Why Security Doors Are Essential When Renovating Old Buildings

Find the best security doors at UK Fire and Security Doors for all of your renovation needs based in West Midlands, UK.

When security is the topic at hand, one of the main points of the discussion is communal security doors. They are a vital part of any safety infrastructure; however, many older buildings do not have suitable security doors in place. It is essential to learn about different types of security doors, the standards of protection, the area in which the doors are located and what the applicable regulations state regarding this subject matter.

Why are security doors essential when upgrading old buildings?

Charles Drive

 

Older buildings, in many instances, simply do not have doors that meet today’s safety and security standards. Those older doors were designed and installed long before legislation was upgraded and modernized for the needs of today’s world. Aesthetics and the utility of having a door were the main purposes. While those are still desirable attributes when choosing a door, crime safe doors and high levels of security are part of the national trend towards continued vigilance and safety standards. This is a necessity when trying to combat Anti-Social Behavior in communal areas of buildings and keep your tenants safe.

What are the standards of protection, and what do they mean?

The doors are submitted to an independent regulator who issue ceritifcation to companies who meet their rigorous testing procedures. A sample of varying doors from the manufacturer is meticulously tested by this agency. The testing body also inspects the manufacturing installation and the related facility management. If the tests are passed, the security doors’ manufacturer will be given the designation of certificated to PAS 24  or similar security standards and the fit for purpose grade. Many manufacturers will go above and beyond this fit for purpose level.

Whilst some buildings may not require any particular level of security or standards to be met, by holding these certifications and accreditations we reinforce our position as one of the most tried and trusted security door installers in the UK. Just because a door doesn’t require a certain certificate does not mean that the door will not require a level of security. We regularly work with councils and housing associations who have older buildings that have been upgraded multiple times but are experiencing high levels of vandalism. In this situation we can offer a more durable door set, upgrading the magnetic locks that may be present to a higher holding force unit or possibly changing the glazing present in the doors from glass to a vandalism resistant polycarbonate insert.

Please feel free to contact UK Fire and Security Doors if you are unsure on what can be done to make your building/s more secure, there are always options available and we are happy to advise and assist.

What does the UK Government legislation say on door security?

Even as the government legislation applies increased door security standards to new dwellings only, it is both imperative and proactive to include all homes when renovating older buildings that are not up to modern safety standards. Crime safe doors are necessary for every place that is called home, not just new construction. Everyone deserves safety. There is specific guidance on what communal security doors should provide for new construction that should also be considered when installing new crime safe doors on old building renovations. We regularly offer and install high security doors for older buildings that may not, on paper, require such a level of certification – but in reality, a basic door set would not suffice.

For example, an older building may be able to accept a standard 2GG design with low strength magnetic locks and a minimal thickness of glazing – but in real world practice that door may be experiencing a level of treatment that requires our high security Portcullis design, with 2x 500kg holding force magnetic locks, polycarbonate inserts and upgraded handles to minimize the risk of abuse and maximize the longevity of the unit. Another example is that letter plates should have a recommended maximum opening for the insertion of postal items only and to prevent an uninvited attempt to access interior handles or keys. Peace of mind is essential both in these uncertain times as well as in the best of times. Seek out the security door professionals at UK Fire and Security Doors – we are based in the West Midlands but offer a national service for supply and installation services. Having solid and dependable security doors in place will alleviate a multitude of concerns and worries - allowing you to take care of what is most important in life.

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