Is My uPVC Door Really That Secure?

When at a customer’s house I often hear that when they had uPVC doors fitted they were told that they were the most secure type of security but that they have recently heard that they may be more vulnerable than first told.

Multi point locks on uPVC doors do offer great security, however what is often over looked is the cylinder in the door. This is a mistake you do not want to make. In order to utilise your multi point locks full security potential you must ensure that you have a high security cylinder in it.

High security locks will have the following features :

Anti snap

Anti bump

Anti pick

Anti drill

To help identify if a lock has one or more of these features there are various logos or standards to look out for, either on the locks or on the packaging.

British Standard kitemark 

Kitemarked locks will usually have at least one high security feature and many insurance companies now require all cylinders on final exit doors to bear this mark.

Secured By Design     

Secured by design is owned by the association of chief police officers and focuses on crime prevention of homes and commercial premises. Their logo and approval can be given to domestic locks meeting  British Standard 3621:1998.

TS 007***

This is a security standard developed by Door and Hardware Federation and Glass and Glazing Federation. This standard is achieved by gaining a 3* rating system.

There are cylinders available that immediately give you a maximum security 3* rating. However, this maximum security rating can also be achieved by combining locks and door hardware. This is done by combining a 1* cylinder lock with a 2* security handle.

Locks and hardware that are able to comply with the TS 007 standard should be marked with the relevant amount of stars.

Achieving a 3* rating will mean that your door can withstand attack from snapping, drilling, bumping and picking.

PAS 23/24

PAS 23/24, or Publicly Available Security, must achieve a kitemarked standard and also be snap resistant to mole grips and screws. PAS 23/24 door handles are also available and will usually carry a 2* rating, protecting from drilling and lock snapping.

The average time a burglar will spend trying to break into your home is 3 minutes and a PAS 23/24 cylinder lock must be able to withstand attack for at least this amount of time.

With the summer months approaching and warmer weather on its way it is important to remember home security as we venture away from home for longer periods of time. With the excitement of holidays and weekends away this is easily over looked.

Statistics show that 30% of burglaries happen through open windows and when the temperature rises a refreshing breeze through the house is an easy way to keep cool. However a thief only needs a brief window of opportunity to burglarize  you, so even if you are just popping to the shops close and lock your windows.

It is also important to keep all out buildings secure after been out in the garden. Apart from sheds holding valuable equipment they also provide tools for breaking into your home. So, always remember to lock up when left unattended.

Where possible it is also advisable to get a neighbour to pop round and collect any post, a mountain of unopened post is a sure sign that you are away.

Key fishing burglaries on the rise. Over the last couple of months I have noticed an increase in key fishing through letterboxes. Thieves are retrieving keys from inside locks or nearby work surfaces or tables using fishing rods, sticks or canes. Once the keys are obtained a thief can silently break in and take any valuables, including cars. It is advisable to never leave your house keys in the door lock or anywhere they can be seen through a letterbox or window ( this includes car keys).

A sure fire way to prevent would be burglars from attempting key fishing is to install a letterbox guard to the interior side of your letterbox. they are affordable and an easy DIY job. They simply attach to the existing screw holes and prevent the inside flap from opening wide enough to put hands or ‘fishing tools’ through.

Listed below are the minimal security requirements of most insurers but it is always advisable to contact your insurer to confirm theirs.

Security Requirements:
Loss by theft or attempted theft from the home is not covered unless the following security measures are in operation when the property is left unattended. All external doors and windows must be closed and locked and keys must not be visible from outside. [ I’ve added the underlining ]
The final exit door….
i is fitted with a mortice deadlock with at least 5 levers; or
ii is fitted with a lock conforming to BS3621: 1998 or to a higher specification
In addition, where the final exit door is double-leaf, the first closing leaf must be fitted with top and bottom key-operated security bolts. Bolts must be positioned vertically so as to enter the framework of the door, not the opposing leaf.
Double-glazed PVC-U, Metal or timber doors
Key-operated multiple-point locking devices on double glazed PVC-U, metal or timber doors with an insurance approved cylinder lock are an acceptable alternative for the security measures detailed for doors above.
All other single external doors….
i are fitted with key-operated security bolts at the top and bottom; or
ii are fitted with a mortice deadlock with at least 5 levers; or
iii are fitted with a lock conforming to BS3621: 1998 or to a higher specification
Sliding patio doors….
i fitted with two key-operated patio door locks on the inside of the doors at the top and bottom of the frame; or
ii are fitted with a key-operated multiple locking system having at least two locking points
Windows
All opening ground floor and basement windows, and all windows which are accessible from roofs, walls, fences, balconies, landings, porches, soil pipes, drainpipes, trees or shrubs must be fitted with at least one key-operated metal lock
Alternatively, these windows are permanently fixed shut by means of non-return or defaced head screws angled through the window frame into the timber or metal surround.

If you have just moved house it is always advisable to get all the locks changed, you never know who has a spare key.

If you have lost a key, change your locks, even if you have a spare you never know where the lost one is or who has it.

If you want to be certain your house is as safe as you can make it, here are 10 tips you should follow.

1. Fit strong locks to external doors and windows, and make sure they are locked at all times.

2. Always remove all keys from inside locks, and keep them out of sight and in a safe place.

3. Fit sturdy deadlocks (British Standard BS3621) to all doors.

4. Make sure your doors and frames are strong and in good condition – wood doors should be at least 44mm thick.

5. Use high security, anti snap, anti pick and anti bump cylinder locks on UPVC doors.

6. Fit a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole), and use them.

7. Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick – thieves know to look there first.

8. When you are out in the evening, leave your lights on and shut the curtains.

9. Install outside security lighting; if other people can see your property a burglar may think twice.

10. Keep your tools and ladders securely locked up – a burglar could use them to get into your house.