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.