DOOR TYPES
A. Hollow Core Wood and Glass Doors
Hollow core wood doors and plate glass doors offer
little physical
security, but the noise of the glass in the door breaking may
deter
the casual intruder. When break and entry is identified
in the threat
and risk assessment, hollow core wood doors should be
replaced
with hollow metal doors and impact resistant glass should
be
installed in glass doors. Polycarbonate material will resist
pounding
with heavy objects however, ensure that its use does not
contravene fire safety codes. Laminated glass is another
acceptable
alternative.
B. Exterior Doors
Exterior doors should be of solid wood core
construction, 45 mm (1-
3/4″) thick or be constructed of hollow metal,
insulated.
C. Overhead Doors
Doors with thin wood panels offer poor security. The
panels are
usually big enough to permit an intruder to crawl through
once the
panel is removed by a kick or other means. Panels can be
secured
with expanded metal mesh, steel plates, steel bars or
strap
aluminum reinforcement.
D. Double Doors
Double doors should have the inactive leaf secured
with top and
bottom bolts, preferably automatic or edge mounted, unless
the
doors have a centre mullion.
FRAMES AND ASTRAGALS
Frames and astragals are another important consideration. The door
frame should be of good quality construction and be as strong as the door.
To prevent an intruder from spreading the door frame with a pry bar and
defeating the lock, you can pack the door frame at the strike area with
wood or grout.
Full length guard plates (astragals) on reverse-hand doors and
double-doors offer resistance to prying and working back a door latch with
a knife, screwdriver or credit card. Astragals are usually fastened to the
door edge with carriage bolts or welded in place. On a double door, the
astragal is usually mounted on the active leaf of outward opening doors.
The astragal on outward opening doors is mounted on the active leaf
to ensure the door without the astragal closes first.
HINGES
Exterior doors with hinges on the outside can provide
an intruder
easy access to a facility. Hinge pins need only be
removed for the
door to be lifted out of the frame. This situation can be
prevented
by:
Remounting the door on the inside of the frame so the door swings
inward.
Installing hinges with non-removable pins.
Installing a locking pin in the hinge plate as illustrated.