Secure your customers with window smart tech that works, urges Quickslide’s Ade
Homeowners’ attitudes to the security of their homes remains something of a conundrum: whilst research by Sainsbury’s Bank shows that 57% of adults are concerned about home security and 17% of those surveyed expressing ‘significant’ worry, many do nothing about it. In fact, according to research carried out by Churchill Home Insurance, 65% of British homeowners don’t have an alarm system installed, despite systems being cheaper and easier to install than ever.
This offers an excellent opportunity for builders pitching for new work and especially larger, upmarket projects and those fitted with box sash vertical sliding windows that are often fitted to such projects, to gain an edge against competitors by ticking the box marked ‘Going the extra mile for customers’ in the sales playbook.
Most replacement windows and doors supplied by reputable fabricators will be fitted with effective hardware including: (For windows) Multi-point locking systems (espagnolette locks) that secure the window at multiple points around the frame; shoot bolts that extend into the frame for added security; key-operated locks, particularly on ground floor windows; and laminated or toughened safety glass. Entrance doors will enjoy multi-point locking systems that engage at several points along the door frame; deadbolts and deadlocks (BS3621 standard); and cylinder locks with anti-snap, anti-bump, and anti-pick features.
But of course, the determined and experienced intruder will beat even the best of such hardware, which is why many windows and doors can now be purchased pre-installed with sophisticated sensors that are built into the hardware fitted within the window frames. Produced by ‘Kubu’, these sensors will, via the addition of simple snap-in modules and an App that the homeowner can opt to purchase, let the user know if their window is open or closed, if the window is locked, unlocked, in night-vent mode, and crucially, if the window is under attack or if the sensor is being tampered with.
And from this summer, classically styled, replacement box sash VS windows will be available with integrated Kubu smart sensors. And this is where the smart builder can gain an edge over less-informed rivals when pitching for the better stuff, with so many upmarket projects fitted with vertical sliding frames.
Smart hardware, such as keyless entrance door handles, that are locked and unlocked by phone apps, continue to be unpopular amongst homeowners and installers; it simply has not been embraced in the way that many other home automation products have, such as heating and lighting controls for example.
I therefore believe that Kubu is important by providing fit and forget smart technology to windows and doors, which works quietly in the background; and which crucially does not require a degree in electronics on the part of the installer or the homeowner, to install or operate. This technology therefore gives homeowners the peace of mind that their home is protected simply by installing new windows as part of their home improvement project.
Vertical sliding windows installed with Kubu will also integrate with every major home automation app including Alexa, Hive and many others that are already popular with homeowners. Have a good look at Kubu and especially vertical sliders installed with this tech and give your customers a leg up with the windows and doors you install for them.
For more on Quickslide visit Window & Door Suppliers West Yorkshire | Sliding Sash Manufacturers.
