Surveying and Measuring for Retractable Security Grilles
When measuring for retractable security grilles the following steps will help to ensure that each security gate will fit the opening.
Wherever possible, the following notes should be used in conjunction with the SeceuroGuard technical brochure.
Reveal Fit Installation Details (Fitting between the structural opening)
• Will the gate sashes obscure more of the window than you are prepared to accept? If so a face fit installation may be appropriate or a hinge aside option.
• Always measure the top, middles and bottom within the window reveal to make sure you have the smallest dimension and take off a small tolerance for fitting.
• Always work to the smaller sizes and if appropriate use packers to ensure the gate is square in the aperture.
• For the height, measure from cill or floor to the underside of the opening and deduct 5mm for tolerance minimum.
Face Fit Installation Details (Fitting to the Ouside or Inside face of the opening)
• When pricing and ordering please remember to add on the width of the gate sashes for the total width as this is how all grilles are priced and ordered and add the cost of a fixing frame as appropriate.
• A standard fixing frame kit comprises one 20mm high ‘C’ section that comes attached to the top track. This is suitable for doorways.
• When face fitting around a window, it is advisable/essential to order an additional length of ‘C’ section that is attached to the bottom track in our factory. If you require this ‘C’ section for face fixing the bottom track you must specify this when ordering as a full face fit. Include the additional dimensions for these profiles in your ordering sizes.
A Bit of Both?
Of course there are times when the grille may be fitted to the reveal on one side and the face on the other, or maybe the head section is face fitted and everything else is between?
We are here to help if required but if you undestand the overall dimensions are the ordering dimensions and also understand the dimensions of the outer frame section and the sash size when the grille is open then you should be able to work out the sizes required using the various drawings below.
If in doubt give us a call or email preferably with some pictures as well to help us understand your requirement.
IMPORTANT!
1. The SeceuroGuard collapsible security grille is always priced and ordered using the Overall Width and Overall Heightt including all the tracking and fixing posts.
2. The stack size of the grille sash when opened fully obviously varies in size depending on the width of the grille and this has to be carefully considered if you are installing to the face of a door or window aperture so you get the widest clearance when the gate is open with the stack neatly positioned to one side out the way.
A table showing the stack size in relation to the overall size is available lower down.
SeceuroGuard Installation Instructions PDF >
Face Fix Installation
Face fitting is usually the best method for installing retractable security grilles into doorways or patio/french doors, assuming you have sufficient room either side of the opening.
The face fitting allows maximum clearance width when the gates are opened and in the case of windows and patio doors the sash will often hide neatly away behind curtains.
The open sash size is calculated as a proportion of the overall width of the gate (usually about 15% of the total width) and varies depending on whether a single sash or double sash is required. A floating sash is also available if required with locks at either side to allow the whole sash to move from one side to the other when required for cleaning or maintenance, etc.
Face fitting does also mean you have to be aware of extra brackets and channel sections required in many cases to help secure the channels top and bottom to the structure but not essential as it is always possible to secure the tracks as shown below in the diagram.
Reveal Fix Installation (Inbetween)
Most installations of security grilles to windows are reveal (inbetween) fitted as the loss of a small proportion of the window aperture is not usually a problem and the bottom and top track are visually better in the opening, usually as near to the window frame itself to leave a descent amount of cill space and not interfer with blinds or curtains, etc.
Measure the window aperture in as many places as possible and always take the smallest width and height after checking the aperture is square. Depending on the size of the opening and the surface finish you are installing to dictates what tolerance you may want to leave when ordering but generally we suggest 10mm overall on the width and the height.
Also be aware that the measurements may also vary from different positions in the depth of the aperture so always measure exactly where you intend the grille to be fitted and make sure the opening dimensions are not considerably less where the aperture begins or you may find it difficult to get the unit into the opening in the first place.
Other important dimensions and layout diagrams for a retractable grille:
General Points To Consider with SeceuroGuard Retractable Gates:
• We recommend that wherever possible retractable security gates are fitted internally to enhance the security and for ease of daily operation.
• Where an external installation is required, the insurance approved SeceuroGuard 1001 is often the most suitable option. We recommend that all externally fitted gates should be ordered in a dark colour as some general corrosion may well appear over a long period in damp conditions where sunshine may not reach very often.
• Always check what material has been used in the construction of the opening. This is essential when fitting an LPCB approved product. Fixing into plasterboard or Thermalite block is not acceptable for proper security.
• Please be mindful that SeceuroGuard retractable security gates weigh approx. 19kgs per square meter and as such require a very strong, secure fixing for the top track as this takes most of the weight.
Although not an option on the LPCB approved SeceuroGuard 1001, it is possible to make SeceuroGuard 1000 bottom running and this will channel some of the weight through the bottom track.
• Will the gate catch on anything that protrudes from the window or surround (i.e. handles)? If so you will need to pack out the whole unit to miss the obstruction.
• If the window / door opens inwards, will it still open after the gate is installed? The gate 'bunch' must be accounted for in the opening arrangement. If not a face fit installation may be appropriate.
• Are the walls level inside the opening? It is advisable to use a good spirit level on surveys to satisfy yourself of possible uneven surfaces
• Consider the size and side of the gate’s sash or whether a bi-parting system is a better option if the single sash 'bunch' becomes too large.
• If fitting in or around a doorway entry and exit point we recommend the use of folding or removable bottom tracks from a health and safety and practical point of view to avoid any extra trip hazard on the floor.
• Where access is required at both side(s) of an opening, consider opting for a floating sash.
• Where fixed security is required, SeceuroGuard 1000 & 1001 can be manufactured as completely fixed panels.This option is particularly useful for protecting higher apertures where it may not be practical to reach and open or close the unit.
• You must take into consideration during your measuring that SeceuroGuard’s which are different sizes, on the same elevation may contain different numbers of lattices and pickets.