Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-secure will cover a complete window or door if it is geared using Q-secure tested and approved hardware. If you choose to put supplementary locks on your windows or doors you may, but they must not interfere with the function of the existing hardware, If it does, your guarantee may become invalid.

Q-secure windows and doors are incredibly durable when PROPERLY locked (i.e. not left in the vent position, properly locked via the key, key removed etc.) In the unlikely event that a burglar was to gain entry as a fault of our window locks, you could be entitled to up to £8000.

A good start is to install Q-secure windows and doors. Note though, that no window or door is secure if it is not PROPERLY locked. By this we mean fully closed and locked via the key, and removing the key. Windows must not be left open, even on the night-vent position. As the name suggests, this is purely for ventilation and is NOT a locked, secure position.

This is a locking device for windows. A standard espagnolette will keep your window closed but is not designed to resist attack. A Security Espagnolette such as those approved by Q-secure will resist attack and keep opportunist burglars out.

A friction stay is a hinge designed specifically for modern outward opening windows and is concealed when the window is closed. As the name suggests, the friction can be adjusted to ensure a smooth opening/closing action.

Our approved hinges are strong but all hinges benefit from a little help in case someone attempts to gain entry via the hinge side. This is why we stipulate that hinges on PVCu doors are supported by Quad Guards, and that friction stays on windows are supported by greenteQ Delta Hinge Protectors

A shootbolt is a security locking system for windows where high security is required. When closed, a metal bolt shoots out from both ends to locate into metal receivers on the frame. greenteQ Invicta come with a 10 year performance guarantee.

An espagnolette is a means of providing more than one locking point on a window using just one handle. The handle has a spindle which turns a concealed mechanism on the espagnolette which moves the locking cams in and out of their locking points. On Q-secure windows the espagnolettes are a security type and have been tested to the latest standards at BSI

As with anything there are various grades of window locking system. The most basic are very good at sealing your windows against the weather but won’t keep out a determined intruder. All Q-secure approved window locking systems are either security espagnolettes or shootbolt systems, and all have passed the latest security tests at BSI

All the window locking systems fitted to Q-secure windows are manufactured from coated steel and all have passed the latest security tests at BSI

All Q-secure approved window locking systems are either security espagnolettes or shootbolt systems, and all have passed the latest security tests at BSI. Remember, though, that a window can only be considered secure when it is fully closed and the handle is locked with the key removed

Always employ a professional. It’s not an easy job and can be quite dangerous so call a window repair specialist. If your window is covered by Q-secure you must go back to the original installer for any remedial work, or your guarantee will become invalid.

It depends on the position of the window. For example, if the window cannot be accessed from outside, there is really no need to fit a security-rated locking system. A standard espagnolette will suffice. However, on windows that can be accessed from outside, even with some effort, security-rated hardware should always be used. All Q-secure hardware, including our greenteQ window lock selection, has been independently tested at BSI to the relevant security standards.

Yes, it is possible to replace handles on windows. However, if the window is covered by the Q-secure guarantee, you must have this done by the original installer to ensure that the guarantee is not invalidated. Handles play a vital part in the security of a window.

Always employ a professional. You can find Q-secure Approved window installers on the website.If your window is covered by Q-secure you must go back to the original installer for any remedial work, or your guarantee will become invalid.

They can be. Depending on the design of the window system the handles can either be universal (Inline) or handed (offset)

Monkey tail is a traditional style handle, popular with casement and flush sash windows. This consists of a curled end, and usually comes in antique black.

Tilt and Turn handles are used to operate European style tilt and turn windows. They are more robust than standard handles as the forces put through them are greater. As the name suggests, Tilt and Turn windows can either be tilted inwards from the top to provide everyday ventilation, or turned fully into the room to allow the external glass to be cleaned from inside the house.