Nightlatch
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers publication Glossary of architectural hardware terms defines a nightlatch as a '...normally rim-style (i.e. surface mounted) and has a bevelled spring-loaded latch bolt which secures the door closed. Usually operated by a key from the outside, and knob on the inside. There is often a snib which can hold back the latch. It should be noted that there are also variants of mortice nightlatch on the market.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Access control.
- Active door leaf.
- Digital door lock market.
- Doors.
- Emergency Exit Device.
- Entry control.
- External doors..
- Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
- Fire door.
- Fire Doors (DG 524).
- Fire.
- Grenfell tower.
- Hinge.
- Home security solutions market.
- How door locks work.
- Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86).
- Intumescent strip.
- Mortice lock.
- Mortise vs mortice.
- Night-time purging.
- Night-time cooling.
- Night vision surveillance cameras.
- Night ventilation.
- Night setback.
- Night latch.
- Noise - doors and windows.
- Outbuildings security.
- Perimeter security.
- Protected door.
- Self-closing device.
- Security and the built environment.
- Security glazing.
- Slave door leaf..
- Smoke control door.
- Sneck.
- Types of alarm.
- Types of door
- Types of lock.
- Width of doors stairs and escape routes.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.




















