apartment fire doors from Secure House

What are the five fire safety tips?

When it comes to the five fire safety tips associated with security doors and windows, here at Secure House, we are always available to provide expert advice based on our many years’ experience. Thanks to working with a wide variety of commercial and residential property clients on both small- and large-scale projects.

From fire escapes to fire doors, there are many different ways in which a building can benefit from enhancements to fire safety. In order to provide a guide for anyone wanting to do this, we have compiled our top five fire safety tips. Read on to find out how you can further improve or include an increased level of fire safety.

Check Best  Fire Proof Doors here →

Fire safety starts with a fire escape door

A fire escape door or fire exit door is a fundamental component of both commercial and communal residential buildings. If there is a fire inside the building, which may have hundreds or thousands of people in it, there must legally be a clear route through the building to the final exit. The door at the exit (or exits as there are often multiple fire exits) must be very simple and quick to open in the event of an emergency. Fire escape doors usually open straight into to an outside space.

At the same time, there is a high level of security required by a fire escape door in order to safeguard occupants from intruders externally. These doors can be either steel or glazed, they must always be accessible from inside but it is imperative that they can be opened easily should there be a fire in the building.

Include a panic bar or emergency push pad for even easier opening

The fire escape doors that we install for clients often include a panic bar or emergency push pad to make them even easier to open. All that is required is to push down on the handle and the door will open outwards. Adding a door that has this type of handle is one of our top tips when it comes to selecting a fire escape door. It also enhances the security level of the door.

Fire doors can save lives

In comparison to fire escape doors, fire doors are more often than not installed internally in properties. The objective of a fire door is to prevent fire and smoke entering into specific areas to allow people to safely exit the building in the event of a fire.

Certified fire doors are rated according to the fire and smoke resistance they provide. This is called the FD rating. So, when it is closed, an FD30 fire door will provide up to 30 minutes protection against fire and smoke. And an FD60 door up to 60 minutes protection.

Maintain and test regularly

Testing and maintenance of both fire escape and fire doors is just as important as the testing and maintenance of escape routes. It is vital that a scheduled maintenance programme is in place along with periodic servicing and checks on all fire safety fixtures and fittings.

Call the fire brigade

Our final fire safety tip is to always call the fire brigade in the event of a fire or a suspected fire. Even if you think someone else may have already done so, it’s far better to be safe than sorry. The quicker emergency services arrive on site, the better.

If you’d like to find out more about our range of fire escape doors and fire doors, or to arrange a site consultation, please contact any of the Secure House team on 0207 859 4207 [email protected] and we can discuss your specific requirements.

 

patio doors

Tips for securing patio door to ensure home safety

Securing your patio door is essential for home safety. Patio doors are often vulnerable points of entry for burglars as they are often located at the back of the house out of sight of passers-by. As such, here at Secure House we recommend taking steps to reinforce patio doors and, in doing so, you can enhance the security of your home.

Also you can look at our industrial style doors here→

Here are some tips to help you secure your patio door.

Always install a quality lock

You should try to use a deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw. Also you should consider upgrading to a high-security lock or a smart lock with features like keyless entry and remote monitoring. A large majority of doors, including patio doors, that we install feature smart locks, they’re really worth the investment.

Use a security bar

Install a security bar or rod in the track of sliding patio doors to prevent them from being forced open. Adjustable security bars are widely available and can be easily removed whenever the door is in use.

Specify reinforced or security glass

If your patio door has glass panels, you really should consider reinforcing it with laminated or tempered security glass, which is more difficult to break than standard glass. Here at Security House, we have a wide range of security glass as well as bulletproof glass for the ultimate in home security.

Install a security system

Invest in a home security system that include sensors on all doors and windows throughout the house, not just the front and back door. Make sure it includes a loud alarm and, if possible, monitoring services. You may wish to display security system signage externally on your property to further deter potential intruders.

Add Motion-Activated Lighting

Installation of motion-activated lights near to the patio doors can be a highly cost effective way of putting would-be intruders off. It is well documented that well-lit areas around a home are less appealing to burglars.

Trim landscaping

Trim shrubs and bushes around the patio to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.

Secure sliding doors

Place a metal or wooden rod in the track of sliding doors to prevent them from being forced open. Consider installing a sliding door lock or anti-lift device to your patio doors to further enhance the doors’ security.

Upgrade the door frame

As well as opting for a high security patio door with security glazing, you can also include a reinforced door frame too. Reinforced door frames include metal plates in and around them to make them much more resistant to forced entry by intruders.

Use security cameras

Install security cameras to monitor the patio area. Visible cameras really do act as a deterrent, and recorded footage can aid in investigations should the worst ever ocurr.

Lock doors when you’re away

It almost goes without say but, please, please, please always lock your patio door when leaving your home, even if it’s just for a short period of time.

If you’d like to find out more about how to secure your existing patio doors or you’re considering installing some, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the Secure House team on 0207 859 4207 [email protected]

concertina doors

A buyers’ guide to concertina doors

Concertina doors – often referred to as folding doors – are a great way to open up a room or provide an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional means of linking a home to its garden or outdoor space. Thanks to their continued inclusion in home design programmes and in social media, they’re a popular choice for homeowners who want to update or improve their property.

When it comes to purchasing concertina doors, there are several factors that we recommend you bear in mind. If you follow our tips and ideas, you can ensure you choose the right set for your specific needs. So, here’s the Secure House buyer’s guide to concertina door systems!

Get the measurements correct

Before you start looking at different options, accurately measure the opening where you intend to install the concertina door system. This will help you determine the appropriate size and configuration of the doors. We offer a free, professional measuring service for all of our customers, please just ask.

Material and quality gains

Modern concertina doors are available in a variety of materials including wood, vinyl, aluminium, or glass. Consider the durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal of each material. Additionally, ensure that the doors are made of high-quality materials to guarantee their longevity and durability as they will, hopefully, be used on a daily basis.

Style icon

Use the various materials available to create your own stylish design. Choose from concertina doors with solid panels, louvered panels, glass panels or a combination of all three. Always take into account the overall aesthetic of your space and create a style that complements and enhances its functionality.

What’s the ideal configuration?

One of the key benefits of concertina doors is that they can be configured in different ways, such as bi-fold, tri-fold, or multi-fold designs. Ask yourself these two key questions: what is the available space? And what is the intended purpose of the doors? Think carefully about what exactly you want to achieve, and you’ll be in position to determine the most suitable configuration for your needs.

A secure haven

Is security or privacy is a key concern for you? If so we recommend that you look for concertina door systems that offer additional features such as locks or opaque panels. This will provide you and with peace of mind and ensure the desired level of security and privacy for your home, creating a secure haven within.

Optimum operation

If possible, try to test the smoothness and ease of operation of the concertina doors before making a purchase. They should open and close smoothly without any resistance or difficulty. You should be able to open them with one hand too, not have to use two hands and all your strength! Look at options with a high-quality track system and rollers to ensure easy and reliable operation.

Go green

Energy efficiency is increasingly important to homeowners, particularly as UK energy prices show no sign to decreasing. If environmental impact and striving to reduce gas and electricity bills are on your agenda, seek out concertina doors with good insulation properties. This will help to reduce heat transfer and enhance the energy efficiency of your home.

The personal touch

With the right manufacturer and supplier, you can add your own personal touch through customisation. Select a company that offers the ability for a bespoke option for the concertina doors, such as colour choices, finishes, or additional features. This will allow you to personalise the doors to suit your specific requirements.

Professional installation and warranty

We would always suggest that you employ the services of a professional door installer to fit your concertina doors. The majority of door companies provide a professional installation service when you make a purchase from them. As the same time, be sure to ask about the warranty provided for the concertina door system just in case there are manufacturing defects or issues following installation.

If you’d like to find out more concertina doors or folding doors, feel free to contact any of the Secure House team on 0207 859 4207 [email protected]

garage door Herndon

Guide on garage door installation from Secure House

When it comes to garage door installation, we’re quite the experts here at Secure House as we design, manufacture and install thousands of garage doors for our clients every year.

At Secure House, we have a wide range of off-the-shelf garage doors as well as the opportunity to design your own bespoke garage door for installation by our professional and highly experienced installation team. It has always been our focus to help you make sure that your home and grounds are safe and secure and a large part of that is the correct garage door installation from start to finish.

Check our Up and Over Garage Doors →

Fit for purpose garage door installation

Selecting a garage door is a key element for any property from both security and design perspectives. A garage door must be fit for purpose but also enhance and complement the house that adjoins or is adjacent to it. And there are many types of garage door to choose from, each of which has subtly different installation demands and requirements.

Before you choose a garage door, we recommend taking time to think through what you need from your garage and how you want it to work for you. Lots of people wish to store a car or cars in a garage but there are lots of other uses. Nowadays, garages are often used as a useful extension to a home and, if the garage is weatherproof and has a power source, they can be utilised to house white goods such as a fridge freezer and/or washing machine and dryer.

Designed and installed to suit your requirements

It goes without saying that all of our garage doors can be designed and installed to suit any specific requirements. And a garage door doesn’t have to be a solid door. Glazed garage doors are one of our best sellers and to underline our commitment to securing your property, you can select security glazing for added peace of mind.

High gloss garage doors are also an increasingly sought-after alternation to a traditional powder coated metal finish and we’re one of the only garage door companies in the UK to provide these. Just ask us!

If you’re looking to add a little extra space within your garage, a roller or sectional garage door is worth considering. These types of doors slide up into the garage’s roof in sections taking up very little room and, whilst they are a little more time-consuming to install, they are great space saving doors.

We have also worked with many customers over the years who have converted their garage into a home office or games room but have wanted to keep the garage look and feel by replacing an old garage door with a new one that is entirely fit for purpose.

Easy to install

Of course, one of the easiest types of garage door to install are traditional side-hinged garage doors. These are very popular in mews houses or properties in conservation areas where aesthetics are paramount. Our installation teams install side-hinged garage doors of varying shapes and sizes and they usually are hinged to open outwards thus allowing for more room within the garage for storage purposes.

If you want the very best quality garage doors and the most professional garage door installation, you’re in the right place here at Secure House.

For more information about garage door installation from Secure House or to discover our garage door range, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0207 859 4207 [email protected]

Security Door

Wrap up your home security this Christmas

Christmas is a time when many of us make valuable gift purchases for loved ones (and ourselves). Sadly it’s also a time when opportunistic burglaries take place, and our research shows that electronics, cash and jewellery are the most attractive swag for thieves. Here are some steps you can take to help keep your property safe over the festive season.

According to our research, three quarters of homes don’t have a burglar alarm fitted. Even if you live in a built-up area (semi-detached houses are the most at risk from thieves) it’s worth investing in an alarm for your home.

Hide your presents

Keep valuables in a safe place, and out of sight from the windows/doors. Even discarded boxes outside your home can act as an incentive to would-be burglars. Recycle your packaging as soon as possible or breakdown the boxes into small pieces and hide in bin-liners, especially when recycling collections over the festive period can be few and far between.

No room at the inn

Don’t invite in unwanted guests by keeping keys in windows and doors. Even hiding a spare key near the front door can be an invitation….professional burglars know where to look.

Shine a light

If you’re planning on being out for a few hours or overnight, leaving a small lamp on so it looks like someone’s home can act as a deterrent for would-be thieves. Timer switches are a great way to ensure the light’s only on for the minimum amount of time required. It’s also worth considering an outdoor security light, our research found only a quarter of you have them fitted.

Learn what is the best material for security doors →

Take photos of valuable items you have so you have a record of them, and security mark them if you can, with your postcode and house number. Security markers (that show up under UV light) are great for this.

(Research conducted by OnePoll who surveyed 3000 British homeowners and 32 police forces in Great Britain.)