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Doors

Ailis Orourkea, 10 December 2017

How to secure your doors

  • When buying a new a door it is better to buy a new doorset, the complete assembled frame and door, certified to British Standard PAS 24 – Doors of Enhanced Security.
  • If refurbishing a door check that the frame is firmly fixed and sturdy. If it is weak or rotten, replace it.
  • Check that the door hinges are sturdy and secured with strong, long screws.
  • For added security fit hinge bolts or security hinges. These help to reinforce the hinge side of a door against force and protect the hinge if your door opens outwards.
  • If fitting locks to a standard wooden door, fit a 5-lever mortise lock plus a night latch or rim lock both tested to BS 3621. These are a minimum insurance requirement.
  • If your door is PVC-U or Composite it should be fitted with a Multipoint lock meeting British Standard 3621.
  • Europrofile cylinders used on PVC-U and Composite doors should meet the TS007 standard and for additional protection use a security door handle.
  • Before fitting locks to PVC-U or metal doors, check with the installer to make sure that this will not affect your warranty.
  • Consider fitting a cage or restrictor on your letterbox to prevent thieves from putting their hands or gadgets through the letterbox.
  • If fitting an external letterbox, make sure it is tested to the TS009:2012 standard, which covers free-standing or surface-mounted letterboxes.
  • Fit a door viewer so you can identify people before opening the door.
  • Door chains can stop callers pushing their way in, but must be securely fixed to avoid screws being pulled out. They will not help secure a locked door against burglary.
  • Glass panels on or around doors can be particularly vulnerable, so it is worth replacing them with laminated glass.
  • Patio doors are especially vulnerable to break-in by levering off the tracks. When buying ask for the sliding section to be on the inside and for anti-lift blocks.
  • Multi-locking systems are also recommended for patio doors, or have mortise security bolts with removable keys at the top and bottom of both doors.
  • Existing patio doors can be fitted with additional security bolts to stop lifting or forced entry.