HARDWARE & SECURITY
The Turning Point Against the Thermal Expansion of Doors
Eliminate unnecessary service calls for sticky locks, keeps and hinge adjustments while saving time and money, as well as boosting your sales and brand reputation, with AV4 from Winkhaus is the solution to smooth operation in the face of thermal expansion.
» A KNOWN INDUSTRY ISSUE, THIS natural phenomenon that’ s causes doors to expend, contract and warp impacting the functionality of all door materials, affecting fit, operation and durability over time.
Winkhaus UK, a pioneering force in the door hardware market, has a solution to thermal expansion. The newest innovation in autoLocking solutions, AV4, is designed to directly address these challenges, resulting in up to 70 % lower operational force to use.
Adapting to misalignment
As a door naturally moves and the moving parts start to misalign, more force is required to engage the locking mechanism requiring extra pressure needs to be applied to turn the key, causing difficulty for the user and triggering call outs for the installer to investigate.
The AV4 eliminates these issues, with wider installation tolerances built into the lock, AV4 resulting in significantly lower forces to operate than competitor auto locks and auto-engaging locking solutions.
Testing against real world conditions
Winkhaus wanted to measure the real-world impact that AV4 can have on a doors ease of use, and invited end-users to evaluate how it operated under thermal expansion compared to other locks on the market. The results we clear, in every test the AV4 performed the best by significant margins. End user feedback chose the AV4 over and over.
Enhanced user experience The Av4 can work in situations where other locks will not perform due to its low force to operate, which offers significant advantages for fabricators and installers.
Not only does this reliable locking solution reduce the need for costly replacements over time, but it also minimises the lost time and expense associated with frequent maintenance visits, enhancing the reputation and profitability of fabricators and installers within the industry.
For homeowners, the AV4 offers user-friendly operation, ensuring ease of use for individuals of all ages and abilities. Its low force to operate allows accessibility to everyone, including those with disabilities that affect their ability to grip or apply force to other locking solutions. Additionally, the longevity and reliability of AV4 means that occupants can enjoy the convenience of a single, dependable locking solution throughout their tenure- from children to grandparents- promoting a sense of continuity and supporting the requirements of the future home’ s initiative.
www. winkhaus. co. uk
AUGUST 2025
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