How to improve your front door security
The threat of burglary provides bleak food for thought. The likelihood you’ll be a victim of domestic theft is slim – but it’s a real threat all the same. That’s why it makes complete sense to take the right measures to protect your home against would-be intruders. Improving your home’s security should be a top priority and it starts with front door security.
Here, we consider the best ways to lessen your home’s vulnerability and ensure the safest front door possible.
UK and European security standards
The entryway is usually the first port of call in a burglar’s inspection of your house – so the highest levels of front door security are extremely important. The latest Office for National Statistics report revealed that in domestic burglaries where the offender successfully entered the house, 70% of the time that access was gained through the door.
Burglars are unlikely to pick locks because it’s time consuming. They’re more likely to simply use brute force to break the door in – and that’s why it’s important to have a door panel and frame that could stand up to that strength. The highest security front doors are fully compliant to the PAS24 enhanced security standard, which assesses whether a door set can withstand various measured manual and mechanical tests. What’s more PAS24 is recognised by Secured by Design – a police initiative that improves security of buildings and their surroundings. Deuren front doors are built to the European equivalent of this standard – known as ENV 1627 – and designed to protect against forced entry using heavy hand or electric tools. They adhere to classification RC2 and RC3 – the higher the numerical rating, the higher the security – and they’re measured in tests according to the resistance time of the door when various tools are used to attempt a break-in. While many doors often claim to have an RC2 or RC3 lock, with a Deuren front door the whole door – panel, frame and lock – is tested to the classification.
Modern technology and integrated systems
The most secure front doors are also compatible with home automation systems. Keyless locking systems like fingerprint recognition or digital keypads work with any home automation system. Locks are motorised so they’ll unlock and lock behind you and they can be overridden with a master key (if in the case of an alarm going off, for example). These contemporary and sophisticated alternatives provide easy and convenient access and maintain the highest levels of security.
Don’t overlook garage security
The strength of your garage door – and the protection it offers – is treated in much the same way as your front door. Like the front door, a Deuren garage door is covered according to ENV 1627 certification and tested to RC2 or RC3 levels.
Integral garages, although extremely useful, are considered just as much a weak point as front doors where potential burglary is concerned – they can gain access to the rest of the house. That’s why there’s just as much need to specify high levels of security when buying a garage door.
Some of our garage doors weigh up to 60kgs per square metre so they’re extremely strong and less likely to bend or be manipulated with brute force.
When it comes to front door security, the objective of the panel and frame (if not to stop the intruder altogether) is simply to buy more time. A high-security front door will stand tough and firm and act as a barrier to the would-be burglar, allowing enough time for an alarm to sound or any other measure to activate and deter them.
Considering high security front doors? Browse our extensive range of front doors or get in touch for expert advice.
