Selecting the perfect door for the workplace can prove trying for business owners at times. On one hand they’re trying to make their business look inviting to their customers, and on the other they’re trying to render their business premises as secure as possible with a strong, sturdy security door. This would lead most to believe that what they should look at sourcing is a combination of the two – an attractive, inviting door that’s also solid and secure, and they’re right; moreover sourcing a door of this description is actually very easy when working with the right locksmith. 

Frames and doors

When selecting a security door the frame is a good place to start. The three materials most commonly used in the production of door frames are aluminium, metal alloy or steel. Since aluminium and metal alloy aren’t as strong as steel the door frame must be made wider to increase its strength. This is something to discuss with the locksmith who takes care of your door installation, and they’ll point out the main difference between installing an aluminium or metal alloy door and one made of steel is that the former two need to be almost six inches wide for strength whilst steel frames need only be 2 –3 inches wide. This difference allows for a remarkable difference in air flow (about 40% in some cases) and visibility. 

The door you select for your business should match the frame on which it’s mounted, and as you’ll quickly realise when sourcing a security door, you’ve even more options regarding materials when selecting a door than when selecting a frame. Bear in mind the door you install for your workplace should be visually appealing, and that the door is one of the most defining features of your workplace and one your customers notice above all else. 

Longevity 

As with your windows and security grilles, you’ll also have to give some thought to the issue of longevity with the doors that you have installed on your business premises. One of the biggest issues regarding doors and longevity concerns rust, as rust can take its toll on a security door and therefore increase the business owner’s outlay over time. Aluminium offers the best rust resistant qualities of the three materials, since it won’t rust at all, though it is the most expensive. Metal alloy and steel doors, if treated properly, won’t show signs of rust for a number of years, in many cases as long as ten years, after which they can be recoated.  

Locks 

It’s imperative to have good locks for your doors but remember that the locks you have fitted on your door are only as good as the frame on which the door is hung. This is because anyone who’s prepared to use force to open the door of your business premises need only exert the right amount of pressure to push the door off the frame and even an excellent security lock won’t prevent this from occurring. Selecting the right locks for your doors at work is certainly something to discuss with a reputable locksmith in Windsor, perhaps one recommended to you by a business peer, and you’ve a number of locks to select from. A 5 lever mortice deadlock is what locksmiths will generally recommend, and don’t forget about your insurance company requirements, because most insurance companies will insist upon a 5 lever mortice deadlock, though some will accept a rim automatic deadlock. However, something all companies will insist upon is that the deadbolt must be manufactured to British Standard 3621, or European Standard EN12209, the European equivalent.

Started in 2001, J J Locksmiths is a company specialising in extra security measures. To know more about the services of a locksmith in Windsor, refer to jj-locksmiths.co.uk.