COMMENT: THE WINDOW VIEW A look at safety issues
Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses what features to look for in your doors and windows in order to achieve the critical security you need for your home
favour of more exciting aspects of the build, such as the aesthetics. But the security of your property is essential. Your home is where you rest, entertain, and maybe even raise children, so it’s important it feels as safe as possible. ere are fie things to look for when selecting windows and doors for your project in order to ensure your home remains secure.
W MATERIALS
When it comes to security, it’s worth investing in strong, durable materials. Aluminium is one of the strongest options available, despite its lightweight structure. Plus, it’s more resistant to warping than timber alternatives and its properties make it far more impenetrable than PVCu, which can rapidly deteriorate and become weaker over time.
LOCKS
Nearly a third of intruders break in by forcing the lock, so systems should lock at as many points as possible for the highest level of security. The minimum you should consider is three-point locking, but fie or eight-point systems offer more robust security. The cylinder/locking barrel is often the weakest area for doors. So, it’s worth investing in a system that offers tamper- proof barrels. High-quality doors, such as those we make, will have tamper-proof options, including a ‘three-star’ barrel or a coded magnetic key, which will protect against snapping, picking, drilling, and bumping to provide ultimate security. Origin doors can be specified with an eight-point locking system and three-star diamond cylinder for the highest level of protection and the assurance your home and family will remain safe.
hen undertaking a self-build project, it can be tempting to overlook home security in
For windows, the best systems will
offer either the Yale Encloser lock or the Nemesis multi-point lock, which are both proven to boost security.
HINGES
inges can be a significant weak point on a door as they are typically positioned outside the home, making them vulnerable to burglars looking to break in.
The best hinges will be made from
strong, corrosion-resistant metal, such as zinc, and will be fitted using special bolts and screws which make it more difficult for frames to be leered off the hinges.
FRONT DOORS
The majority of break-ins happen via the front door. Aluminium front doors with a secure locking system will offer a great standard, but this can be further enhanced by adding a security
bar restrictor to limit how wide the door can be opened when visitors ring the bell.
Spyholes also allow homeowners to identify a visitor without having to open the door, and can be incorporated into door knockers delivering a sleek and subtle finish.
CERTIFICATIONS Trying to establish which doors and windows offer the best security features can be overwhelming, but third-party accreditations offer a quick way to identify true quality. The minimum accreditation to look for is PAS:24. For extra assurance, look for doors and windows that have achieved the police approved Secured by Design accreditation. This uses rigorous, independent testing methods to ensure doors and windows can resist attack.
Victoria Brocklesby is COO at Origin
The best hinges will be made from strong, corrosion- resistant metal, such as zinc
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www.sbhonline.co.uk jan/feb 2024
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