The back door is just as vulnerable as the front, so it is important
to make sure that it is just as secure. If your home has a conservatory
with an outer and inner door, both doors must be made secure. If intruders
get through the outer door they could attack the inner door without
being seen or heard.
Security measures for wooden back doors
1.
Doors should be solid timber (not hollow)
a minimum of 44 mm (1 ¾") thick, supported by three
100mm (4") hinges. The frame to be of sound timber, securely
bolted or screwed to the walls.
2.
Fit a good 5-lever mortice sash lock with boxed staple (conforming
to British Standard BS3621) about halfway up the door (avoiding
joints in the timber).
3.
Fit hinge bolts at the hinge edge, approximately 150mm (6")
below the top hinge and 150 mm (6") above the bottom hinge.
4.
Recessed or decorative panels should be a minimum of 9mm (1/3")
thick to resist attack.
5.
Fit any glass panels within or to the side of the laminated
glass. You can strengthen existing glass by adding security
film to the inside face. Fit glass from the inside to guard
against putty or beading being removed. If this is not possible,
use glazing mastic, which is stronger than putty. You could
also fit a decorative pattern metal grille on the inside face
of glazed panels.
6.
Fit mortice rack bolts at the top (maximum height 1.5 metres
(4'11")) and bottom of the back door or fit surface-mounted,
key-operated press bolts.
Patio Doors
1.
Fit patio locks at the top and bottom of
the opening section of the patio door. There should be a minimum
of three locking points.
2.
Fit an anti-lifting device to prevent the opening door being
lifted and removed.
Double French Doors
1.
Fit security press bolts or mortice rack
bolts to the top and bottom of both doors and a 5-lever mortice
sash lock (conforming to British Standard BS 3621) on the first
opening leaf.
2.
Fit hinge bolts to both doors.
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