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These types of security measure are often overlooked, but ignore them at your peril. Garage doors and patio doors are key aspects of your security perimeter and they need to be of a high standard to prevent intruders from gaining access to your property. Garages Garages are often full of valuable items like cars, expensive tools and other equipment. There’s the value of the equipment and tools to consider, but also consider that the tools could be used to gain further access to more secure areas of your home. It is imperative that you don’t leave your garage unlocked at any time (particularly if it provides a route in to your home); doors should be made of a strong metal like aluminium wherever possible and should be durable enough so it cannot be kicked in. Use additional heavy duty padlocks to secure the door in place. If you have windows you should fit locks and bars and if you own ladders they should be locked up and secured inside your garage. Lockable steel boxes should be used to safely secure expensive tools and you should mark any tools or machinery permanently with your postcode. Patio Doors Patio doors, especially older models and designs, are notoriously easy for criminals to dismantle or smash in order to gain access to your home. Some old designs have plastic catches and can actually be lifted off their runners with consummate ease using only a basic implement like a regular garden spade. Things have improved these days, but you should always ensure that you have doors fitted which are up to the PAS24:2012 certification standard. This is for new installations; however how can you improve the security of your old patio doors? Well there are a couple of things you can do right away. Firstly, you can fit a timber batten in the top frame to prevent them being lifted off their tracks (by limiting the amount the doors can be lifted). Secondly, you can purchase a pair of patio door locks and fit them to enhance your patio’s door security. You should fit them on to the bottom frame or alternatively you could fit them on to the stile on the fixed door; either will do the job. You should also consider upgrading you existing locks. The vast majority of home insurers insist that these locks are five lever or BS3621 (BS8621 or BS10621) mortice. Rim night latches are also appropriate. Your local locksmith can advise you on what would be most beneficial for your existing doors.
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Patio, Door, Security,
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