Clearview South August 2014 - Issue 153 | Page 40

DOORS&WINDOWS GARADOR: GUARDIANS OF THE GARAGE Simon Hipgrave, Managing Director of Garador, is aware that in the modern world, security can be as important as design. Recent figures have shown the total number of burglaries has risen eight per cent in a year to 447,100. While this figure may not be indicative for specific areas, nevertheless it is little wonder that home owners are now putting security near the top of their essentials list. Windows and doors are where most thieves make their entry; but in today’s style driven world any security has to be mixed with great looks. And today thieves are better equipped. They don’t have that black bag full of crowbars portrayed in old comics; instead many thieves have sophisticated electrical equipment and high tech tools that ensure breaking into a home is quiet, quick and easy. We have found that while many people put considerable time and money into ensuring their doors and windows are secure, they tend 40 AUG 2014 to overlook the garage, especially if there is little in the way of valuable equipment stored there. But what is forgotten is that once inside the garage, a burglar can then work away hidden from view to enter into the house. Often, through the garage, they get through to the back of the house to gain entry there, out of sight of any passersby. ‘the total number of burglaries has risen eight per cent in a year to 447,100’ Right from the beginning, here at Garador we have taken security seriously and manufactured garage doors with high levels of strength and resilience. In recent years we have lifted this a step further and designed our Guardian range, the UK’s first range of Up & Over garage doors to meet the official Secured by Design accreditation. This means the range has been rigorously tested, by the Association of Chief Police Officers, to see whether it can withstand an attack by a burglar. Guardian Range doors offer the utmost security as well as great looks, functionality and of course straightforward installation. Sometimes it is the little things that can help security. Very recently we have started to offer black window panes as an option for our Salisbury steel up & over garage doors. It is stylish new look, but it also has a practical use by adding privacy and acting as a deterrent for burglars. GROUND-BREAKING NEW TECHNOLOGY Using secure fixtures and fittings is also important and we work hard to ensure we are well ahead including in technical advances. Our latest garage door remote has been designed with ground breaking new technology to lead the way in modern garage door operations. This offers some great new features of course, such as remote status query so that a user can quickly check whether an out of sight garage door is open or closed. But it’s biggest plus is its 128 bit security technology. This is far ahead of all others and is equivalent to that used by banks giving the highest levels of security. The GaraMatic operators include an integral anti-burglar device preventing the door from forced unauthorised entry. Windows and doors will always be the vulnerable points in any building and the modern design for high style can sometimes mean security takes a second place. That is why combining the two is vital to ensure British home owners stay as protected as possible. When we were looking at our FrontGuard Steel Entrance Doors, it was important that a range of glass designs were available that offered good security as well as great looks. Wood is a top look at the moment for doors and a mainstay of the Garador timber garage door range is cedar. This lovely natural hardwood is grown in cooler climates and has developed self-protective qualities which give it a number of advantages. While many types of wood warp when subjected to moisture; cedar stays straight and flat and should last a lifetime if properly maintained. Poorly maintained wooden doors can be an invitation to burglars so choosing timber designs that will retain their fresh smart appearance can be important. ‘offer every aspect’ The good news today is that design or budgets don’t have to be compromised for the sake of added security. With a little careful research and time, there are some excellent products out there that will offer every aspect to ensure modern doors and windows look great to everyone – except, of course, the burglars! www.garador.co.uk To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com