Protect Your Buildings Assets with Security Doors

Door locks – a buying guide.

Doors and windows are how most burglars attempt to access our homes, so it is imperative that we fit some decent locks. The best lock for you will depend on the material of your door, the type of door, and the level of protection you require. Here we take a look at the types of locks available and some of their applications.

Mortice sashlock – for timber doors.

This type of lock is a mortice lock combined with a handle that operates the latch mechanism. This allows you to open and close the door without the need for a key, and to lock it with a key as you leave the house.

A three lever sashlock provides a mid-level of security whereas the five lever version provides a higher level. Five lever locks are usually used on back doors which require high levels of protection. Three lever sashlocks are typically installed on internal doors which need to be lockable. When you buy a mortice lock of any kind, make sure that it conforms to BS3621 and that it has the Kite Mark. This British Standard is a mark of quality and is also recognised by insurance companies. Timber doors, fitted with five lever BS3621 sashlocks, are considered to be high security doors (compared to other residential lock/door combinations) and can reduce the cost of home insurance.

Mortice deadlock – for timber doors.

A deadlock is usually used on a front door in tandem with a nightlatch. It is a key-operated single bolt. Deadlocks are fitted at waist height which gives extra security, and they can be locked from inside and out. Make sure you remove the key from the lock, once you have locked the door. Any letterbox should be fitted at a distance of at least 400mm from the deadlock.

Nightlatch – for timber doors.

A nightlatch secures front doors and other external doors. It is mounted at around shoulder height and has a spring loaded latch which allows you to simply shut the door behind you to lock it. Nightlatches are very useful but they should always be used in conjunction with a deadlock. Many people use their nightlatch during the day and their deadlock and nightlatch at night. Remember – with a nightlatch, you can lock yourself out, so make sure you have your key with you before leaving the house.

Rim cylinder – for timber doors.

The rim cylinder is the mechanism that fits into a hole through a door and allows a nightlatch to be opened from the outside. Nightlatches are usually sold with a rim cylinder included but you can also buy replacements should you need to.

Euro cylinder – for PVCu doors

The euro cylinder is a vital part of many locks including multi-point ones used with PVCu doors, and also with some mortice locks on timber doors. They are very easy to replace, and changing a cylinder is a simple way to 'change your locks'. Prior to purchase, make sure that you know the size and type of cylinder you need.

Top quality locks may cost you a little extra, but they provide high levels of peace of mind and can also reduce your home insurance premium. It is worth remembering that a lock is only as secure as the frame and the door that it is fitted to. External doors should be solid, and the door frames should be fully intact and absolutely rigidly fixed. If you require higher levels of protection, you may want to look into having some specialist Security doors fitted.

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