How do I strengthen my uPVC door?

The best way to upgrade the security of your uPVC door is by fitting an anti-snap / snap secure lock which can prevent lock snapping from happening. The advantages of having an anti-snap lock instead of a standard budget euro-cylinder lock are: A higher level of security than normal euro cylinder locks.

locksmiths.co.uk - 5 Quick Tips to Secure your uPVC Door - Master Locksmiths Association

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uPVC doors are one of the most common door types in the UK, so our approved locksmiths are always asked: “how can I make my uPVC door more secure?” Here we give you 5 ways you can upgrade the security of your uPVC door by adding extra security locks without it costing a fortune.

5 Tips to Improve uPVC Door Security

The following security additions and extra locks are in order of relevance from most important.

1. Anti Snap Lock

The best way to upgrade the security of your uPVC door is by fitting an anti-snap / snap secure lock which can prevent lock snapping from happening. The advantages of having an anti-snap lock instead of a standard budget euro-cylinder lock are:

A higher level of security than normal euro cylinder locks

Tested against lock snapping and lock bumping

Anti-pick – cannot be picked open

Important Security Note

To be anti-snap the lock MUST be the correct standard which is either a) SS312 Diamond or b) TS007 3 Star.

Anti Snap locks can also be fitted to Composite & Timber Doors.

Price of Anti-Snap Lock

The cost to fit anti snap lock including labour is approx from £110, the average price of an anti-snap lock is from £50 for supply only.

Find out prices to change locks here.

2. Door Handle

A high-security uPVC door handle is a great security extra for any uPVC door, although the handle must be the correct security standard such as TS007 2 Star or Police Approved.

Why a Handle will Improve your Door Security

The security of your uPVC door will be improved as high-security handles protect the euro cylinder and are tested against burglar attacks, also they are normally twice as thick as normal handles.

Price of uPVC Door Handle

A door handle for a uPVC door will cost from £40 for one that is high security but due to the different sizes and types we always recommend they are supplied and fitted by professional locksmiths.

Price to Fit Door Handle

The price for a locksmith to fit a uPVC door handle will cost from £90.

3. Sash Jammers

Having Sash Jammers professionally fitted can improve the security of any uPVC door in a simple and cheap effective way. Sash jammers prevent the door from opening if the door lock is broken or opened. Sash Jammers are available as locking and non-locking versions, they can also be fitted to French Doors and uPVC windows.

Price of a Sash Jammer

A Sash Jammer can cost from £10, you will need to fit 2 to a uPVC front door. A more secure sash jammer that locks from the outside will be slightly more expensive. Correct fitting is however vitally important so we recommend you speak to your local professional locksmith about supplying and fitting them

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4. Hinge Bolts/Dog Bolts

Hinges bolts also known as Dog Bolts are used to improve the security of uPVC doors and can be fitted to any outward opening door. When the door is closed hinge bolts will prevent the door from being forced open off the hinges.

Hinges Bolts will Improve Door Security For…

You can secure hinge dolts to the following types of doors:

uPVC doors

Wooden doors

Hinge bolts should be fitted to all outward opening doors at a position of approximately a quarter of the door height from the top and bottom of the door, but not within 150 mm of the top or bottom hinges.

Cost of Hinge Bolts

The supply only price of hinge bolts will be from £10 for a pack of 2.

5. Door Chain

Door chains are available that be can be fitted to uPVC doors. A door chain allows you to see who as at the door before allowing the person to enter. We recommend any door chain you fit has Secured by Design accreditation (Police Approved).

Security Note:

Although a door chain on its own should NOT be your only security prevention on a uPVC door, it should always be an extra.

Price of a Door Chain

A door chain that fits a uPVC door will cost from £20.

Summary

The quickest way you can improve the security of your uPVC door is to get your local MLA locksmith to upgrade the standard of your door lock and handles fitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you put extra locks on uPVC doors?

You can upgrade the security of a uPVC door by replacing your euro cylinder lock to an anti-snap euro cylinder lock. Also, a Sash Jammer is an additional security extra that can be locked from the outside or inside and can be added to uPVC doors.

2. Are uPVC door locks secure?

To secure your uPVC door locks you must use the correct standard of euro cylinder lock. The most secure standards are SS312 Diamond approved lock OR at least Kitemarked to TS007 3 Star, both these standards include testing to protect against lock snapping.