There are few things as unsettling as a stranger breaking into your home. Studies show that home robberies can cost a lot more than physical valuables. They can leave victims with a range of trauma-related disorders, leading to a risk of financial and physical health problems. At Harvey’s Windows, this kind of event is something that we want to help all of our customers to avoid. Here’s the essential home safety checklist for doors and windows.
Materials
A composite door is usually the best option when considering secure doors for your home. Harveys Composite doors are made from multiple layers of materials. They have a centre filling of high-density polyurethane with a neoprene core for added security. This core is then surrounded by a rigid polymer subframe and a GRP (Glass reinforced plastic)skin. This composite strategy increases the durability and density of the door and results in a very robust solution.
Glass
Security glass is a must for safe front doors in high-risk environments. Security glass looks identical to any other glass but is either enhanced with a laminated inner layer or is tempered. Similar to a windscreen on a modern car, both specifications hold the glass together in the event of something smashing against it. As such, forced entry through security glass is difficult and time-consuming. Wise thieves will simply give up, while the unwise are easily caught.
Security Standards And Certifications
For extra peace of mind, there are various security standards and certifications that apply to safety doors for homes. Specifically, British Standard PAS 24:2022 shows that a door meets Approved security standards. (Document Q, Part 1 of Q1, Schedule 1, Building Regulations 2010) Secured by Design is a certification from the UK police that demonstrates ‘police preferred specification’. Certified products have undergone independent testing and certification by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) member. As well as offering excellent and guaranteed levels of security, these accreditations can look very attractive to home insurance companies. All Harvey’s products comply with PAS 24 and can be specified to carry the Secured by Design certification as an upgrade
Locks
There is no point investing in high-quality composite doors and windows with security glass if the lock isn’t up to the task. Like doors, locks are covered by a range of standards to offer guarantees for homeowners. The highest-grade lock cylinder is the SS312 Diamond. In terms of building regulations, this is the same as British Standard TS 007:2014 Kitemark 3 Star, which is designed specifically to prevent cylinder snapping. A wide range of locks have a SS312 Diamond rating, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
Find Out More
When it comes to home safety, doors and windows are your frontline of defence. They are also the places that would-be thieves will target. As such, it really pays to talk to an expert. To start making your home safer today, get in touch for your free instant quote.
