When it comes to installing a new front door, for most people, security is their top priority and will only settle for installing the most secure door available.

To find the most secure front door, you will need to consider the material, locking system and type of window glass. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about front door security to give you the confidence that you’re installing a burglar proof door.

Secure Door Types

We’re going to look at the 3 types of door, popular among homeowners, to see which is the most secure material: uPVC, timber or composite.

uPVC

uPVC doors have become commonplace across the UK, popular among homeowners thanks to their low price tag.

So, are uPVC doors secure? On the whole, uPVC doors are secure, largely thanks to having a highly secure multi-locking mechanism. Locking a uPVC door requires the handle to be lifted when turning the key, putting several locks into place.

uPVC doors tend to have a shorter life than other materials, around 10-15 years, and as they age their level of security can deteriorate. So, if your current uPVC door was installed around 10 years ago, you should consider a replacement door to increase home security.

Timber

Wooden doors are often the front door of choice for homeowners looking to add a traditional charm to their home. As well as being widely considered the most aesthetically-pleasing door, timber is a very secure material, especially modern timber front doors.

They’re often fitted with a yale lock and a mortice lock but they are available with the multi-locking point system found on uPVC doors for added peace of mind – remember to check which locking system the door has with the manufacturer or installer.

Composite

Composite is the material of choice for high security front doors. Single material doors, like uPVC and timber, might have their benefits but composite doors boast the benefits of several materials (insulating foam, wood, glass reinforced plastic, aluminium).

A high-quality composite door not only offers the highest level of security but durable and weather resistant too.

Ways to Protect Front Doors from the Sun

If your door looks the worse for wear, sand the exterior portion of the wood down to remove the previous finish, if there is any. You can then also add exterior varnish, polyurethane, or clear finish with a UV protection to help reinforce it. Stay away from interior-grade finishes though, as these fade quickly when they’re subjected to direct sunlight.

You can also try using landscaping to shade your door by planting trees in the path of the sun. The natural shade will stop the UV rays from getting to your front door, and you have the added bonus of new trees. Make sure that they provide cover during the fall and winter if they’re not evergreens. When you make your tree selection, you need to find a hearty and fast-growing variety.