Ste and northwest bifoldsVery professional and attention to detail exceptionalHad one small problem a couple of months after with the door called Ste and came within 2 days and fixed the problemHighly recommended and top guy tooThanks
Craig S.
Craig S.
10:46 16 Jul 19
The replacement of the old fashioned patio windows with the Bi Fold sliding patio unit was carried out in a professional and courteous manner. Steve's handling of our requirements was both informative and helpfull in making our decision as was the cooperation we received prior to and following the installation. Very pleased with the window system and the service we received. Many thanks to Steve and his team.
Robert H.
Robert H.
06:50 16 Jul 19
Steve has installed numerous sets of Bi fold doors for me. As a builder i only recommend Steve to my customers, he is a pleasure to deal with. His accuracy and professionalism is 1st class, turns up when he says he will, does a top job and the product speaks for itself. Great company to work with!
Steven R.
Steven R.
15:28 14 Jul 19
Could not recommend more came out the next day and fixed my mums Bifolds where others had failed Steve prevailed, great honest friendly service.Thanks Steve
David H.
David H.
15:20 09 Jun 19
My bifolds that were installed by the previous house owner had broken. With one quick email to Steve he was round the next morning and had them fixed right away. He even made them work better than they had done before! Excellent honest and knowledgable service. He went above and beyond as was only happy when they worked perfectly! Could not recommend enough.
Lucy M.
Lucy M.
06:32 23 Apr 19
Visited us the day after our enquiry and spoke with the builder to ensure everything was in-place and ready to go. Did an amazing job and we're really happy with them.
Paul H.
Paul H.
11:48 13 Mar 19
Steve was very helpful and we went to site visit to doors installed in 10 days. They're amazing quality and we couldn't be happier.
Lucy Rose Louise H.
Lucy Rose Louise H.
14:03 04 Feb 19
We did a good amount of research before getting our bifolds. Steve was by far the most knowledgeable of everyone we saw. We visited the Origin department in Warrington, and even they said they never have any problems with Steve's installation.Always been honest, accurate and reliable. Would definitely recommend him.
Adam F.
Adam F.
17:45 11 Dec 18
Well what can we say about these guys?About 18 months ago we had an extension built and we called Steve @ NW Bi folds to fit our doors with integral blinds fitted inside the glass.For the first 16 months the blinds were great until they became somewhat stiff and hard to use.We contacted Steve and he was out to inspect them straight away, After we and Steve had contacted integral blinds to raise are concerns not much was done,they at integral tried to put the blame on NW Bifolds or anyone else for that matter. Integral blinds must have the worst customer service we have ever come across, and as far as they are concerned our blinds still don't work properly. Now as for Steve and his son,they took it a lot more seriously and sorted our problem, Steve contacted another of his suppliers Hi Tec blinds, payed for and fitted at our new blinds at his own expense. That's what you call customer service .Well done NW Bifolds you went above and beyond your duty,Quality through experience.
Paul W.
Paul W.
20:23 21 Sep 18
Contacted NW bifolds about our bifold doors installed some time ago and with a different company. Steve was very helpful and came round within a few days to look at the issues. Fixed them straight away and was very knowledgeable on the doors. Would highly recommend using NW bifolds and I would do so again without hesitation.
Jon R.
Jon R.
17:52 09 Sep 18
Had two sets of Origin bi-fold doors supplied and fitted by North West Bifolds. Price was very competetive. Quality of the doors and their installation is excellent. Doors were installed within 7 days of paying deposit ( no other company could beat 4 weeks). Highly recommended.
Tim C.
Tim C.
17:46 07 Sep 18
I had my windows fitted 2 years ago by this company excellent service and quality. I have returned again to have my front door replaced. After an excellent consultation and a visit to the showroom we decided to have an Endurance solid secure door along with the ring CCTV door bell fitted. The options to customise your own door are excellent. Once again superb work completed. Highly recommend this company for their windows and doors. From beginning to end the company is professional,honest, trustworthy and extremely proud of their work. They are a great team of fitters who get the job done and are very clean and tidy to. Extremely happy customer thanks again .
simon N.
simon N.
22:09 12 May 17
Friendly service, well priced and great installation, the Origin door really stands out for looks and quality.
Gary N.
Gary N.
09:18 16 Oct 15
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Google Rating
4.6
Based on 19 reviews
North West Bifolds
North West Bifolds
4.6
Dave Cotterill
Dave Cotterill
17:12 16 Nov 20
North West Bifolds have recently installed 2 sets of bifold doors and a window in our kitchen. We are absolutely delighted; if we could score 10 stars then we would.The customer service we received at all stages was superb; from initial contact, through measuring up and the quote, to actual fitting and finishing off.The doors etc. are made by a company called Origin. If you visit their website and read customer reviews, you'll discover that Origin are leaders in the market. The materials are real quality and look great.North West Bifolds are one of Origin's preferred suppliers; who offer very competitive quotes. You won't be disappointed. So, in summary, you won't go far wrong if you trust North West Bifolds to supply and fit your next replacement windows and doors.
anil p
anil p
09:05 26 Jun 20
Quality install and workmanship. Very pleased with my Origin bifold doors. Excellent service throughout from Steve. Would highly recommend
Lawrence Addlestone
Lawrence Addlestone
15:42 20 Jun 20
We would highly recommend Steve and his company who are professional, reliable, courteous and efficient. He came to our home to discuss our requirements at some length. Once we had decided on bifolds with integral blinds, and the frame and blind colours, everything went very smoothly. Steve fitted our doors and windows in one day, with no hassle or fuss, and the results are absolutely amazing! Thanks!
Jean Ashley
Jean Ashley
21:01 22 Jan 20
Big thanks to Steve and his crew for doing such a fantastic job. Fitted new windows and bifolds to our new extension as well as replacing all the existing windows to our cottage. Excellent service from the start giving help with selection and quotes. Really quick turnaround for bespoke windows and installation started next day after delivery. Had a few issues with the old window openings when our tired hardwood windows were removed, but Steve took all this in his stride! We couldn't of had worse weather during the insulation but this didn't stop any of the work, a really dedicated team.The quality of the Origin widows is exceptional, we went for the walnut finish and we are really pleased how it all looks. We would certainly recommend NorthWest Bifolds ... very friendly and easy to work with!
Craig Sutherland
Craig Sutherland
10:46 16 Jul 19
Had origin bi fold doors fitted by Ste and northwest bifoldsVery professional and attention to detail exceptionalHad one small problem a couple of months after with the door called Ste and came within 2 days and fixed the problemHighly recommended and top guy tooThanks
Robert Hulley
Robert Hulley
06:50 16 Jul 19
The replacement of the old fashioned patio windows with the Bi Fold sliding patio unit was carried out in a professional and courteous manner. Steve's handling of our requirements was both informative and helpfull in making our decision as was the cooperation we received prior to and following the installation. Very pleased with the window system and the service we received. Many thanks to Steve and his team.
Steven Rotherham
Steven Rotherham
15:28 14 Jul 19
Steve has installed numerous sets of Bi fold doors for me. As a builder i only recommend Steve to my customers, he is a pleasure to deal with. His accuracy and professionalism is 1st class, turns up when he says he will, does a top job and the product speaks for itself. Great company to work with!
David Haddad
David Haddad
15:20 09 Jun 19
Could not recommend more came out the next day and fixed my mums Bifolds where others had failed Steve prevailed, great honest friendly service.Thanks Steve
Lucy Mead
Lucy Mead
06:32 23 Apr 19
My bifolds that were installed by the previous house owner had broken. With one quick email to Steve he was round the next morning and had them fixed right away. He even made them work better than they had done before! Excellent honest and knowledgable service. He went above and beyond as was only happy when they worked perfectly! Could not recommend enough.
Paul Hendrick
Paul Hendrick
11:48 13 Mar 19
Visited us the day after our enquiry and spoke with the builder to ensure everything was in-place and ready to go. Did an amazing job and we're really happy with them.
Lucy Rose Louise Hall
Lucy Rose Louise Hall
14:03 04 Feb 19
Steve was very helpful and we went to site visit to doors installed in 10 days. They're amazing quality and we couldn't be happier.
Adam Flynn
Adam Flynn
17:45 11 Dec 18
We did a good amount of research before getting our bifolds. Steve was by far the most knowledgeable of everyone we saw. We visited the Origin department in Warrington, and even they said they never have any problems with Steve's installation.Always been honest, accurate and reliable. Would definitely recommend him.
Paul Willcock
Paul Willcock
20:23 21 Sep 18
Well what can we say about these guys?About 18 months ago we had an extension built and we called Steve @ NW Bi folds to fit our doors with integral blinds fitted inside the glass.For the first 16 months the blinds were great until they became somewhat stiff and hard to use.We contacted Steve and he was out to inspect them straight away, After we and Steve had contacted integral blinds to raise are concerns not much was done,they at integral tried to put the blame on NW Bifolds or anyone else for that matter. Integral blinds must have the worst customer service we have ever come across, and as far as they are concerned our blinds still don't work properly. Now as for Steve and his son,they took it a lot more seriously and sorted our problem, Steve contacted another of his suppliers Hi Tec blinds, payed for and fitted at our new blinds at his own expense. That's what you call customer service .Well done NW Bifolds you went above and beyond your duty,Quality through experience.
Jon Raven
Jon Raven
17:52 09 Sep 18
Contacted NW bifolds about our bifold doors installed some time ago and with a different company. Steve was very helpful and came round within a few days to look at the issues. Fixed them straight away and was very knowledgeable on the doors. Would highly recommend using NW bifolds and I would do so again without hesitation.
Tim Crook
Tim Crook
17:46 07 Sep 18
Had two sets of Origin bi-fold doors supplied and fitted by North West Bifolds. Price was very competetive. Quality of the doors and their installation is excellent. Doors were installed within 7 days of paying deposit ( no other company could beat 4 weeks). Highly recommended.
simon nolan
simon nolan
22:09 12 May 17
I had my windows fitted 2 years ago by this company excellent service and quality. I have returned again to have my front door replaced. After an excellent consultation and a visit to the showroom we decided to have an Endurance solid secure door along with the ring CCTV door bell fitted. The options to customise your own door are excellent. Once again superb work completed. Highly recommend this company for their windows and doors. From beginning to end the company is professional,honest, trustworthy and extremely proud of their work. They are a great team of fitters who get the job done and are very clean and tidy to. Extremely happy customer thanks again .
Gary Nield
Gary Nield
09:18 16 Oct 15
Friendly service, well priced and great installation, the Origin door really stands out for looks and quality.
See all reviewsWrite a review
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North West Bifolds Ltd.

Abbots Grange Farm
Welsh Road
Ledsham
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH66 9PA

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