Overview
A properly-specified composite door is the most secure front door you can buy for a domestic UK property. But 'composite door' covers everything from PAS24-tested doorsets with 3-star cylinders down to budget imports with 1-star locks and stapled beading. The audit below tells you which end of the scale yours sits on.
Symptoms
- You don't know what standard your door was tested to.
- Cylinder has no visible kitemark.
- Hinges are visible from outside (no anti-lift studs).
- Glazing beads look loose or are on the outside.
Common causes
- Original spec was budget rather than PAS24.
- Cylinder was never upgraded from the 1-star it shipped with.
- Fitters used generic hinges instead of security hinges.
When to call a professional
- Any missing element - book a security assessment.
Prevention
- Upgrade weakest link first (usually the cylinder).