When we talk about door security on domestic properties, we often discuss patio doors and French windows. In the past, these types of doors have been an easy entry point for burglars, mainly because the locks have been so poor.
As consumer awareness has improved, quality cylinder locks have become more commonplace, and burglars have started looking for new ways to gain entry. This means that your ordinary front and back door are the prime targets for attack, even if they’re visible from the road.
Signs of a weakened timber door
Many British homes are still fitted with timber doors that have been in situ for several decades. A fresh coat of paint can smarten up the exterior, but the real problems will still lurk inside.
When you inspect your door, look for daylight between the door and the frame – a sure sign that your door is past its best. Moisture and varying temperatures causes timber to warp or shrink, which can cause draughts that risk your security and energy efficiency.
Old doors are unlikely to have double glazing, and almost certainly won’t have laminated glass. Single glazed doors allow heat to escape to the outside, and glass without a laminated surface is incredibly easy to break. If you store your keys near your front door, it would take a burglar just a few seconds to gain entry through an old timber door.
New doors – improved security
A new front or back door could improve your home security, making it extremely difficult for a burglar to gain entry without a key. There are two types of doors we’d recommend for domestic use: either a composite door, or a uPVC panel door.
Composite doors add security to your home
Composite doors are made by layering different materials inside a lightweight aluminium frame. Because they’re so solid, they’re virtually impossible to break through. The outer surface is not wood, but looks very similar to freshly painted timber. You won’t need to keep repainting your door as it ages.
A uPVC door is less expensive than a composite door, but you will be slightly more limited on designs and colours. They feel less solid than a composite door, but they’re still perfectly secure if fitted with good quality multipoint locks. Like composite doors, uPVC doors are very low maintenance and offer very good insulation against the elements.
Don’t delay in securing your home
If your old front door fits poorly in its frame, it’s only a matter of time before an intruder spots its weakness. If you can see daylight between the frame and the door edge, your door is certainly leaking heat and costing you money. A new front or back door will keep your home safer while also helping to cut down your bills.
For more information, and a free survey of your home, contact Hamiltons Windows today. We don’t sign you up on the doorstep, and we have the experience that only a well-established family firm can offer.
