Did you know that 76 per cent of burglars enter through a door, with 59% coming through the front door?
It’s no surprise, then, that a common question is: ‘What is the best front door for security?’
Keeping your home and business premises safe and secure is one of a home and business owner’s biggest priorities.
You can install security cameras and alarms, but security begins with your door and windows, particularly the door to your main entrance.
At Manchester Window Factory, we provide and install a variety of high-quality secure front and back doors in uPVC, aluminium, and composite timber.
In this blog, we’ll outline what you need to know to choose a highly secure front door to protect your loved ones and belongings.
What makes a front door secure?
There are a couple of aspects determining how secure your front door is. Firstly, there are the materials used. Next, you need to evaluate the strength of the frame and any glass included in the design.
How the door locks and how easy the lock is to manipulate significantly affects a door’s security. Last but not least comes the extra security systems, such as additional locks, alarms, and security cameras.
The best door depends on your needs and budget. For example, you would probably choose a different front door style for your warehouse or commercial business premises than you would for your home.
Heavy-duty security front doors
If you are looking for a heavy-duty security front door, such as for a business premises or garage, you probably want to go with steel. Built to withstand a significant amount of force, steel may not be as attractive as some other options, but it is usually the most secure option. Steel doors are also surprisingly inexpensive, depending on the size and style.
Residential security front doors
You may have more considerations for the front and back doors of your home. Of course, security is of paramount importance, but your front door contributes heavily to the overall first impression your home makes. A steel security door may lack curb appeal and even be considered an eyesore by neighbours, depending on the design.
Most homeowners are looking for a door that will provide maximum security while blending into their existing architecture and decor.
We offer a range of customisation options, from colours and finishes to door furniture and glazing options, to ensure you get the door you need.
Both techniques give the frosted glass a higher level of opacity and, therefore, privacy, than other types of obscure glass, such as satin glass.
Sandblasted glass offers better light transmission than acid-etched frosted glass.
Different door styles
When talking about door styles, we may refer to either the look of the door or the materials used.
Popular front door styles include:
- Barn/stable/dairy – a down that splits horizontally in the middle
- Craftsman – features moulding, shelves or decorative window panels
- Arch top – make a statement with arches and ellipticals
- Modern farmhouse – sleeker, more contemporary double doors
- Wood panelled – vertical wood panelling creates a rustic yet modern feel
- Traditional with side glass – a farmhouse modern hybrid with glass side panels
- Modern – Often black or tan but can be bold colours such as hot pink or yellow
Timber front doors
The traditional choice, timber front doors, are highly secure as well as aesthetically appealing.
One issue with timber doors is that they require regular maintenance and can warp over time. This can weaken the frame, making the door less secure.
Aluminium front doors
Our slimline aluminium doors can be used as front or back doors, with benefits including thermal efficiency, durability and natural light transmission. With laminated glass, Ultion door barrels and multi-point locks, they are also safe and secure. Another advantage of aluminium front or back doors is that they can be made to fit any space and come in a variety of styles, colours, and finishes.
Solidor front doors
Our Solidor composite doors are manufactured in the UK using sustainably sourced timber and lead-free frames. Strong and durable, with built-in multi-point locking systems and Ultion door barrels, Solidor doors are also highly energy-efficient.
The scratch and weather-resistant ABS skin is highly durable and with 18 shades from Rosewood and Golden Oak to Peacock Blue and Tangerine, you can create the look you want.
uPVC front doors
The appeal of uPVC for front doors lies mainly in its low maintenance and cost-effectiveness. However, when fitted with multi-point locking systems and Ultion door barrels, uPVC doors can also offer a high level of security.
Glazing
Glazing can add curb appeal and interest to a front door. However, it can also provide an easy access point for would-be thieves. We offer triple glazing and laminated glass in all our door designs to ensure your privacy and security.
High-security front door locks
Regardless of the style of door and material used, if your lock is weak, your home will be vulnerable to break-ins.
The most common types of locks for doors include:
- Double cylinder locks – require a key to open the door from inside or outside to provide extra security
- Smart Locks – can be operated using a phone or tablet and linked to a smart home security system
- Deadbolt lock – an extra metal bar that slides into place to lock the door, best suited to wooden, steel, and fibreglass doors
- Multi-point locking system – as it sounds, a multi-point locking system has three or more locking points, with the system sitting inside the door to make it even more difficult to tamper with
Manchester Window Factory doors are fitted with multi-point locking systems and Ultion door barrels as standard to ensure the doors meet British Police Security Standards (PBSS).
How much do secure doors cost?
The cost of a secure front door will vary depending on the following factors:
- Manufacturer
- Materials used
- Size
- Type of door
- Design
- Glazing option, if applicable
- Extras such as additional locks and alarms
The average cost of a secure front door in the UK ranges from £300 to £3,000, so you can see there are lots of variables you need to consider when making your choice.
Typically, a basic uPVC door will be at the lower end of that range, with an aluminium or composite door costing more.
The type of door, the manufacturer and particularly the materials used will affect the longevity and durability of your door. It’s important to weigh the initial cost against the long-term benefits a secure front door provides. A good front door can last up to 60 years, so this may be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for a homeowner.
Additional Costs
You should also factor in additional costs, including:
- Delivery & Installation
- Maintenance & cleaning
- Disposal of your old door
Installation may cost more depending on the area of the UK you live in, with London and other areas typically more expensive. The ease of access to the house can also affect the price. At Manchester Window Factory, we have an in-house team of professional fitters to streamline the process.
Last but not least, calculate any savings, such as reduced heating bills, due to the energy efficiency of your new door.
Insurance policy
Most home insurance policies require a minimum level of security, and the type of security door you choose can affect your policy in the event of a break-in, so always bear that in mind when choosing a new door.
Get in touch today
Want to know more? You can contact us via phone or email or visit our Altrincham showroom. Check the website for the latest opening hours, including bank holidays.
We look forward to hearing from you.
