Security doors Basics

According to crime statistics from years past, front doors are burglars' preferred point of entry into homes. Therefore, when considering enhancing security around the house perimeter, front doors should be one of your top priorities.

Looks are important when it comes to security doors

It is well known, that when burglars 'work' a neighborhood, one of their main concerns is doing the job quickly and quietly. Stalling on a well-secured door and causing a racket trying to penetrate is probably the last thing on their agenda.

Burglars collect information about the neighborhood prior to the break-in, as part of their attempt to spot the most convenient target. A front door looking well secured will have two effects: it will prevent a burglar from easily entering your home and it will likely discourage him from even trying.

So, if you're running on a low budget, consider investing your money in thickening your front doors. The image of a heavily secured door will have a psychological impact on the burglar as he wanders around the neighborhood, looking for easy scores. A well secured door acts as a message to the burglar. It tells him to go and find a different home to break into.

This leads us to another conclusion. A low budget will be better invested in security devises that have double benefits: an effective physical barrier as well as a psychological one. Security devices like alarms and door contacts are important, but they do not broadcast their qualities as they are barely discernible.

If your budget will not allow a total security package for your home and you have to choose between different devices, choose the ones that possess a psychological effect. Remember, looks can be deceiving. The following list contains security items that possess a psychological impact on burglars:

• Security yard signs
• Surveilance cameras
• Dummy surveilance cameras
• Motion sensitive outdour lights
• Video door phones
• Fences

Design standards for door security

For a door to be considered well secured, it must be constructed from either metal or solid hardwood. Plywood, USB or  composites, usually have a weaker material structure. They do not possess the elastic qualities of solid hardwood or metal and tend to fail more easily once under pressure or strain.

The door's total width should be no less then 2 inches thick, and its central construction should be at least 1-½ inches thick. The door's frame must be made of metal or solid wood -the same material as the door itself. The section width of the door's frame should fit the door in size and proportion.

Frames should have the same strength as that of the door they hold. Most doors are built from panels consisting of two vertical inner poles and top and bottom frame rails. A front door usually has additional vertical and horizontal construction units.

Make sure the door you purchase adheres to all of these standards, and is constructed for security purposes and not just yard decoration. Keep in mind that having a secure door does not necessarily mean compromising on aesthetics. Most door manufacturers are aware of this need and manufacture security doors with various ornaments and styles.

Door chains and door viewers

Chains and viewers (also known as peepholes) are important security features common with perimeter doors. A chain is a simple looking but crucial device that helps you control communication with visitors on the outside.

A door chain is worth installing for several reasons:

• The chain functions as a second barrier, when an intruder attempts to physically barge through your door the chain will stop him.
• It gives you just enough space to receive small packages or talk to strangers without actually opening the door.
• Any attempt to open a chained door from the outside will be impossible.

Door viewers, (i.e. peepholes) are another excellent device for enhancing door security. They are cheap to buy and simple to install. A viewer enables you to look out and recognize callers without actually having to open the door. Most viewers have a 180 degree horizontal field of view, similar in effect to a fish-eye camera lens. Most viewers are constructed from metals, and are positioned at about head height.

Security Door Locks

Perimeter doors are the most common entrance portal for burglars and for this reason they need extra protection. All perimeter doors, including yard doors, should be equally protected. Do not compromise on low class doors or low class locking mechanisms for the rear entrances.

Make sure that all exterior doors are evenly secured. Remember, doors with a soft doorjamb, which are commonly used as interior doors must not be used on the perimeter doors of your house. They can easily be broken into; one can smash them with a good hard kick.

Deadbolt locks are the most recommended kind for perimeter doors. Deadbolt locks usually come in one of two different types: single cylinder and double cylinder.

A single cylinder has only one keyhole, on its exterior end. The opposite end (inside the house) has a simple rotating handle for locking and unlocking the door. Single cylinder mechanisms may become a hazard if installed in a door with wide breakable glass panels.

If the glass panel frame is located within hand reach from the lock, the glass can be shattered enabling the burglar to insert his hand and easily turn the lock handle. If you have a single cylinder lock installed inside a door with breakable glass panels, you had better replace the glass with a break resistant transparent type of material. Your other option is to replace the single cylinder lock with a double cylinder one.

Door maintenance

HINGES

Ensure there is no visible wear on the hinge. Any marks, stains around the hinge knuckle may indicate wear and or impending failure, if the latter the hinge must be replaced as soon as possible. Hinges should be lubricated every three months using a high quality lubricant.

Door Closure's/ Friction Stays

Ensure that the door closure is working correctly, a smooth motion should be seen with no jerking or shuddering. Doors should not be wedged open for long periods. Open the door and check that is closes smoothly without catching on the floor. Open the door approximately 5 degrees and check that it closes and latches smoothly and firmly. The door closing speed should be about 10 seconds from a 90 degree angle but does not slam. To correct remove face plate of door closure and using a screwdriver adjust the pressure screws until a reasonable closing speed is achieve.

Electro-Magnet Hold Open and Swing Free Devices

Make sure that any electro-magnetic hold-open device is operating correctly and releases immediately when power is turned off.

Locks, Lever Handles and Cylinders

Check that the levers fully return to the horizontal after use and that the latch bolt is engaging smoothly and completely into the strike. Clean off any metal dust deposits from the latch bolt and strike plate. Check cylinder throws the latch/deadbolt smoothly into the receiver. Adjust, tighten or lubricate as needed.

All Ironmongery

Make sure that all fixings are secure. Ensure all hinges, closers, friction stays, locks and other hardware are lubricated /maintained at the required intervals. Seal MUST BE FITTED correctly to the door frame. Tolerances are calibrated for OUR seals only, do not use any other manufacturer's product.

Quarterly Maintenance Guide

Hinges and ALL working parts must be lubricated with LANOLIN solution. Check Door and frame for damage
check the door leaf alignment. Making sure door does not scrape on the floor and has an optimum clearance of 6mm.
Check locks, cylinders, latches, handles, panic hardware, closure, friction stays and any other ironmongery for loose fixings, smooth operation and security, Retighten/lubricate/adjust as needed.
Cylinder should only be lubricated with either TEFLON OR GRAPHITE based oils.

WD40 OR SIMILAR PENETRATIVE OIL MUST NOT BE USED