Protect your home this summer with certified hardware

For many homeowners, this will be the first time in almost 18 months that they have left their home for an extended period of time, and for those who have taken advantage of the government’s Stamp Duty Holiday and moved house during lockdown, this may also be the first time they are leaving their new property unattended.

This return to more normal pre-Covid lifestyles is prompting homeowners to re-evaluate their property’s security, with many individuals experiencing a newfound appreciation for their homes and contents. Many will have completed home improvements or invested in high-value items throughout lockdown, all of which they will be keen to protect when they once again go on their travels.

Here, we share three types of easy-to-fit door hardware that professionals can recommend and install this summer to provide the highest possible standards of protection:

3* security solutions
Upgrading existing entrance door locks to 3* security solutions is an immediate way of helping homeowners achieve complete protection and peace of mind, particularly those who have bought a new house during lockdown and have not had their locks changed since moving in.

Professionals can help homeowners ensure their door is secure, by upgrading basic euro profile cylinders in mortice and multi-point locks to trusted higher security options, such as ERA’s British Standard Fortress 3* Cylinder.

Featuring six hardened high security pins, the cylinder provides maximum protection against the most common forms of forced entry, as it is anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump resistant. In the event of an attack, a security pin automatically triggers, blocking the cylinder cam to prevent unlawful entry.

Suitable for use with locks on a wide range of timber, composite and PVCu doors, the cylinder is ideal for retrofitting and is independently tested to British Standard Kitemark (TS007 3*), Sold Secure Diamond and Secured by Design’s Policed Preferred Specification scheme.

For complete protection, 3* security solutions should be considered to upgrade existing hardware on all potential entry points, including back doors and side doors.

In the know with nightlatches
For homeowners with timber door nightlatches, updating these to high security versions that comply with the latest British Standard is another simple yet successful way of improving a property’s security.

The ERA British Standard High Security Nightlatch conforms to British Standard 3621:2007 and is a maximum security replacement for most existing front door locks, with automatic deadlocking that prevents the extended bolt from being retracted by a credit card.

As the handle can be deadlocked, it is particularly suitable for glass panelled doors, providing additional protection against forced entry, whilst the high security integral cylinder pull protects the cylinder from being drilled. 

Upgrading door handles
Once all relevant door locks have been upgraded, replacing existing door handles is another easy, yet effective, way to add additional security to the exterior of a property.

Suitable for installation in conjunction with the ERA British Standard Fortress 3* Cylinder, choose from the Fab&Fix Balmoral Door Handle to replace existing handles with a long backplate or the Windsor to replace existing short backplate handles.

Suitable to upgrade handles on most timber, composite and PVCu doors and is supplied with a 10 year mechanical guarantee to give homeowners complete peace of mind.

Available in a range of Hardex patented finishes, the handle also provides a stylish upgrade to existing door furniture, without compromising on performance.

Taking this level of protection one step further, professionals can also recommend upgrading existing window handles, particularly throughout the ground floor of a property, to provide the same levels of updated security afforded by upgrading door handles.

The Fab&Fix Connoisseur Window Handle has been specifically designed for use with all types of timber and PVCu casement windows to provide a quick yet effective replacement. Featuring key deadlocking for added protection, the heavy duty sprung latching wedge creates a positive click on closing, to ensure the window is locked.

Please remember to check any existing door or window warranties that you have before making any changes, as they may be affected by any changes made.

By fitting trusted hardware that conforms to the latest standards, professionals can give homeowners the confidence that their property will be protected to the highest possible standard whilst away on holiday.

For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, including its smart home offering, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email .

For details on ERA’s extensive range of products which have achieved Police Preferred Specification and which are accredited by Secured by Design, the official police security initiative, visit https://www.securedbydesign.com/member-companies/sbd-members?view=companydetail&account=0011i00000JpvkFAAR

With over 180 years of manufacturing, design and innovation experience, ERA is a leader in the development and distribution of hardware and security solutions for the residential building and home improvement markets.

ERA has extensive knowledge and experience of delivering a total security solution for windows and doors, supplying fabricators and installers, locksmiths and security specialists, building professionals, and homeowners with mechanical, decorative and panic hardware, and smart security systems.

Delivering best in class product innovation, quality and service, ERA’s Total Security Guarantee is recognised by Neighbourhood Watch.

ERA designed and manufactured its first lock in the West Midlands in 1838, and is now owned by Tyman plc. The business moved to a world-class purpose-built 135,000 sq. ft headquarters at the prestigious i54 site in Wolverhampton in 2017, housing state-of-the-art manufacturing, R&D, product development, test and training facilities.