Designing a safe and secure building is critical for any project, be it residential or commercial. Building occupants have greater security concerns and a desire for improved safety, but they don’t want to feel like they are living inside an impenetrable fortress, either. Modern design favors open, free-flowing spaces which can be at odds with modern security solutions. Multipoint locking systems for windows and doors offer an elegant solution to this design dilemma.

Multipoint Locking Systems for Windows and Doors

Unlike a traditional standard door lock, a multipoint locking system typically has three locking points. This divides the forced entry load throughout the entire door panel, instead of one single spot. Multipoint locking systems emerged from Europe and are gaining popularity in the U.S. for their ability to add extra security to doors and windows.

Benefits of Multipoint Door Locks

The biggest benefit that a multipoint locking system brings to a door or window is the added security and improved occupant sense of safety. This locking system brings additional benefits beyond a standard door lock, as well.

Ideal for Large Exterior Doors

The large scale of products used in today's architecture demands better locking methods. Doors that exceed eight to ten feet in length are much harder to secure. A multipoint locking system allows you to secure even the tallest doors and windows at three points: the center, top, and bottom.

Improved Performance

Multipoint systems can also improve weatherstripping performance and offer a more secure and weather resistant seal. This is one of the reasons multipoint locking systems have been embraced in Europe, where more stringent energy code requirements are in place.

Concealed Component

Multipoint locking systems have little impact on the visual design of a door or window. A multipoint system can be added to narrow steel sash profiles and still retain discreet sitelines.

Whenever possible, Jada Windows uses multipoint locking systems for our steel windows and doors to provide the maximum security and weather strip compression for our products.

How it Works

Our multipoint swing door systems work by locking an active door into an inactive door, as well as the top of the frame and bottom of the sill.

To secure swing door:

• Push down on door lever for normal use
• Pull lever up to engage all locking points
• Turn key or thumbturn to lock door
• To unlock, turn key or thumbturn and push down on lever

Our multipoint swing window system works by captivating an inactive sash to prevent it from opening and secures with top and bottom snapper locks.

To secure swing window:

• Turn the window handle 90-degrees to activate bottom and top shoot bolts

Homeowners and building occupants want to feel secure and safety is a big design issue that architects and designers are faced with in building design. But neither designer nor occupant wants to sacrifice ease of use or aesthetics for security.

Security features such as multipoint door and window locking systems are the perfect solution, when available, to increase occupant safety and retain non-constrictive design ideals. The use of multi-point locking in our steel window and door systems offers enhanced security and optimum energy conservation. Our multi-point locking system is engineered as a concealed single component, limiting the visual impact on the design of the door.