Daniel Llewellyn

Common Problems with Door Weather Seals and How to Fix Them

Why Door Weather Seals Are Essential

Door weather seals play a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort, improving energy efficiency, and protecting against external elements such as wind, rain, and pests. A well-maintained weather seal can help reduce energy bills by preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air inside during the summer. However, when these seals start to deteriorate, they can lead to drafts, moisture infiltration, and increased wear on doors. Identifying and fixing door weather seal problems promptly can save money and enhance overall home comfort.

Maximising Security with Enhanced Door Hardware Features

Understanding Door Hardware Components

There are many components that constitute door hardware such as hinges, locks, jambs, letterboxes, handles and accessories.

The Role of Door Handles in Security

Door handles provide a key role in home and workplace security as they act as a physical barrier that prevents unauthorised access. Strong durable handles offer the below benefits:

• Delay break-ins
• Enhance privacy

Importance of Quality Hinges

Door hinges are one of the weakest points on a door, so it is important to use high quality hinges that can withstand extensive wear and tear. The British Standard for door hinges is BS EN 1935. This standard outlines information on product types, usage classifications, testing cycles, door weights, and corrosion resistance. It also covers definitions, performance requirements, testing equipment, test procedures, and product labelling. Additionally, the published standard includes annexes detailing

Do I need an Ironmongery Schedule?

Here are SDS London we understand that Ironmongery usually only accounts for 1% of the project cost but we know that this can cause headaches if not working with a qualified scheduler.

An ironmongery schedule allows your project to run smoothly in the preparation, organisation, supply and installation of the architectural ironmongery. Our qualified schedule will quote for the correct ironmongery, break it down into individual door sets whilst keeping in line with the latest regulations and recommendations.

During the design stage, it is imerative that the Architect/Designer and the architectural ironmonger have conversations to ensure that all decisions and all aspescts of the project are met – these include:

-          Budget of the project

-          Design requirements of the project

-          The security aspects of the project

Whilst the discussions are taking place, they will highlight the design requirements and security aspects that

Beginners Guide to selecting a Sliding Door System

Sliding door gear is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, with various systems on the market to suit different needs. The variety can be overwhelming if you're unsure of what to look for, but understanding your options can make the process much easier.

Once you have made the decision to incorporate a sliding door into your project, the first step is to decide whether you would require a Straight sliding door system or a Pocket door system – please see the definitions below:

Straight Sliding Sytem 

For residential and commercial applications, sliding doors are a great way to save space, open rooms, increase natural light and provide easy access.

Or 

Pocket Door System 

Slides into a hidden compartment or recess within the adjacent wall.

 Straight sliding door systems also come in many different styles to match the aesthetic of the room it will be installed in.

As this is only a beginner’s guide, we are going to focus

A Guide to Standards

The definition of a standard is ‘a required or agreed level of quality or attainment’.
Buyers need to know that what they are purchasing is ‘up to standard’. No surprise, you need to know that the ironmongery products you are fitting to your door are up to the relevant standard and suitable for the application – especially if the product is to go on a fire door.

Standards list out tests and classifications which a product must achieve to indicate performance, such as the product’s Durability (digit 2). For example, the maximum number of test cycles a hinge can be tested to is 200,00 under BS EN 1935. This would give the hinge Grade 7 performance for durability. This hinge would be suitable for medium, heavy and severe duty doors. Grade 3 hinges are tested to 10,00 test cycles, and Grade 4 hinges are tested to 25,000 test cycles, making them suitable for light duty windows, and light duty windows and doors respectively.

Other classifications include but are not limited

Unlocking the World: Exploring the Power of Multiple Locks

Locks have been an essential part of human civilization for centuries, providing security and peace of mind. 
While locks are typically associated with a single key opening a single lock, there is a solution where multiple locks can be passed together, allowing multiple locks to work on the same key.

At SDS London, we take pride in our ability to provide this unique service in-house, also allowing us to cut additional keys as requested.

In this blog, we will delve into the concept of passing locks and explore the benefits and possibilities it brings. We will also discuss master keying systems.

 
 
Understanding the Concept of Passing Locks

The concept of passing locks, also known as keyed alike, is based on the idea that multiple locks can be opened by the same key. This allows for more convenient access control, as one key can potentially unlock various doors or compartments.

By aligning the internal workings of different locks,