Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows, discusses home security features
Home security is essential. A home is where families rest, entertain, and raise children, so it should be the safest place possible. Our research shows that security is the top priority for nearly 40 percent of homeowners. Investing in high-quality windows and doors is therefore a strong move that will make new build properties more desirable when the time comes to sell. So, how do you ensure that the property development you’re working on is safe and sound?
The bare necessities
Professional builders should only install products that meet the PAS:24 and Document Q compliance regulations. However, these are just minimum requirements. Document Q regulation covers anything that can provide an easy access point to a building, including garage doors. For apartments or multi-occupancy buildings, the regulation covers any door intended to provide privacy or security to the occupant. If a door connects a communal area with a private one, then it must meet these standards too. Any door or window that is marketed as compliant with Document Q will have been tested to ensure it meets the requirements of PAS:24.
PAS:24 is a British Standard that specifies enhanced security performance requirements for doors and windows. It covers aspects such as locking systems, hinges, and the overall security performance of the products.
Exceeding regulations
Professional builders working on residential properties should be prioritising security beyond the minimum requirements. There are additional standards which test products further for homebuyers’ ultimate peace of mind. For example, Secured By Design (SBD), is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings. All systems in the Origin Home range can meet PAS:24 and Document Q compliance regulations and many of them also boast the police-approved SBD accreditation.
When it comes to individual features, nearly a third of intruders break in by forcing the lock, so this is a key area for consideration. High-quality doors will have tamper-proof options, such as coded magnetic keys or a 3-star barrel, which prevent intruders picking, or drilling the lock.
Builders should also opt for doors and windows that have multi-point locking systems, furthering the overall security of the product. These secure the system at several different points for additional security.
Origin products incorporate extra design features to maximise security, including multi-point locking systems, high-grade hinges, strong handles, and tamper-proof cylinders. They can also accommodate the likes of toughened glass for additional security.
For example, Origin doors can have a unique 8-point locking system and 3-star diamond cylinder for the highest level of protection. For ultimate reassurance, Origin windows use either the Yale Encloser lock or the Nemesis multi-point lock, which are proven to boost security.
Weaving security into aesthetics
However, homebuyers don’t want to compromise aesthetics for security. Homeowners want to feel safe in their homes without compromising on natural light or views, so it’s essential for professional builders to get the balance right.
Aluminium’s innate strength and durability make for secure and resilient door and window frames. Compared to wood or steel, aluminium has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio. Origin uses premium grade aluminium which allows for slim sightlines, whilst not compromising on security, performance, or operation.
To finish
It’s crucial for professional builders to ensure that all doors and windows installed in a property comply with the minimum security requirements specified. However, opting to invest in high-quality windows and doors from manufacturers that go beyond the bare minimum will support you in making your properties more appealing to potential homebuyers, both now and in the future.
To learn more about Origin and its range of windows and doors, visit Origin Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors & Windows | 20 Year Guarantee (origin-global.com).
