5 June 2013, 19:14
Front door security
Apparently the lower forms of life have cottoned onto the fact that there are two major flaws with modern UPVC doors, one is many are designed with FIRE SAFETY in mind after pressure from the fire service and that means the bottom inset panel in many models can easily be kicked in to allow access for fire fighters (and thieves)
The other issue is the scum have realized that kicking or hammering at a front door makes lots of noise that can attract police or neighbourly attention, so some of the nasty little rodents have started burning their way through the doors with blow torches, melting / burning the upvc in one point until they can pull the door or panel apart.
Well the idea of someone setting fire to my front door after TSHTF rather concerning but an answer is available for those of us thinking about buying a new front door.
Its called a composite or laminated door. They look just like painted wood but are actually a wooden core with a steel sheet covering both side made to look like painted wood grain. Cost is about the same as a UPVC door but they are far more secure coming with BS3621 door locks and usually three x 100 mm steel and brass hinges.
If we installed such a door with 3 or 4 hinges screwed right through the frame and into the brickwork, and fitted a top and bottom long throw steel bolt we would have a very secure door by many peoples standards, its possibly a more low profile option than fitting a lockable security gate infront of your front door as is being done in many cities.
Apparently the lower forms of life have cottoned onto the fact that there are two major flaws with modern UPVC doors, one is many are designed with FIRE SAFETY in mind after pressure from the fire service and that means the bottom inset panel in many models can easily be kicked in to allow access for fire fighters (and thieves)
The other issue is the scum have realized that kicking or hammering at a front door makes lots of noise that can attract police or neighbourly attention, so some of the nasty little rodents have started burning their way through the doors with blow torches, melting / burning the upvc in one point until they can pull the door or panel apart.
Well the idea of someone setting fire to my front door after TSHTF rather concerning but an answer is available for those of us thinking about buying a new front door.
Its called a composite or laminated door. They look just like painted wood but are actually a wooden core with a steel sheet covering both side made to look like painted wood grain. Cost is about the same as a UPVC door but they are far more secure coming with BS3621 door locks and usually three x 100 mm steel and brass hinges.
If we installed such a door with 3 or 4 hinges screwed right through the frame and into the brickwork, and fitted a top and bottom long throw steel bolt we would have a very secure door by many peoples standards, its possibly a more low profile option than fitting a lockable security gate infront of your front door as is being done in many cities.
doncha