A secure entrance door is more than a lock fitted to a door panel. Every part of the complete door set must work together, from the locking mechanism and frame to the glazing, hinges and final installation. If one part is poorly specified or fitted, it can affect the performance of the whole door.
At Hanley Trade Frames, we manufacture uPVC doors for trade customers across Stoke on Trent and the surrounding areas. Our made to measure doors are available in a wide choice of styles, colours, finishes, glazing options and hardware, which makes them able to suit any project.
A traditional single point lock secures the door in just one location. Modern doors commonly use a multi point locking system, which engages at several positions along the door sash when the handle is lifted and the key is turned.
By spreading the locking points along the door, this type of system helps hold the sash firmly against the frame. It can make the door more resistant to forced entry while also supporting a consistent seal against draughts and rain.
The cylinder is another important consideration. It should be correctly sized so that it does not project unnecessarily beyond the handle or protective furniture.
The handles, keeps, and lock mechanism must also be compatible and fitted correctly. Even good quality hardware cannot perform as intended if it has been poorly adjusted.
The frame supports the door and gives the locking points somewhere secure to engage. It must remain square, stable and firmly fixed within the opening.
Modern uPVC door profiles use internal chambers that contribute to strength and thermal performance. Reinforcement may also be specified where required, depending on the door design, dimensions and hardware. Correct placement of frame fixings is equally important, particularly near hinges and lock keeps.
Our uPVC doors are made to measure, helping trade customers achieve an accurate fit for each project. The range includes a variety of panel designs, colours, finishes and decorative glazing choices, making it possible to match different property styles without overlooking practical performance.
Poor alignment can prevent the locks from engaging smoothly and may place unnecessary pressure on the hardware.
Glazing can bring natural light into an entrance, but it needs to be specified with safety and security in mind. Secure glazing is not only about the glass itself. The glazing system, beads and method used to retain the sealed unit are also important.
Toughened or laminated safety glass may be selected to suit the requirements of the project. Laminated glass contains an interlayer that helps hold the glass together if it is damaged, while toughened glass is designed to break into smaller pieces rather than sharp shards.
The position of the glazing should also be considered. Where glass sits close to a handle or lock, the overall door design and glazing specification require careful thought. Decorative glass can provide added privacy while giving the entrance a distinctive appearance.
Solid door panels must also sit securely within the sash. The panel, beads and gaskets should fit correctly so there are no weak areas or unwanted movement.
Security depends on accurate measuring, suitable fixings and careful adjustment. Hinges must support the sash correctly, lock keeps must align with the mechanism, and the frame must not twist during installation.
For help choosing secure, made-to-measure uPVC or aluminium doors for your next project, get in touch with Hanley Trade Frames.
Learn more about our uPVC, composite and aluminium door ranges or get a quote from our team today.
