Clearview National March 2017 - Issue 184 | Page 58

DOORS & WINDOWS

Which garage doors are the most secure ?

New garage doors from reputable manufacturers and suppliers will have a decent basic level of security as standard . However , if you have been broken into in the past , or your neighbourhood has been experiencing a rise in property crime lately , then the peace of mind that a higher-security door can bring is worth considering .
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EVANDER IS THE UK ’ S leading nationwide windows , doors , and emergency response glazing and locks provider . Here , the company gives its assessment of three manufacturers ’ ranges that combine quality , functionality , design and security :
SWS SECEUROGLIDE ROLLER GARAGE DOORS
SWS is a British manufacturer that has been making roller garage doors since 1985 . They have a dedicated research and development department creating some of the best roller garage door technology we have seen in Europe . Manufactured from tough twin-walled aluminium slats with an insulating core that helps lower energy bills , the curtain is held in place with high performance webbing which gives extremely quiet operation and is unaffected by extremes of temperature . A strong extruded top slat and a unique auto-locking mechanism effectively resists attack from would-be intruders . The roller door designs are available in both regular and compact versions , so those with smaller garages can maximise space . A Seceuroglide
Excel is also available which has wider 90mm guides and steel end plates . This door is Secured by Design police approved .
GARADOR GUARDIAN UP-AND-OVER GARAGE DOORS
For an up-and-over garage door with extra security features , Garador Guardian garage doors are designed , constructed and installed with robust security in mind . Originally part of Westland ’ s Engineers in 1948 , Garador became the only manufacturer of up-and-over garage doors in the UK through the 1950s . Like SWS , they have a focus on continual investment in both production technology and product development , and over the last 10 years have invested over £ 14 million in production technology . Designed to prevent unforced entry with a secure locking cylinder and locking rods , the Garador range have been given the Secured by Design stamp of approval , and the strength , privacy and additional security features gives you the reassurance that your garage is as secure as they get .
HÖRMANN SECTIONAL GARAGE DOORS
Hörmann sectional garage doors are ideal for those who need to maximise the space directly on either side of the door , as it does not kick out from the opening . Versatile , this style works well for both single and double-sized garages , and with both manual or electronic opening . With regards to security , when the garage door is closed , there is an anti-lift device that automatically engages in the operator boom , then locks immediately and is secured against forced opening . This door latching functions purely mechanically and continues to secure the door even when the power fails . The Hörmann Group is a family-run company headquartered in Germany , and has a 12,000sqm assembly plant in Leicestershire .
TIMBER OR STEEL FRAMES ?
Garage door frames have traditionally been made from timber , and if yours has not been maintained properly since it was installed , you may find
it needs replacing at the same time as your garage door , if not before . Timber frames are not commonly reused if they have been in place for a long time , not just because of potential wood rot but due to the fixing holes widening with reuse . This means that the door may not be as securely fitted to the frame as it should be .
Steel frames are now widely available and they don ’ t lose strength over time . They can be re-used but we don ’ t recommend that as the drilled holes for fittings may have worn and therefore may not be as tight and secure as a new frame . Steel frames are also practically maintenance-free , making them a very economical and environmentally friendly option . They are quick to install and will not warp over the lifetime of the door .
There is a huge on-line resource library with guides and tips on selecting the right garage door on the Evander website at http :// www . evander . com / help-advice / useful-guides /
www . vpsgroup . com
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