Composite Door Industry First!

We're proud to say that we recently achieved an industry first - the manufacture and installation of a solid wood core composite door with a shaped top!

We believe we lead the way in bespoke composite door installations, and were able to achieve the unique shaping of the slab following extensive research and development at our factory in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Because we manufacture, supply and install to order we can provide a bespoke external door service with the ability to create uPVC composite doors to a client's requirements, which now includes shaping to fit a specific door surround - as in this instance.

The homeowner said of the installation: "We were delighted that Richard and the team at Lockwood were able to manufacture a composite door that fits perfectly in the arched surround, without compromising the aesthetic of the entrance to our home. It didn't take long at all to install; the fitter, Mark, was very professional and friendly; and we are very pleased with the final result."

What makes the our composite doors so unique is that they combine the Solidor solid hardwood timber core and thermo plastic door skins, with the Kommerling galvanised steel reinforced profiles and Astral S locking mechanism, making them even more secure than the standard Solidor door range.

For more information on the composite door range from Lockwood Windows click here.

Because this was such a significant occasion, we decided to film the event.  You can watch the time-lapse video of the installation here.

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How to Avoid Cowboy Builders

According to recent research over £3.2 billion is spent in the UK on home improvement every year. But disturbingly, over £700 million is spent having shoddy work, done by unscrupulous cowboy builders, put right!

So, whether you’re re-plumbing your bathroom, building an extension or having new windows and doors installed, how do you avoid being duped by a dodgy tradesman?

Here at Lockwood Windows, we know we only provide the highest standard of products and service, whether we’re manufacturing and installing windows and doors to 16 houses on a new building development, or fitting a new composite front door for our next door neighbour.  But how do you know you can trust us?

To be 100% sure of your chosen tradesman, we recommend:

• asking for references and following them up
• reading reviews/testimonials from customers (and not just those on the company’s own web site)
• asking to see examples of their work
• checking their professional accreditations - for example we are registered with FENSA and are on the Top 100 register of the Master Window and Conservatory Installers Association.
• check the company or individual on 192.com which allows you to confirm that the company really exists and whether they have any CCJs against them.

Above all you have to feel comfortable and confident in your tradesman’s capabilities; and trust them to do a fantastic job - not one that could leave you needing the services of Melinda & Dom from Cowboy Builders!

Don't Move..Improve with New Windows & Doors

In a recent article by the Telegraph, some of our leading home improvement experts were asked for their advice on adding the best long-term value to a home, at a time when many homeowners are choosing to stay put rather than move house.

Sarah Beeny, Kevin McCloud and George Clarke all pinpointed insulation and energy efficiency as key factors. “If you’re staying somewhere for 10 or 20 years, doing everything you can to use as little energy as possible is one of the most important improvements you’ll ever make,” says Beeny.

We certainly agree and, as Beeny also says, don’t compromise. It really is false economy to install insufficient insulation measures or scrimp on plumbing and electrics etc. Once the heat is in your home, the aim is to retain as much as possible as this will save energy and, in turn, reduce your bills.

In these instances the majority of people would automatically think of cavity wall or roof insulation, but just as important are your windows and doors.

Following the introduction of new building regulations last year (2011) all new windows must be compliant with regards to thermal loss, but the same can’t be said for windows in older properties, which could be responsible for loss of energy in your home.       

At Lockwood Windows we are audited annually by BuildCheck to ensure we meet the standards of the British Fenestration Rating Council, and all our windows now have the best energy ratings of A to C.  In addition we use the Kommerling 070 and C70 window frame systems, which are not only highly energy efficient, but also reinforced with steel to ensure security. 

What's more all our products are available in a choice of foil laminated dual colours, which are durable, hard-wearing and weather resistant. 

But it’s not just windows that require attention, don’t forget your doors too. Our range of composite doors are the greenest, most energy-efficient and most sustainable available, featuring a thermally efficient reinforcing system which is 100% recycled.

The beauty of a composite door is that it can be colour matched to the frame. You can even choose a different colour for either side of your door so that it matches your interior décor as well.

So if you’re thinking about improving your home make sure replacement doors and windows are top of your list!

'Excellent' in BuildCheck Audit

Great news! We have just been awarded 'Excellent' in our annual BuildCheck audit!


BuildCheck is a professional, independent testing service for the BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council) Rating Certification Scheme, which allows manufacturers, like us, to use the energy rating label on our products.

This accreditation reflects our commitment to supplying our customers with the highest quality, most energy-efficient and secure windows and doors on the market.

BBC Yorks Asks How Secure is Your Door?

BBC Yorkshire & Lincolnshire's Inside Out programme last night (20 February 2012) investigated just how easy it is for burglars to gain entry into homes fitted with doors normally featuring a euro cylinder style lock.

The programme demonstrated a technique that allows entry - usually through uPVC and other double glazed doors - in as little as 15 seconds by applying force and snapping the lock cylinder!

With a rise in this type of burglary since 2009, the statistics have raised concern, and West Yorkshire Police have urged people to seek crime prevention advice if they are worried about their own property.

In light of this should you decide to upgrade your existing doors or windows, then please get in touch with us.  You can be assured that we only use high security locks in all our products - and have done since 2005.

Our multi-point locking systems have been tested to the highest grade of BS EN 1303 for security, achieving the maximum resistance to physical attack.

All locks are:

To see the full story on Inside Out go to:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01cc4rg/Inside_Out_Yorkshire_and_Lincolnshire_20_02_2012/

It will be available for the next 6 days.