Timber Doors
In last weeks blog we covered uPVC and Composite doors. This week we will be exploring all the relevant security products and insurance standards that relate to timber doors.
Timber doors predominantly use either a “Yale” type lock, the correct term is called a night latch or a type of mortice lock.
A mortice deadlock is key operated only, most of the time used in conjunction with a night latch. A mortice sash lock has a latch mechanism incorporated into its own design and will need to be fitted with a pair of handles, this negates the need for a separate night latch.
Night Latches
Basic night latches tend to be cheaply manufactured, reasonably un-secure and easily bypassed via very basic entry techniques. Certainly don’t offer much in the way of defence in regards to a forced entry!
If you only have a single lock on your door and it’s a night latch, we would always recommend one that conforms to British Standard 3621 specification.
The BS3621 is a testing criteria set out by the British Standard Institute (BSI) for thief resistant locks that meets the required standard requested by your home insurance.
Security Features
The security features on a BS rated night latch are far superior to a budget version.
List of attributes a night latch has to have to be deemed British Standard approved.
• 6 pin cylinder not 5
• Armoured cylinder shroud
• Auto deadlocking and anti-slip feature
• Anti-pick
• Anti- bump
• Anti-drill
• Larger reinforced latch
• Key lockable from inside
Mortice Locks
Mortice locks tend to be a far more secure option because as their name suggests, the body of the lock is “morticed” into the door and then securely fixed in position, then a box section keep in fitted to the frame.
Just as a night latch there are varying degrees of security when talking about mortice locks. More commonly, mortice locks are manufactured with either a 2, 3 or 5 lever mechanism. There are some locks with more levers but the minimum requirement for the British Standard status is 5 so these tend to be more on the rarer side.
List of attributes a mortice lock has to have to be deemed British Standard approved.
• Minimum of 5 levers
• Anti-drill protection
• Anti-pick
• Security curtain
• Hardened/reinforced bolt
• 20mm protrusion on bolt when locked
• Box section keep
• At least 1000 differs
Top Tip
If you’re unsure whether your current lock meets the British Standard 3612 criteria, look for the British Kite mark. All BS rated locks will be stamped.
For more information about the issues we have discussed please free to contact us.
On-site Assessments and Servicing
As every installation has different requirements, ProSecure Locksmiths offers a free no obligation quote so we can find the best security solution to meet your personal needs. There are various home security packages to meet with every budget.
To arrange a on-site survey don’t hesitate to give us a call…
How ProSecure Locksmiths Can Help
At ProSecure Locksmiths we offer home security assessments so that you will have a tailor made solution to meet your specific requirements. We also provide home insurance surveys to make sure the criteria of your policy are being met.
At ProSecure Locksmiths we are proud to be an official Yale Smart Security Partner. Working with leading industry brands such as Yale means we can offer the latest in home security products. A recent report found that 47% of all burglaries are “spur of the moment” attacks and having a brand renowned for security could in itself be an effective visual deterrent.