How To Improve The Security Of Your Doors
The thought of uninvited and unwelcome visitors entering your home or business is not one that people like to entertain. And it can be extremely stressful and upsetting if this occurs! Figures show that over three-quarters of all domestic burglaries and intrusions are accessed through an exterior door, as these points are the easiest targets and the most accessible for intruders trying to gain illegal entrance into your property. To reduce the possibility of unwanted access to your home, you should ensure that any exterior doorway to your property is fully secured. Here are some suggestions as to the precautions you could take to provide that important security:
Front Door Security
There are different reasons why your front door security should be a priority. A weak front door allows easy entrance for any would-be intruder. Nine times out of ten a burglar will try the front door first to gain access to your home. An exterior door that is easily breached makes the intruder’s task a whole lot easier, so even having visible door security can be enough to deter a burglar. Whilst a secured front door will not guarantee a complete barrier, it will make a break-in far more difficult for any intruder.
Improving Front Door Security
If your exterior doors show any signs of depreciation, wear and tear, or age, these can be seen as inviting signs for potential intruders. An older door frame is eminently easier to breach and if you can recognise these weaknesses (poor paintwork, weather-aged doors) then so too can potential burglars. Improving your home security will offer you greater peace of mind, especially for the times that you are absent from the home.
A Choice Of Door Locks
All front doors need to be equipped with locks of different kinds, and there are many from which to choose, Here are some examples:
- Mortice Lock – A five lever mortice lock is a standard exterior door lock approved by home insurance companies.
- Multi-point Lock – A multi-point locking system consisting of three different locking points, operated by a handle and key, considered to be one of the most secure locking mechanisms available.
- Deadbolt Lock – A lock opened with a key or a thumb-turn that is impossible to be breached with some of the favourite burglars’ tools such as a knife or credit-card. These style locks are most suited to wooden, steel or fibreglass doors.
- Night-Latch – This is a lock mounted on a front door and is preferably used in conjunction with another locking system – a ‘back-up’ option if you like!
Whichever locking system you opt for, ensure that it is approved by your home insurance company. Any lock that conforms to British Standards is usually appropriately approved.
Replacement Door Furniture
Remember your exterior door furniture when considering the security features of your door. A deadbolt lock, which can only be accessed from inside the house, is a good feature whilst door chains offer further protection and high-quality door handles will improve security matters. A security ‘strike plate’ can reinforce a doorjamb, whilst replacing weak hinges (which can deteriorate with consistent use) will also provide further security. Even consider aspects such as your letterbox. Some intruders may view this as a ‘weak point’ in your door to exploit – installing draught excluders inside the box blocks any visual access to your home and contents.
Glazing To Consider
Certain glazing types can add extra safety and security to your doors. Not only does this improve your heat and energy efficiency, but double and triple glazed panels present a far more difficult barrier for a potential intrude to force entry.
Total Door Replacement
The ultimate door security upgrade though, is to replace the whole doorset with a more secure model. A new set of timber security doors will not only enhance the aesthetic appearance of your home, but also provide the peace of mind security we have been discussing.
Steel fire doors are another consideration. These can provide security for you and your family from physical breach of your property whilst, at the same time, offering safety against other potential tragedies such as fire outbreak in your home.
It is always worth consulting with approved fire door suppliers who can offer you expert advice and guidance on all the safety and security features of doors of all types including wooden, steel, composite, and uPVC. They can tailor your front door with all the desired appearances and safety and security features to enhance your home.
Enfield Doors
If you would like to find out more about timber security doors or fire door safety in the UK, we can help. Our team of experts is always on hand to guide you and give you sound and pragmatic advice based on years of experience and successful installations.
If you would like further information on our company, please contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible. We look forward to helping you.
