RANGE REVIEW: SAFETY & SECURITY LOCK IT, BOLT IT, SECURE IT!
TOP IRONMONGERY FOR SAFE HOUSES Homeowners who spent the past three years improving their living space want complete peace of mind when it comes to the security of their ‘castles’. So now is the time to speak to your customers about the latest home security solutions. Tommy Geddes, Commercial Director at George Boyd, looks at the robust options available to keep burglars out.
T
he cost of living crisis is biting and has already led to a rise in crime rates across the country. So homeowners are
looking for complete peace of mind when it comes to keeping their properties safe and secure. Home improvement boomed during the pandemic
and the
average house price has jumped by three and a half per cent this year alone, meaning there has never been a more appropriate time for trades professionals to speak to their customers about the importance of the hardware that goes around every door and window. While technology has led to new innovation and products on to the security market, there is no substitute
for the peace of mind
that comes with the installation of new security ironmongery. Locks, latches and bolts - the more robust, the better - give a clear message that it’s going to be nigh on impossible to breach.
Like any other item, doors, locks, latches and chains all suffer wear and tear and must be replaced every seven years, according to most locksmiths. Here are some topical ways to start up and develop conversations around the theme of home security.
Multi-layered security The front door is the main entry point that must be secured rigorously so as to offer zero encouragement to a casual burglar. Three in every four burglaries sees the thief gain access to the building via the front door. However, when advising a customer about security needs, other external doors and outbuildings such as
sheds and
garages must also be considered. Depending on the location of the
property, a multi-layered approach works best and offers the most robust security. The theory of multi-layered security is built from centuries of expertise in defence and security, stretching all the way back to
18 DIY WEEK FEBRUARY 2023
there, a chain allows the door to open slightly. Spyholes in the centre of the door at eye height allow the homeowner to see through to the outside without opening the door at all. Tradespeople look for a merchant
who will advise on complete solutions for doors, including all the fixings required for the job.
“Depending on the location of the property, a multi-layered approach works best and offers the most robust security.”
the mediaeval period and the huge castles and hill forts that dominated the landscape. These massive installations utilised an effective multi-layered approach that included moats, trenches, barricades and large walls to deter intrusion. For
the homeowner in 2023,
this translates as finding the right combination of locks, bolts and latches.
One in every four break-ins involves lock snapping, the simple act of breaking the lock cylinder to open the door. That’s why, at the heart of good ironmongery security will be a mortice lock. British Standard BS3621 rated mortice locks are what professionals recommend for front doors. That means they have been tested to withstand drill attacks and bolt attacks for at least five minutes and can withstand being kicked in. Look for those with
an anti-pick mechanism, too. Depending on the location of the
property, a cylinder lock might also work for a front door. These are anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-drill and anti-pick locks. It
is of likely that discussing security
Complimentary security Away from ironmongery, modern accessories now offer complimentary security to the traditional. Remote cameras controlled by smartphones and doorbell cameras are just two options that give the homeowner extra security protection. Windows are another vulnerable point in the home, where ironmongery accessories can protect and provide vital peace of mind. Window locks, restrictors and are
bolts all recommended in
in the course with
homeowners, secondary security will be mentioned. In many instances, a single lock is sadly not enough.
Rim locks, chains and bolts offer further protection from intruders. Mortice bolts or surface bolts work well on front doors and are quick and easy to install. As a way of installing even more security for elderly or vulnerable people, door restricting accessories including door chains, help enormously. When the doorbell rings and you don’t know who is
addition to double or even triple glazing on all windows. Taken as a complete solution, the mix of robust ironmongery and a modern security camera will be the package that offers 100% peace of mind to the homeowner.
Stock information Talk to the staff in your favourite merchant or supplier about the projects you are working on or for advice on the products to stock and get their recommendations for the best mix to offer to your customers. With 170
years of experience
serving the trade, George Boyd is the architectural ironmongery expert, stocking security products from household name manufacturers. Browse and shop the company’s range of ironmongery security at
www.george-boyd.co.uk.
www.diyweek.net
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
