Maximising Security with Enhanced Door Hardware Features

Maximising Security with Enhanced Door Hardware Features

Understanding Door Hardware Components

There are many components that constitute door hardware such as hinges, locks, jambs, letterboxes, handles and accessories.

The Role of Door Handles in Security

Door handles provide a key role in home and workplace security as they act as a physical barrier that prevents unauthorised access. Strong durable handles offer the below benefits:

• Delay break-ins
• Enhance privacy

Importance of Quality Hinges

Door hinges are one of the weakest points on a door, so it is important to use high quality hinges that can withstand extensive wear and tear. The British Standard for door hinges is BS EN 1935. This standard outlines information on product types, usage classifications, testing cycles, door weights, and corrosion resistance. It also covers definitions, performance requirements, testing equipment, test procedures, and product labelling. Additionally, the published standard includes annexes detailing specific applications.

 When choosing your hinge, you need to ensure that you are choosing the correct item for the application – please see the different types below:

• Residential – for doors that do not have high traffic
• Heavy duty – a door that gets lots of use
• Concealed hinges – a luxury hinge that is hidden and hidden to avoid tamper
• Double action – a hinge that can open both ways
• Continuous – a hinge that runs the entire length of a heavy door

For outwards opening doors, you can go for a security hinge which incorporates a hinge bolt to avoid your hinge being cut and the door being removed.

Choosing Secure Door Hardware for Different Rooms

A common misconception is that there is a one size fits all approach for security hardware throughout your property. In fact, there are different factors to take into consideration when buying hardware.

Front Door Security Essentials

The most important thing is to feel safe in your home. When it comes to the front door, different insurance companies require you to comply to different standards, so it is always best to check their requirements before purchasing your hardware. The most common requirements are as follows:

BS 3621 – Key Egress

BS 8621 – Keyless Egress

PAS 24 - performance of windows and door sets to ensure they can resist a level of attack from an opportunist burglar.

-          Please note that with PAS 24 – just because an individual item is tested to PAS 24, does not meaning buying this item will make your door PAS 24. These doors are purchased as complete set once tested.

Essential items for your front door security are as follows:

• Nightlatch
• Deadlock
• Security hood
• Security hinges
• Hinge bolts  
• Door chain

Again, these items are not a one size fits all approach for this.

Bedroom and Bathroom Privacy Solutions

When purchasing for these rooms there are items that you require to ensure privacy and security.

When it comes to the bedroom, people do like to have there privacy so, depending on the décor of your property, you can choose the correct lock for you, these can include but are not limited to:

• 3 lever dead/sash lock
• Euro profile dead/sash lock
• Carriage bolt
• Rack bolt

With regards to the bathroom the most common and safe practice would be to use a turn and release alongside a bathroom dead lock. The turn on the inside throws the bolt, however there is a coin release on the outside to enter in an emergency.

Installation and Maintenance of Secure Door Hardware

It goes without saying that the installation and maintenance is just as important as selecting the correct hardware. The incorrect installation of security hardware can leave the door unprotected as they will not be fulfilling the duty of the product.

Regular maintenance of your hardware does not mean just cleaning and oiling your products, this also means that you will need to inspect the product for any tampering or excessive wear after bad weather.

Aesthetic Considerations in Secure Door Hardware

When selecting the aesthetic for your project, sometimes it is not always possible to match your requirements to the designs provided. You should always be able to match finishes close to your requirements, but your security should not be compromised based on design and finish.

Comparing Different Brands and Models

It goes without saying that there are multiple companies that sell similar products, however each supplier will have their speciality product. You may like the look of something from one brand/model, however this may not work for your requirements. The most important factors to take into consideration when comparing different brands and models are the below:

-          Does this product work for what I need it to?

-          Is this what this company specialises in?

-          Can this product be installed on my door?

Where to Purchase Secure Door Hardware

HERE! At SDS london we offer the majority of Secure Door Hardware. We specialise in understanding your requirements and providing you with the correct items for your requirements. We have an extensive website with our products, however due to the amount of supplier we have and vast number of items that they sell, it would be impossible to catalogue every single product they offer. This does not mean that we do not supply the item, we would just need to get the item ordered in for you. Should you require an item, and you are unable to find this product, please get in contact with our sales team who will do everything they can to get the item for you. Please feel free to drop us an email [email protected], call us on 0207 228 1185 or even pop into our showroom where we have an extensive range of items on display – our address is

SDS London, 20 Weir Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 8UG

Future Trends in Secure Door Hardware

A key trend transforming electronic door-locking hardware is the integration of advanced biometric technologies. Sophisticated methods like fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and iris scanning are redefining access control, delivering enhanced security and a more personalized authentication experience.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there are multiple considerations when purchasing security hardware and each of the items are just as important as the other. From purchasing to installation to maintenance, the importance of getting it done right is not only important for your safety and security but also saves on costs.