These days there’s smart everything and that now includes windows and doors. Onsite with Ade continues in the 13th in the series, as Quickslide’s Ade assesses the latest security solutions
Central locking on our motors is something that we take for granted. Our vans, trucks and especially our cars – except the most basic models – all come with a neat little ‘fob’ that, at the very least, allows us to lock and unlock the vehicle as we approach or leave it, with the simple press of a button.
That is also true of workplaces: entering an office building, and even factory spaces, has long been possible through a keypad at the most basic end of the scale but for many, increasingly sophisticated devices and technologies, including smart phones to allow entry or to secure, at even the most security conscious premises.
And yet doing the same thing for our homes remains virtually unknown. All that is changing, however, and you need to get smart and gen up on an ever-increasing array of gadgets available to enable doors to be unlocked and locked, directly on the premises but also remotely via apps, in addition to monitoring windows to ensure they are secured, although they may not be remotely locked.
My team and I have recently needed to re-assess our own position regarding smart security on our own products and I can share the processes by which we made our choices with you now.
Whilst ‘smart’ door and window security for homes has been around for some time it is only relatively recently that interest from homeowners has gathered pace to the point where you may well be asked for it. Most hardware brands have a smart option, usually door locks that may be operated by a tag or fob, but most likely via an app on a smart phone. Windows are also covered by smart hardware but only monitoring to ensure they are at least closed: I don’t know of any window hardware that will actually lock windows just yet.
Many of the products available may replace existing multi point locks, whilst others require special installation at the factory. And there are a couple of brands around that require fabricators like us to build sensors into the resi doors that we supply, that allow homeowners to upgrade their doors at a time to suit themselves, so that they can ensure that their doors are in fact secure.
The market is splintered and potentially confusing, but we have chosen two options: the first is to include, at no additional cost, a smart sensor in every front door and casement window that we supply, that will allow the homeowner to upgrade to remote monitoring to check if their door is secure or not. It’s a nice extra touch to tell your customers about, and perhaps one that’ll make them choose you over the competition. Google ‘kubu-home’ for more information.
I am particularly excited about a smart sash-lock for vertical sliding, box sash windows. So excited, in fact, that I have got an exclusive for this on our VS windows, which gives me a nice warm feeling. And whilst others may also have them, we are early with a casement handle that detects if the window is secure.
There are plenty of options around, but the VS catch and window handles are from a range called AviaSmart, and what we like is that anyone buying our windows fitted with these devices, can then upgrade their front door (as long as it has multipoint hardware) with a lock that unlocks the front door as you approach, using an app on your smartphone or even an Apple Watch. The door can also be unlocked or locked remotely to allow deliveries or tradesmen access, or other family members for example.
These are chunky but attractive to look at with the range also extending to security sensors, light sensors and alarms, with the security of Apple HomeKit tech for reassurance. And to reiterate, they can all be added by the homeowner after installation. Or of course, the smart builder could offer it all up front as a package to put even more distance between you and the next firm.
Now personally, I never saw any problem with a good old-fashioned key. But the demand is there, it’s growing, and you need to be ready for smart enquiries.
It took us some time to decide but, as the old cliché goes, now you don’t have to, beyond learning a few details in case your punter asks you. But you can also get ahead of the competition and actually offer clever hardware: that would be the smart move.
For further information on AviaSmart visit Smart Lock UK | Digital Smart Door Lock | Smart Lock Installation (aviasmart.com).
For further information on Quickslide visit Window & Door Suppliers West Yorkshire | Double Glazing Manufacturers (quickslide.co.uk).
Adrian Barraclough runs Quickslide, one of Britain’s leading window & door manufacturers.
