The front door is one of the most important security features of any home. As both a focal point of the property and a main point of entry, it’s important that your front door is properly equipped to provide protection.
When evaluating the level of protection their door provides, homeowners can easily focus on visible features such as the lock or appearance while overlooking how the core, cylinder, locking system, hardware and overall construction work together.
This article is a simple myth-busting guide to help homeowners understand what really matters when choosing a new front door.
Common Security Myths & The Facts
- Myth: All Composite Doors Offer the Same Security
Fact: Construction and security specifications vary between different manufacturers and doors. Look beyond the “composite” label at the core, locking system, cylinder and tested security performance.
- Myth: The Lock Is the Only Part That Matters
Fact: A secure front door relies on all of its parts working together. This includes the core construction, locking cylinder, hinges and hardware.
- Myth: A Thicker Door Is Automatically More Secure
Fact: Thicker doesn’t automatically mean more secure. A door’s materials, construction, and complete security specification are equally important.
- Myth: All Composite Doors Have a Solid Timber Core
Fact: Composite doors can use different core materials. Endurance Doors feature a 48mm solid timber core made from 15 cross-laminated layers of engineered timber.
- Myth: One Locking Point Is Enough
Fact: Homeowners should consider the complete locking system and how it secures the doorset rather than judging security by a single locking point.
- Myth: Lock Cylinders Are All Basically the Same
Fact: A locking cylinder’s security can vary significantly. Look for features designed to resist common attack methods such as snapping, picking and bumping. Endurance composite doors feature a 3* ABS master cylinder for added protection.
- Myth: Security Means Compromising on Style
Fact: Modern composite doors allow homeowners to combine security with a wide choice of door styles, colours, glazing and hardware.
- Myth: Glazed Doors Can’t Be Secure
Fact: Glazing doesn’t necessarily make a door less secure. The glazing specification and security features should be considered as part of the complete doorset.
- Myth: If a Door Looks Strong, It Must Be Secure
Fact: Appearance isn’t evidence of security performance. Look at the door’s construction, locking specification and independently tested security standards where available.
- Myth: PAS 24 Applies to Every Composite Door
Fact: Don’t just assume every composite door has the same certification. Selected Endurance doors are available to PAS 24:2022 specification, so homeowners should check the specification of the particular door they are considering.
- Myth: Once Installed, Door Security Needs No Attention
Fact: Doors and locking components should be operated and maintained correctly. Following the manufacturer’s aftercare guidance can help keep everything working as intended.
- Myth: Security Guarantees Cover Every Type of Break-In
Fact: Guarantees have specific terms and conditions. Endurance’s £2,000 Security Guarantee relates specifically to qualifying entry achieved by snapping the ABS Master cylinder, and the guarantee must be activated and its conditions met.
What to Look for in a Secure Composite Door
There are a few important aspects to check for when looking for a secure composite door:
- Core construction – what’s inside the door?
- Locking system and cylinder – what security features are included?
- Installation – use an experienced installer to ensure the doorset is fitted correctly
- Guarantees – understand what is covered and whether activation is required
