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Showing posts with label wood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wood. Show all posts

Thursday, 16 November 2023

Secure Doors

Hey there! 

If you've ever watched one of those action-packed police videos, you probably know just how easily they can bust through a locked door with a battering ram. It's a heavy-duty tool made of metal or wood, designed to give that door a serious wallop until it gives in. So, yeah, determined folks can definitely find their way inside if they really want to.

Unfortunately, when it comes to burglars, they can get pretty crafty with the tools they use to break into doors. Maybe you've seen a locksmith in action, picking locks or using a bump key or even a drill to get the job done? Those tools and others could be used by the less-than-honest crowd. Now, just to be clear, we're not here to promote any illegal activities, like burglary. We're strictly focused on educational purposes here.

While we don't have specific statistics on the types of doors that are forced open, it's generally observed that burglars tend to target doors that are easier to break into. You know, the ones made of wood or with weak locks or frames. It's important to keep that in mind when it comes to securing your own space.

Stay safe and secure out there!

Several types of doors are known for their enhanced security features. The best types of doors to improve security include:

1. Solid Wood Doors: Solid wood doors are sturdy and difficult to break through. They offer good resistance against forced entry and are more durable compared to hollow core doors. Find out more about improving wooden doors.

2. Steel Doors: Steel doors are highly secure and provide excellent protection against intruders. They are made of reinforced steel sheets and are extremely difficult to kick in or break down. 

Steel doors are relatively easy to find in the UK, as numerous suppliers and manufacturers are offering a wide range of options. They can be purchased through various channels, including local hardware stores, specialized door suppliers, or online retailers.

The cost of steel doors can vary depending on several factors, such as the size, design, and additional features. On average, a basic steel door without any customization can range from £200 to £500. However, more high-end or customized steel doors can cost anywhere from £500 to £1500 or more.

It is advisable to research and compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal that suits your requirements and budget.

3. Fiberglass Doors: Fiberglass doors are strong, durable, and resistant to weather conditions. They are often designed with multiple layers, making them difficult to penetrate. Fiberglass doors can be purchased from various suppliers, including home improvement stores, door manufacturers, and online retailers. Size, style, design, and additional features affect the price which can range from £300 to £1500 or more. Basic, standard-sized fibreglass doors without any customization tend to be more affordable, while larger or more decorative options can be more expensive.

4. Security Doors: These doors are specifically designed for enhanced security. They usually feature reinforced frames, multiple locks, and unbreakable glass. Security doors are often made of steel or aluminium. These doors can be purchased from home improvement stores, security companies, and online retailers. Again, price varies depending on factors such as the level of security provided, the material used, and any additional features. On average, a basic security door can cost anywhere from £200 to £500, while more advanced and high-security options can range from £500 to £1500 or more. 

5. Solid Core Doors: Solid core doors are made of composite materials, such as particleboard or solid wood, covered with a veneer. They are heavier and more secure than hollow core doors. On average, a basic security door can cost anywhere from £200 to £500, while more advanced and high-security options can range from £500 to £1500 or more. 

6. Reinforced Glass Doors: Doors with reinforced glass, such as laminated or tempered glass, provide an extra layer of security. These types of glass are difficult to break and can withstand significant force. Learn more about Reinforced Glass Doors.

Remember, in addition to choosing a secure door, it's important to ensure proper installation, use high-quality locks, and consider additional security measures like security cameras or alarms for comprehensive home security.



Wooden Doors

Several weak points in a home's security can be exploited by intruders. Some common weak points include doors. Poorly constructed or weak doors can be easily kicked in or forced open. Hollow-core doors are particularly vulnerable. 

There are several features of a wooden doors that can make them stronger:

1. Solid Core: A wooden door with a solid core, made from a single piece of solid wood or a composite material, will be stronger and more resistant to break-ins compared to a hollow-core door.

2. Thickness: Thicker doors are generally stronger as they provide more resistance to force and impact. Standard interior doors are typically 1-3/8 inches thick, while exterior doors are usually 1-3/4 inches thick.

3. Reinforcements: Adding reinforcements such as metal plates or bars within the door can significantly increase its strength. These reinforcements can be installed in the lock area, hinge area, or along the full length of the door.

4. High-quality wood: Choosing a dense and sturdy wood species, such as oak, mahogany, or walnut*, can enhance the strength of the door. These hardwoods are less prone to warping, splitting, or cracking.

5. Proper construction: A well-constructed wooden door with strong joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon or dowel joints, will have increased strength and durability.

6. Impact-resistant glass: If the door has glass panels, using impact-resistant or laminated glass can make it more resistant to breakage and intrusion attempts.

7. Reinforced edges: Reinforcing the edges of the door with metal strips or edge guards can prevent splitting or splintering during forced entry attempts.

It's important to note that while these features can enhance the strength of a wooden door, no door is completely impervious to break-ins. Additional security measures like high-quality locks, deadbolts, and a sturdy door frame are also crucial for overall security.

* Generally, oak is considered to be cheaper compared to mahogany and walnut. Oak is widely available and commonly used in furniture making, which makes it more affordable. Mahogany and walnut, on the other hand, are considered to be more expensive due to their limited availability and higher demand. Additionally, mahogany and walnut are known for their desirable qualities such as rich colours and attractive grain patterns, which also contribute to their higher price.



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