How secure are different types of doors

Door security is a vital consideration when it comes to protecting your home. There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing secure doors, including the type of material it is made from, the lock type, and of course how good it looks for that all-important kerb appeal. From wooden front doors and composite doors through to mortice lock and sash lock systems, there’s plenty to think about. It’s good to know your PAS 24 from your BS 3621 when it comes to standards and certifications too – so that’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to everything you need for a secure front door.  

Types of doors and their security features

The various types of doors for security at home are built from a variety of different materials. Here’s a run-down of what each one of these secure doors is, along with the benefits offered. 

Wooden doors: classic and secure

A wooden door is a timeless classic for all manner of reasons. Most notably, a wooden front door has massive kerb appeal in terms of traditional charm and style. With a bit of preparation and know-how, external wooden doors are also easy to paint so that you can attain the aesthetically pleasing style you’re after. From a security point of view, a solid hardwood door is exceptionally strong and will last well for a very long time, provided you periodically clean and maintain it.

Composite doors: combining strength and style

Composite front doors are an excellent choice. Made from a collection of materials, they’re a solid and robust security door for your home. They’re usually built as a reinforced door with a steel door frame and a hardwood internal frame built in, and often have a layer of insulating foam for heat retention too. The door surface tends to be made from a toughened plastic which is not only durable and robust, but can be designed so that it looks like painted wood, making a composite front door a stylish choice too.

Styles of doors: Victorian, Edwardian, and 1920’s designs

Of course, door style and look might be your main drivers when it comes to choosing your front door. Depending on the style of your house and the era of the build, you might wish to opt for a Victorian front door, Edwardian front doors, or a 1920 door to complete the look. The aesthetic nature of your choice of door doesn’t need to come at the expense of security, however. Many period-look doors are built with strong and sturdy security measures included as part of their design. Be sure to check, when making a purely a style-driven choice, that security features are included and that they at least match British security standards and certifications. For more on those, see further below.

Reinforcing doors with accessories

A reinforced front door can make your home a more secure one, with it being less likely that it’ll be unexpectedly breached at any point. There are plenty of accessories available should you wish to look into the option of door reinforcement, such as toughened or laminated glass for your door windows, a solid bar, or an external or internal security gate. You could also add secure door furniture too, such as a bolt or door chain.

Lock types and security enhancements

Front door locks come in all shapes and sizes but they’re all designed to do the same thing: secure your home. Front door locks types include:

• Nightlatches: A nightlatch is a solid front door lock usually mounted on the inside of the door, and can be operated with a key from the outside, and a handle on the inside. When the door is closed, the nightlatch lock automatically locks the door.
• Mortice locks: A mortice lock is embedded into the door itself, and is operated either by levers or a cylinder system. A 5-lever mortice lock sends five levers into action once the key is turned, making it extremely difficult for any potential burglars to pick. Meanwhile a cylinder mortice lock features a barrel system in the door which can be operated using a master key that can open multiple doors – as seen in our patented Banham lock system. Again, a mortice lock can be locked with a key on the outside and either a key lock or thum-turn on the inside depending on your preference. They can also be paired with a nightlatch for a higher level of security.
• Sash locks: A sash lock combines both a deadbolt and a latch inside one locking system for extra protection and security. Fitted to the edge of the door, a sash lock door is securely operated via two door handles on both the exterior and interior sides.

Importance of standards and certifications

It is worthwhile to know the relevant standards and certifications for door security, as they can help you ensure that the door you choose is verifiably secure and approved. All doors should meet the minimum Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 24 standard, which assesses a door’s ability to withstand break-in attempts.

Meanwhile your ground floor exterior door locks should meet the requirements of British Standard BS 3621, which ensures that the lock is thief-resistant in terms of both performance and composition. A BS 3621 lock ensures that your door will comply with any home insurance policy. In addition, a Secure By Design accreditation shows that the door and lock meet the minimum security requirements of the UK Police.

FAQs

What is the most secure type of front door?

Provided they meet the PAS 24 and BS 3621 standards mentioned in the section above, a front door of any type is already proven to be secure. That’s the same for Upvc doors, composite doors, aluminium doors, and wooden doors alike. Of course, it all depends on what you’re after and what your budget can stretch to, but composite doors are considered by many to be one of the most secure types of front door as their composition and internal reinforcements make it very difficult to break down.

hat makes a door secure?

A combination of factors result in secure front doors. These can include the type of front door handles and locks that the door has been fitted with, along with the material or materials that the door has been made from. This includes any glass sections on the door. The locks and door should periodically be maintained and cleaned to ensure integrity, while any damaged or broken locks should be replaced or upgraded. The same goes for hinges and any door furniture that are important to security. You can also reinforce your door with accessories such as bolts, bars, or toughened glass.

Αre wooden doors secure?

Wooden doors can be incredibly secure, but as with any door it all depends on how well the door is installed and maintained, along with the quality and integrity of the lock, hinges, and door frame.