Local authorities owe a duty of care to their tenants — especially when it comes to safety and security. As such, investing in a good quality front door that features the latest security options is vital to protect occupants from any potential intruders. Here, Patrick Dean, Head of Sales and Marketing at Door-Stop explores the ways in which the security of a door can be maximised.
The first and most obvious means of security is the door’s lock and, with 72% of burglars gaining entry to a property through the door, it is clearly vital that a high-quality product is chosen to ensure the safety of all current and future tenants. A popular choice is the Ultion cylinder lock, which is renowned as being one of the most secure locking mechanisms on the market. Having passed all major British Standards tests, Ultion features a ‘lock down mode’, capable of detecting forced entry and automatically activating an attack lock directly into the central cam.
To provide additional assurance, some manufacturers also offer a guarantee with the Ultion cylinder lock. For example, Door-Stop provides the Secure Guarantee, whereby the customer is provided with peace of mind knowing that, in the unlikely event that an intruder gains access, they get a replacement door and £1000.
Alternatively, there is the Yale Platinum 3 Star cylinder. Following rigorous independent testing, it has been awarded the British Kitemarked TS007:2014 3-star accreditation, with the cylinder’s sacrificial front section providing superior strength against known attack methods.
However, while locks are the obvious solution to achieving security and peace of mind, local authorities and housing associations should also consider the structure of a door. Some manufacturers offer a solid core door range, constructed with a solid wooden core, such as Nordic pine, and encased in glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), resulting in a door that is both highly durable and strong, with long-lasting performance and minimum maintenance required.
There is also sometimes the option to opt for the Secured by Design (SBD) specification upgrade, which is both police approved and recognised by insurance companies as providing an added element of safety and security. SBD covers both the door structure and lock, with 3-star cylinder locks required to meet the strict standards.
