Door security is often the first line of defence when safeguarding your home. Regardless of where you live or what type of property you own, it is important to balance aesthetics with robust protection.
This guide discusses various security options, from composite, uPVC, or steel doors to locks designed to defeat burglary techniques. We’ll also look at what makes particular doors more secure than others and how to choose a door that combines protection with elegant design.
Door Security Topics
- Types of secure door
- Choosing a door for your home
- High-security door locks
- Deadbolt to door viewer: Front door security products
- Ready to upgrade your door security?
- FAQs
Which features make a door secure?
Modern doors combine multiple security measures to protect your home from intruders, such as multi-point locking systems and frames designed to keep the door in place. Looking at the door itself, which types offer high levels of security while suiting your home’s aesthetic?
Composite doors
As the name suggests, composite doors [link composite doors to are made from a combination of materials that perfectly balance strength, security, and style. The process begins with a reinforced frame, often aluminium, which forms the door’s structure. Within, a solid timer core is fitted, making it exceptionally difficult to breach. The frame and core are then wrapped in ABS, which can mimic the finish of a traditional timber door. ABS is thermally stable, has high tensile strength, and is resistant to impact and chemical corrosion. Composite doors are also available in an array of colours. At Clearglaze, we fit industry-leading doors from Comp-Door and Solidor.
High-security uPVC doors
Though lighter than composite or steel options, modern uPVC doors have excellent security credentials when fitted with quality multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames. They’re a cost-effective choice that upholds protection.
Steel doors
For ultimate strength, our steel designer doors are hard to beat. These doors resist impact, can’t be cut through, and typically include high-security locking systems. While traditionally associated with industrial settings, modern steel doors are available in various stylish designs that are suitable for any home.
Choosing a door for your home
How do you narrow down your choice of front door? Consider the following primary factors:
Security specifications
Look for features matching your ideal security specifications, from basic multi-point locking to advanced anti-tampering systems.
Budget versus security
While premium security features often cost more, they’re an investment in your home’s safety. Many homeowners find composite doors offer the best balance of security, style, and value.
Security doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Modern secure doors come in various designs, from traditional to contemporary, with options for glazing panels, door furniture, and even front door canopies.
High-security door locks
Investing in high-security front door locks increases a property’s resilience and adds to home security. These aren’t just any door security products; they’re designed to withstand the most cunning break-in techniques. At Clearglaze, our composite doors have Ultion or ABS locks fitted as standard, which are anti-drill, anti-bump, anti-snap, and anti-pick.
Anti-snap locks
These locks are becoming increasingly popular as they protect against lock-snapping, a common burglary technique. They are specially designed to break in a way that leaves the locking mechanism intact, keeping your door secure even if the outer part of the lock is compromised.
British Standard locks
These are a must-have for many insurance policies, as they have been rigorously tested to meet stringent criteria. Knowing that your security is up to scratch offers significant peace of mind. PAS 24 is a British Standard.
What is PAS 24?
PAS 24 is a British security standard that specifies enhanced security requirements. It stands for “Publicly Available Specification 24” and is issued by the British Standards Institution, or BSI.
Key Features of PAS 24:
Focus on Security:
Doors and windows are tested to ensure they can withstand a range of potential break-in methods, such as forced entry, impact, and lock manipulation.
Testing criteria that mimic attacks from potential burglars:
- Mechanical Load Testing: Ensures the structural integrity of the door, frame, or window under heavy force.
- Manual Attack Testing: Simulates an intruder attempting to break in using tools like crowbars, screwdrivers, or chisels.
- Impact Testing: Tests the ability of the product to withstand repeated heavy impacts.
- Lock Testing: Evaluates the durability and security of the locking mechanisms against tampering.
Deadbolt to door viewer: Front door security products
A deadbolt lock adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for intruders to gain access. The Avantis lock is one such example, and it is a multi-deadbolt auto-fire unit that has been tested for more than 50,000 cycles. It is fully compliant with PAS 24 regulations and automatically engages when the door is closed.
Peepholes (often called door viewers) and door chains/security chains are simple yet effective accessories that add an extra layer of security when dealing with callers. They can be retrofitted, although customers who choose a composite door with a glazed panel often deem them unnecessary.
Ready to Upgrade Your Door Security?
Here at Clearglaze, we understand that choosing a new front door is a very important decision.
Visit our Bath showroom to explore our extensive range of secure doors and door security products.
Our friendly team can guide you through the extra security features of each door type and help you choose one that meets your desired aesthetics and specifications.
Get in touch today to book a consultation. We’re here to help you select a door that looks outstanding and offers superb security for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What locks do police recommend for doors?
The police often recommend using Grade 1 deadbolt locks for additional security. These locks are resistant to picking, drilling, and prying.
How to secure a door from the inside?
A multi-point locking system is incredibly secure, but fitting a deadbolt lock is worth considering. Composite doors are hard to beat for door strength, and they come with PAS 24 deadbolt locks fitted as standard.
How to secure a uPVC door?
In addition to a multi-point locking system, uPVC door security can be upgraded with a 3-star Euro Cylinder lock. These locks have advanced features such as anti-drill, anti-bump, and anti-snap as standard.
How do I burglar-proof my front door?
Traditional methods may have included a reinforced strike plate, security bar, or door chain, but a composite door with features that exceed PAS 24 security specifications deems them unnecessary. Not only is a composite door incredibly strong, but its solid core, deadbolts, and metal reinforcement are cloaked in elegant ABS.
How to reinforce a front door?
Composite doors are already reinforced, making them incredibly strong as standard. Retrofitting unsightly products is no longer necessary thanks to a construction method that uses different materials and a locking system that exceeds PAS 24 standards.
What are door bolts?
Door bolts are usually operated manually, either by sliding or turning, to lock or unlock the door. Basic door bolts can often be found on garden gates. Thanks to deadbolts and multi-point locking systems, door bolt fitment is no longer necessary.
What is a lever deadlock?
Dating back to the 19th Century and often fitted to wooden doors, the principles of the lever mortice lock remain the same. A key lifts levers within the lock body to move the deadbolt into the door frame. Modern multi-point locking systems that include deadbolts and 3-star Euro cylinders offer far higher security levels, especially when coupled with a heavy-duty security door with composite construction.