Surveying and Measuring for Retractable Security Grilles
When measuring for retractable (collapsible) security grilles, following these steps will help ensure that each security grille fits the opening perfectly. If you have any doubts or queries then content us via email or telphone and speak to our expert team.
Wherever possible, these notes should be used in conjunction with the SeceuroGuard Technical Brochure.
IMPORTANT: Ordering Dimensions
- The SeceuroGuard collapsible security grilles are always priced and ordered using the Overall Width and Overall Height, including all the tracking and fixing posts.
- The stack size of the grille sash when fully opened varies depending on the width of the grille. This must be carefully considered if you are installing to the face of a door or window aperture to ensure you get the widest clearance when the gate is open and neatly positioned out of the way.
Reveal Fit Installation (Fitting Between the Structural Opening)
Most installations of security grilles to windows are reveal (between opening) fitted. Losing a small proportion of the window aperture is rarely an issue, and keeping the top and bottom tracks within the opening usually looks neater while preserving cill space for blinds or curtains.
- Measure multiple points: Always measure the top, middle, and bottom within the window reveal. Use the smallest width and height dimensions to ensure the gate fits, and take off a small tolerance (generally 10mm overall).
- Check for square: Always work to the smaller sizes and, if appropriate, use packers to ensure the gate is square in the aperture if your opening is out of square.
- Height tolerance: Measure from the cill or floor level to the underside of the opening and deduct a minimum of 5mm for fitting tolerance.
- Sash obstruction: Will the gate sashes obscure more of the window than you are prepared to accept? If so, a face fit installation or a hinge-aside option may be more appropriate.
- Depth variations: Measurements may vary at different depths of the aperture. Always measure exactly where you intend the grille to be fitted so it doesn't get stuck during insertion but also check in other parts of the opening, particularly on deep window cills
Face Fit Installation (Fitting to the face of an aperture)
Face fitting is usually the best method for doorways or patio/French doors if you have sufficient room either side. It allows maximum clearance width when opened, and the sash can often hide neatly away behind curtains.
- Surface checks: Is the wall flat? Look out for uneven plasterwork that might catch on the sliding sashes. You may need to pack the gate off the wall to achieve adequate clearance.
- Pricing widths: Remember to add the width of the gate sashes to your clear opening size to get your total ordering width.
- Fixing frames: A standard fixing frame kit comprises one 20mm high 'C' section attached to the top track (suitable for doorways). When face-fitting around a window, it is essential to order an additional 'C' section for the bottom track. Include these profile dimensions in your ordering sizes.
- Sash sizes: The open sash is usually calculated as a proportion of the overall width (usually about 15%), varying for single or double sashes. Floating sashes with locks on both sides are also available, allowing the whole sash to move for cleaning access.
- Bracket awareness: Be aware that extra brackets and channel sections may be required to secure the tracks top and bottom to the structure.
A Bit of Both? (Combination Fit)
Sometimes a grille may be reveal fitted on one side and face-fitted on the other, or face fitted at the head while everything else is in between. If you understand that the overall dimensions are the ordering dimensions, and you factor in the outer frame sections and open sash sizes, you can calculate the required sizes using the technical diagrams below.
If in doubt, give us a call or email (preferably with some pictures) to help us understand your requirement!
General Points to Consider with SeceuroGuard Retractable Gates
- Internal vs External: We recommend fitting internally wherever possible to enhance security and ease of daily operation. Order externally fitted gates in dark colours, as general corrosion may appear over a long period in damp, shaded conditions.
- Structural integrity: Always check the opening's construction material. Fixing into plasterboard or Thermalite block is not acceptable for LPCB approved proper security.
- Weight distribution: SeceuroGuard grilles weigh approx. 19kg per square metre. The top track takes most of the weight and needs a very strong, secure fixing. (Note: SeceuroGuard 1000 can be made with bottom running arraegment to channel weight downwards, but this is not an option for the 1001).
- Obstructions: Will the gate catch on protruding window handles? If so, pack out the whole unit to miss the obstruction.
- Inward opening doors/windows: The gate 'bunch' must be accounted for so the door/window can still open. Otherwise, a face fit installation may be more appropriate.
- Uneven surfaces: Use a good spirit level during surveys to identify uneven walls.
- Sash bunching: Consider a bi-parting system if a single sash bunch becomes too large.
- Trip hazards: For doorways, we recommend folding or removable bottom tracks for health, safety, and practicality.
- Access needs: Where access is required at both sides of an opening, consider opting for a floating sash.
- Fixed panels: Where fixed security is required (e.g., high, unreachable apertures), both the 1000 & 1001 models can be manufactured as completely fixed panels.
- Aesthetic matching: Keep in mind that adjacent SeceuroGuard grilles of different sizes may contain different numbers of lattices and pickets.
