Why late May is the right time to check security
May is when families start booking summer trips and when burglary stats begin to climb. The week before you go away is the wrong moment to discover the back door cylinder is loose or the patio door hinges have worked themselves out of true. The right moment is now: a 30-minute walk round the house with a checklist, and a phone call if anything obvious needs attention.
The basics are covered across our doors range and individual product pages. Whether you’ve got a single front door to look at or a full perimeter of windows and doors, the same principles apply.
For the front entrance specifically, our composite doors page covers the modern security spec — multi-point locking, anti-snap cylinders, reinforced frames — that distinguishes good doors from cheap ones.
The same approach extends across our windows range, where shootbolt locking, laminated glass options and quality hardware come as standard rather than upgrades.
We’re not in the alarm or CCTV business. This guide focuses on the things we actually do, windows and doors, and where the common weak points are. For a wider perspective, the Secured by Design website is the police-backed independent reference for residential security standards.
Front door: cylinder, hinges, and frame
The front door is the typical point of entry for opportunistic burglars. The single biggest weakness on most older uPVC and composite doors is the cylinder lock. Cheaper standard cylinders can be ‘snapped’ in under 30 seconds with basic tools. Upgrading to a TS 007 three-star or Sold Secure Diamond rated cylinder is one of the cost-effective security improvements you can make — often under £100 fitted.
Hinges, especially on older doors, can work loose over years of use. A door that doesn’t pull tight into its frame when locked is a door that can be levered open. Check that hinges are firm, screws are tight, and the door closes flush all the way round. If the multi-point locking mechanism doesn’t engage smoothly, that’s another sign things need attention. The Police Crime Prevention Initiatives website has practical advice on residential security and what to prioritise.
Back doors and patio doors: often the weakest point
Back doors are often older, less used, and given less attention than the front. They’re also where most break-ins actually happen, because they’re out of sight from the street. The same cylinder, hinge and locking checks apply. On older patio sliders, look at whether anti-lift bolts are fitted — without them, the door can sometimes be lifted out of its track.
If your back door predates 2010, it’s worth thinking about whether replacement makes sense rather than upgrade. Modern stable doors and composite doors carry security features as standard that older doors simply don’t. A new door with proper anti-snap cylinder, TS 008 hardware and multi-point locking puts the back of the house on the same security footing as the front.
Windows: restrictors, locks, and laminated glass
Most modern windows have shootbolt locking that engages multiple points around the frame. On older windows, single-point locks are the standard weak point. Window restrictors prevent windows being opened more than a few centimetres from outside — useful both for security and for child safety on upper floors.
Laminated glass is worth considering on ground-floor windows in vulnerable positions. The outer pane breaks normally, but the inner pane stays in place — so the window can’t simply be smashed and the intruder can’t reach in. It’s not always necessary but in certain positions (rear elevations, side passages, glazed back doors) it makes a meaningful difference.
Lights, timers, and the visibility check
Security isn’t only about hardware. A house that looks lived-in is far less attractive to opportunists than one that’s obviously empty. Cheap plug-in timer switches that turn lights on and off in the evening cost very little and add a credible layer of deterrence. Motion-sensor outside lights at front and back doors are another low-cost upgrade.
Take a slow walk round your house from the street and from the back garden. Could someone climb the side gate? Is the side passage hidden from view? Are there shrubs growing too high in front of ground-floor windows? Trimming overgrown cover is a free improvement that surprises most people with how much difference it makes.
What to fix and what can wait
Not every issue needs immediate replacement. Loose cylinders, worn weather seals and stiff hinges can usually be fixed with a service visit. Damaged frames, persistent draughts, and doors that no longer pull tight are signs of bigger problems that won’t get better on their own.
We’re happy to come out and have a look. There’s no pressure to commit to anything on the day. If a service or a single component will sort the issue, that’s what we’ll suggest. If the door or window is genuinely past it, we’ll quote in writing for a replacement and you can decide in your own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my door cylinder is anti-snap?
Look for a TS 007 three-star marking or a Sold Secure Diamond rating on the cylinder body. If you can’t see a star rating, the cylinder is likely a standard one and worth upgrading.
Are uPVC doors less secure than composite?
Both can be highly secure with the right specification. Modern uPVC doors with multi-point locking, anti-snap cylinders and reinforced frames meet the same standards as composite doors. The difference is more about appearance, longevity and price.
Should I fit window restrictors on every window?
Restrictors are most useful on upper-floor windows (for child safety and security) and on accessible ground-floor windows. They’re not always needed on inaccessible upper windows.
Do I need laminated glass on every ground-floor window?
No — laminated glass makes most sense on windows in vulnerable positions like rear elevations, side passages, and glazed back doors. Front-facing ground-floor windows are usually fine with standard double glazing.
Do new windows and doors come with anti-snap cylinders as standard?
Quality installers fit anti-snap cylinders as standard. Cheaper installations sometimes use standard cylinders to save cost. Always check the spec on any quote.
Next steps
If anything in the checklist gave you pause, the simplest next step is a survey visit. We’ll look at your existing windows and doors, identify any obvious weak points, and quote for repair or replacement only where it’s actually needed. Get in touch when it suits you — no follow-up calls.
