Best Front Doors for Security – Do You Know the Key Factors?

A composite door is an extremely secure door as it is made up of layers of different resilient materials. With a solid core made from timber and reinforced with layers of UPVC, fibreglass, and other materials, it is incredibly strong. It’s important to note that traditional doors solely made from timber will likely warp, crack, or weaken eventually.

Composite doors are heavily made with security in mind, featuring multi-point locking systems, reinforced glass, and highly secure hinges. Due to their durability and strength, they have a clear advantage over standard UPVC and traditional timber doors, making them the most secure option on the market.

The material you choose for your door, along with its locking systems, can provide protection against forced entry.

• What is the most secure material for a front door?
  Composite doors’ unique combination of materials makes them incredibly strong and resistant to forced entry. Some high-end composite doors take it even further with solid steel hook locks that slide into steel and a 3-star locking cylinder, offering unbeatable protection.
• What locks should I look for in a secure door?
  Always remember – a strong door is only as good as the locks it has. Look for high-security locks that meet British Standard BS3621 as a minimum. Multipoint locking systems, commonly found on composite and UPVC doors, offer extra protection by securing the door at multiple points along the frame – making it much harder to force open. There are a number of locks that we go into further detail in this article, such as mortice, rim locks and cylinder locks too.
• How secure are UPVC doors in the UK?
  Yes, UPVC doors do offer a solid level of security. The benefits of UPVC doors is that the material itself is strong and durable, and when combined with a high-quality multipoint locking system, it provides excellent protection for your home. With the right locks in place, a well-fitted UPVC door installed by professionals will make sure your UK home is safe for years.
• Which door would be the hardest front door for an intruder to break into?
  Composite doors are the toughest to break into, thanks to their solid construction and impact-resistant materials. However, security isn’t just about strength – the right locking system is just as crucial. That’s why Planet’s composite doors come equipped with advanced locking technology for maximum protection and complete peace of mind for you and your family.

When selecting a secure front door, pay close attention to the strength of the material, the quality of the locking system, and whether the frame is reinforced. All these features are essential for preventing the dreaded worst case scenario – a break-in.

It’s a good idea to ask your chosen home improvement company if the door meets UK security standards such as PAS 24 or Secured by Design, as these certifications indicate an even higher level of protection.

Here’s our take on the most common door materials and how they measure up in terms of their security benefits:

The downside of traditional timber doors that haven’t been treated is that they warp and weaken over time, leading to them becoming a weak spot in security. Contemporary, engineered timber doors are much more secure.

These budget-friendly doors offer solid security for homes. They’re low maintenance and won’t warp over time, ensuring long-lasting protection.

Naturally strong and durable, aluminium doors provide a high level of security, making them a dependable choice for home protection.

The blend of materials in composite doors makes them the most secure option. With a reinforced core and impact-resistant outer layers, they’re built to withstand forced entry.

The top 5 security features that are most important for a front door are:

Ensure your new door has a strong core, such as a composite door. This will make it so much easier to break through than a door with a hollow or weak core.

As the name suggests, multipoint locking systems secure the door at multiple points along the frame, making it far more difficult to force open compared to a single lock.

A sturdy frame and reinforced strike plate help prevent the door from being kicked in or forced open, adding an extra layer of protection.

Designed to resist picking, drilling, and snapping, these locks help defend against common burglary techniques.

Strong, tamper-proof hinges, especially those with hinge bolts, prevent intruders from forcing the door open or removing it from its frame.

Cylinder locks and lever locks are the top choices for front doors, provided they meet high-security standards. The British Standard BS3621 rating should be the minimum requirement.

A cylinder lock works by using the grooved edge of a key to move spring-loaded pins inside the cylinder as the key turns.

A lever lock uses a bitted key to lift each lever to a precise height, allowing the locking bolt to slide into a metal strike plate within the door frame.

Other common locking styles include the mortice lock and the rim lock (also known as a nightlatch). The mortice lock is fitted into the edge of the door, secured by a bolt that slots into a strike plate for added strength. The rim lock is mounted on the surface of the door and operates with a key outside and a thumb turn inside, often used alongside a mortice lock for additional security.

When choosing a front door, be sure to select one with a multipoint locking system, which secures the door at several points along the frame, ensuring comprehensive protection at every point.

Selecting the right lock is just as important as choosing a sturdy front door. In the UK, these are the most frequently used locks, each providing different levels of security:

• Mortice Locks
  Often used for wooden doors, mortice locks are embedded within the door itself, offering excellent security.
• Rim Locks/Nightlatches
  These surface-mounted locks are commonly found on timber doors. While they offer the convenience of locking from the inside, they should be paired with a high-security lock for added protection.
• Cylinder Locks
  A modern and reliable option, cylinder locks are typically seen on uPVC and composite doors. For maximum security, opt for a 3-star cylinder lock, engineered to resist common burglary methods like snapping, drilling, and bumping.

Not all locks provide the same level of protection, which is why BS3621 certification is essential. This British Standard is granted to locks that have undergone thorough testing for resistance to forced entry.

Many home insurance companies insist that external doors are fitted with BS3621-compliant locks, as these offer robust defence against picking, drilling, and forced attacks.

Glass front doors can definitely be safe, but only if the glazing is properly reinforced and laminated, with double or triple glazing for extra strength. Standard glass is a different story as it can be easily broken and removed.

Toughened or laminated glass is far harder to break than regular glass, adding a solid layer of protection. Beaded glazing ensures the glass stays firmly in place, preventing it from being lifted out of the frame.

The proximity of glass to the lock can be a vulnerability, as intruders might smash the glass and reach around to unlock the door. To combat this, consider choosing a lock that requires a key on both sides (such as a double cylinder lock), or find a door design that places the glazing further away from the lock.

It might not have the same excitement as picking out front door colours and accessories, but investing in a strong, secure door with advanced locking systems and added features is an incredibly wise choice.

This spring, take the time to evaluate your current door’s security and think about any necessary upgrades. The reassurance that comes with a safer home is truly invaluable!

As always, feel free to consult our expert advisors for guidance on the different types of doors we install and all things security. We can take you through composite vs UPVC doors and aluminium doors, so you find the perfect door in your budget with the security features you need for your home.