Door Security

Key, house keychain and padlock on a keyring

While getting the right look for your home is important, it is also vital to keep it protected against intruders. A census taken of crime in England & Wales revealed that over 70% of burglars would use a door to gain entry into a domestic dwelling.

Crossed-out pictures of burglars lockpicking and reaching through a smashed window
A door with the right security features can make all the difference in safeguarding your home

 

The rise of composite and UPVC door security

The right marriage of security, style and affordability wasn’t possible until the recent decades.

 

Affordability vs security

When UPVC doors were introduced to the UK market in the 1980s, they were presented more as a cheaper alternative to wooden ones than developed for home security. Electronic home alarm systems were becoming common in households, whereas doors had vulnerable locking systems that could easily be bypassed by burglars.


The need for improvement

In the 1990s, the creation of the Rock Door as “the Original Composite” was not only to offer a durable alternative to timber doors for the UK market, but with high security factored into the equation would fulfil the need for presentation and protection of the home’s entrance.

 

Home protection as standard

Nowadays, neither appearance nor protection is compromised, and our composite and UPVC doors come in a wide range of designs, with high security features as standard.

 

What are the security features of composite and UPVC doors?

Along with thermal efficiency, keeping the home safe from intrusion is one of the key points of our composite and UPVC external doors.

Multi-point locking systems

Each composite and UPVC makes use of a multi-point locking system, consisting of hooks and bolts running down the height of the door. This is more secure than a single-point bolt locking system.

Burglar-resistant barrel

The standard barrel for composites and UPVCs is anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-bump.

Steel reinforcement (aluminium for Rock Doors)

The frame is steel reinforced for added strength. In the case of Rock Doors, it is aluminium reinforced.

Toughened glass

All of our doors use toughened safety glass, which is resistant to square-on impact.

Composites have a GRP skin

With the addition of a glass reinforced plastic (GRP for short) skin, composites offer further resistance to blunt force.

Rock Doors also use S-Glaze technology

Glass within Rock Doors is sealed within the slab using S-Glaze technology, making it more tamperproof.

Door locking system, barrel and frame security features
A multi-point locking system, tamper-resistant barrel and reinforced frame are standard features of our external composite & UPVC doors.

 

Why are they more resilient than wooden doors?

Our composites and UPVCs are purposefully designed, whereas wooden doors are often subject to natural limitations.

 

Our composites and UPVCs include these security features as standard

All of our doors by default include multi-point locks and reinforced frames, with all glass toughened too. Wooden doors may not have these features as standard.

 

They are also weather-resistant

Because our composites and UPVCs are resistant to the elements, they will not deform as an unprotected wooden door can. While our weather-resistant, non-porous composites and UPVCs deflect rain, organic wooden doors can decay as a result of exposure to moisture, and thus warp as such that the locking mechanisms don’t properly line up.

 

 

What additional security features are available?

There are optional features that can be included with your composite or UPVC door.

Auto-lock

Available for split spindle handles, and in the case of heritage and bar handles known as a slam lock. This means that once the door is closed from the outside, it locks without the need for a key. However, for split spindle lever handles, it is recommended to lift the handle and use the key to ensure that all locking points are engaged.

Spyhole

Also known as a peephole. View who is on your doorstep without opening the door. We also offer knockers with integrated spyholes.

Security chain

Also called a door chain. Fitted to the inside, it keeps strangers at bay should you need to open your door to communicate with them.

Barrel upgrade

It is possible to upgrade the barrel for increased anti-burglar protection.

 

Security chain fitted to the inside of an ajar door
With a chain installed, you can see who is outside without having to open the door fully

 

Obscure glass

Backing glass comes in different levels of obscurity, and can deter viewing into your home.

 

Solid doors and panels

These offer maximum obscurity. However, this can affect the natural lighting that enters your hallway.

 

Nuki Smart Handle

A smart handle with a variety of options. Features include fingerprint identification, proximity rules (e.g. locking or unlocking when outside or within range), and granting access remotely.

Half-and-half view of plant with and without obscure glass
Backing glass can obscure viewing into your home and still let in natural sunlight

 

How to order a secure door

Start your order easily, and with a variety of designs to choose from. There are a few ways to do this.

Call our Sales Team

Speak to our Sales Team with any queries you may have and they'll be happy to assist you. You can call free on 0800 910 1122.

Message us

Visit our Contact Us page if you wish to leave us a message. You can include an image if you wish to discuss particular specifications, or have a style in mind.

Order directly online

The most convenient way is to view our range of styles online. You can navigate our different designs and even customise your door before you place an order.