Types of doors

Find information on Doors, garage doors, internal and external doors, patio doors and french doors.

  
   
External Doors  

External doors are doors to the outside of the property. The construction of an external door differs from an internal door as they must be stronger to help prevent break in and also better able to deal with everything that the British weather can throw at it.

From a security point of view current recommendations for an extrnal door are:

The police recommendations for the construction of external doors are:

  • The should be of solid construction
  • At least 44mm (1 3/4") thick
  • Any panels should be not less than 9mm (3/8") thick
  • They should be secured on three 100mm (4") steel (not cast) or brass hinges
  • Any glass in or immediately next to the door should be laminated. Outward opening doors should be fitted with hinge bolts.
 
   
Final Exit Door  
This is the same as an external door but the secyurity on a final exit door must be operated from both inside and outside - for most residential properties the front front door is the final exit door.  
   
Internal Doors  

Interanal doors have no real stength they are really cosmetic devices and help stop drafts to a particular room. Unless you have a strong internal door e.g. made out of solid wood for example it is is best not to lock these and a burgular will just do more damage inside your home.

 
   
Patio Doors & French Doors  
French Doors should be treated as glazed external doors. If possible you should have two key operated bolts for each door (one at the top and one at the bottom). Patio doors should be fitted with multi-point (preferably four point) locks and anti-lift blocks to prevent someone simply taking the door out.
   
Garage Doors
  
Up and over doors are much more difficult to secure. If buying new, choose a door with two, or preferably four point locking. Hinged garage doors, especially if to the standards of external doors detailed above, are the easiest to make secure.