HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE SURE- 3

BACK OR SINGLE FRENCH DOOR

It is recommended that the following be fitted to a back door or single French door to improve its security. Check yours now.

Fit a pair of security mortice rackbolts one at the top and one at the bottom. Alternatively use a surface mounted security pressbolt. Push to lock-key to open. The door to be of solid timber (not hollow) at least 44mm thick. Supported by three 100mm hinges. The frame to be of sound timber (no rot) securely bolted, screwed or otherwise fixed to walls.

LOCKSMITHS

Glass panels present an obvious problem but there are several means of protection. Consider replacing ordinary glass with laminated. Where possible fir glass from inside - no vunerable putty outside. There are also many styles of decorative grilles on the market. Plastic film may be used to reinforce the glass.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Fit a good quality 5 lever two bolt sash mortice (BS 3621).Lower glass panels present the same problems as the glass panels above. The same options exist.

Lower plywood panels are invariably too thin and a sheet of 12mm or 18mm marine plywood screwed inside or outside - or both, will increase security.

Important Note

Every external outward opening door must have a pair of hinge bolts fitted to support the hinge side of the door. One 150mm below the top hinge and one 150mm above the lower hinge.

The above guide can be applied to most doors with a little thought. Aluminium and UPVC doors are becoming more common and security pressbolts can be fitted top and bottom to most aluminium doors as on wooden doors. Currently there are no secondry locks on the market for UPVC. Make sure the standard locks on these doors are strong enough.