doors, windows & conservatories 43
Making an entrance
Patrick Dean of Door-Stop explores the wealth of safe and secure options available to housebuilders looking to make the right entrance.
literally thousands of options available. From the core material to the style, colour and accessories, every element can be configured to match individual requirements. For most housebuilders, the starting point
W
will be the material of the door leaf itself – and in terms of popularity composite doors continue to grow. Composite doors are made from a mix of
materials, which makes them stronger and sturdier. The thickness of composite doors not only makes them more secure, but it also makes them more thermally efficient. Plus, with the core and insulating materials protected by a GRP skin (the same material used to make boat hulls), the doors are completely protected from the elements and will not warp, twist or crack over time. Whatever the door, security should always
be a top priority, and legislatively it must adhere to Part Q of the Building Regulations (in
hen it comes to specifying a front door for a property, it can seem there is no end of choice, with
England). This sets out the standards for doors and windows to resist physical attack by a burglar, ensuring they are sufficiently robust. All front doors should comply with PAS24, but it is recommended that you choose a
Secured by Design, police approved door, which means the door will meet the national standard for safer homes. These doors are also recognised by many insurance companies, so as well as homeowners enjoying an added sense of safety, they may also get a discount on their home insurance. There is also a range of locking mechanisms
available on the market to provide extra peace of mind to the future property owner. Look out for Sold Secure Diamond accredited locks that meet the highest TS007 standard (three star), without needing to be bolstered by cylinder protectors or extra-secure door handles. There are now locks on the market whose cylinder can actually detect forced entry, activating a ‘lock- down mode’ that will foil even the most determined intruder. For housebuilders that want to create a truly
modern, 21st century property, key-free options are also available. These give homeowners keypad and remote fob access control to their home and are completely wire-free, alarmed and still provide police approved Secured by Design security. Once assured the door is fit for purpose and
secure, attention can be turned to aesthetics – which are key as a front door has major kerb appeal. Composite doors are now available in a
respond online at
www.hbdonline.co.uk
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