Door Specification Checklist: Get it Right First Time

Residential developments need to meet a variety of regulations and criteria for the residents’ safety. The choice of security doors is essential to protect homeowners and tenants from risks. However, we at UK Fire and Security Doors appreciate that the sheer volume of different door specifications can be confusing. We know residential developers and housing associations can’t afford to take security lightly. Therefore, our team of experts has compiled a checklist to help you understand the different types of safety doors available for your project.

We are security doors experts based in the UK and providing high-quality British engineering and design for our clients. Read below to find out how to get the right safety doors for your building.

Understand the security door specifications

The priority when it comes to door specifications is to understand the intended purpose of each door. Depending on the role and position of the door, you will be looking at a variety of options.

For both residential and business purposes, security doors are steel-made and fitted within a regulated door frame. General-purpose safety doors will provide a range of locking mechanisms suited for the needs of the location and its residents. On the other hand, a panic escape door will need easy opening mechanisms, such as an escape push bar, while being able to prevent intrusions from the outside.

Vision panels can be available on some safety doors when it makes sense to have them, such as the entrance of a block of flats. Additionally, you will also need to consider the sizing and opening of your security doors UK based, as specifications for a single inward and outward opening with or without removable side panels can completely transform the type of door you get.

What are the security doors standards?

When it comes to choosing the best-suited security doors for your project, you will need to compare security standards. Residential developers and housing associations need to be familiar with 3 important security standards:

● PAS24 doors
● LPS1175 doors
● STS202 doors

The PAS24 certificate is the minimum standard when it comes to safety doors. MInimum standard doors are not designed to withstand high levels of pressure. A door with PAS24 certification will resist minor attacks such as kicking, shoulder barging, lock picking, and destruction of the handle. You can also find fire-resistant PS24 door sets.

The STS202 and LPS1175 certificates for safety doors offer higher levels of security when it comes to resisting intruders’ attacks. Each certification has various security rating classification. Lower ratings are best-suited for opportunistic attacks on residential community front doors. On the other hand, higher ratings can be a great option for small shops and offices.

Residential developments also need to consider fire door standards, such as BS 476 Part 22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1/2/3: 2008. These determine fire resistance. Fire-resistant doors should be assessed frequently for safety and maintenance.

Why you don’t get a second chance with safety doors

Security doors can be expensive to design and install, especially if you accidentally select the wrong door specifications for your needs. The wrong door can fail to keep residents safe, leading to a rise in crimes and risks. When 40% of burglary incidents in England and Wales involve breaking through the door, a mistake could have dramatic consequences. In housing communities, residents are entitled to legal compensations when break-ins can be linked to the lack of appropriate security doors.

The choice of door design and specifications can prevent or encourage crimes and incidents. UK Fire and Security Doors is a safety door supplier committed to providing high-quality design and installation services for all your needs.

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