Extra Security Fixings for Doors and Windows
Need Extra Security Fitted in Coventry, Leicester or the West Midlands?
Need extra security fitted in Coventry, Leicester or the West Midlands?
Midlands Locksmiths can assess vulnerable entry points and fit extra protection for homes, rental properties and business premises. If you are comparing door security fittings, the safest choice is usually a combination of strong locks, correctly aligned keeps, and reinforcement around the door and frame. A lock only performs well if the timber, uPVC, composite or aluminium around it can resist force.
We can help when you want to strengthen front, rear, patio or French doors, improve window security, protect sheds and garages, or add reassurance after a burglary or attempted burglary. Contact us if you need advice before choosing, or book a security check if you want a locksmith to inspect the property in person.
Extra Security Makes All the Difference
There are several practical ways to increase protection without replacing every door. Door chains and viewers help you identify visitors safely before opening. Letterbox guards reduce the risk of someone reaching through the letterbox to operate internal handles or latches. Sash jammers add another barrier on uPVC doors and windows, especially on French doors or areas at the rear of a property.
For doors with mortice locks, the weak point is often the area cut out for the lock body and keep. A frame guard or anti-thrust plate can help protect this section by spreading pressure from a high impact across stronger material. These plates are useful where a door has sound locks but the edge of the door or frame would otherwise be easier to attack.
A Vital Point to Remember
Protect your door and frame, not only the lock. When a mortice lock is fitted, around 20 mm of material may be removed from the door. On a standard 45 mm timber door, that can leave only a narrow section on either side of the lock case. The frame is also cut to accept the keep or strike plate, which can create another weak area.
A lock plate is a metal plate fitted where a latch or bolt meets the frame. A latch plate aligns the latch bolt with the frame, while a strike plate is commonly used for deadbolts and additional locking points. The terms are often used interchangeably, but alignment matters. If the plate sits in the wrong position, the door may not close cleanly or the bolt may not engage fully.
Door Security Fittings We Can Fit and Advise On
The right fixings depend on the door type, its age, its condition and the way it is used. We can discuss an extensive range of options and explain the difference between a simple accessory and a fitting that materially improves security.
- High security door locks, including suitable anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-pick cylinders for uPVC and composite doors.
- Sash jammers, door chains, door viewers and letterbox guards for everyday protection.
- Door security bolts, hinge bolts and non-removable hinge pins where the hinge side needs strengthening.
- Reinforcement plates, anti-thrust plates and keeps for timber, uPVC and other common doors.
- Door security horizontal bar fittings where a visible, physical barrier is appropriate.
Extra fittings must be matched carefully to the existing door accessories and hardware. A heavy-duty item fitted badly can be less reliable than a modest component fitted well. Finish also matters. Traditional brass, polished chrome, satin chrome, black and grey components can usually be chosen to suit the style of the property, so added protection does not have to spoil the look of the door.
Of course lock outs doesn’t always just apply to being locked out of your house
We have opened:
- Suitcases/briefcase
- Filing cabinets
- Roof boxes
- Wheel clamps
- Caravan tow bar hitches
- Krook locks
- Jewellery boxes
- Handcuffs (there’s a story)
- Safes
- Anything that has a lock we can open
UPVC, French Door Locks and Window Security
Many break-ins we attend involve locked windows or uPVC doors attacked through methods such as lock snapping or bumping. Back doors are often targeted because they are less visible. For uPVC doors, particularly French doors, a sash jammer can be a sensible addition, but it should not replace a working multipoint lock or a quality cylinder.
Windows may need extra locking points as well as the usual handle. We often recommend additional window security where a ground-floor or accessible window does not pull tightly into the frame. The aim is to make forced entry harder, not to create a false sense of absolute safety.
Security Checks, Fitting and Next Steps
A quick security check lets us inspect the property, identify weak points and recommend practical improvements before any purchase or installation decision is made. We carry commonly used items in stock on the van, so some fixings can be supplied and fitted during the same visit when the right part is available. If a specialist size, finish or order is needed, we will explain the options before work goes ahead.
For a useful quote, tell us what type of doors or windows you have, what problem you are trying to solve, and whether any current locks, latches or handles are damaged. Photos can assist. The price depends on the fitting chosen, the condition of the door or frame, the parts required and the complexity of installation. Ask us for clear additional information before arranging work.
Extra Security, Additional Information, and Ultimate Peace of Mind
If you are ready to improve the security and durability of your doors and windows, contact Midlands Locksmiths and tell us what you would like protected. We can advise, quote where enough information is available, or arrange a visit to check the property properly.
Other Places We Can Help Protect
Extra security is not limited to the main entrance. Sheds, garages, outbuildings, filing cabinets and other locked items can also need attention, especially where keys have been lost, locks have failed or access needs controlling. If you need spare keys after improving your locks, our key cutting service can also help. If it has a lock, ask us what can be repaired, opened, replaced or reinforced.
Common Questions About Extra Security Fixings
What is a lock plate?
How can I make my front door more secure?
Start with the lock, frame and hinge side. A stronger cylinder, correctly aligned strike plate, sash jammer, hinge bolts, viewer, chain or letterbox guard may help, depending on your door type and condition.
How do you stop someone from carding a door?
Carding is usually reduced by improving latch protection and alignment. A correctly fitted deadlocking night latch, anti-thrust plate or suitable frame protection can make it harder to slip the latch.
Can you fit extra security to uPVC and French doors?
Yes. Midlands Locksmiths can advise on extra fittings for uPVC and French doors, including sash jammers, better cylinders, keeps and reinforcement where suitable for the door and locking system.
What affects the price of extra security fittings?
The price depends on the fitting chosen, the parts required, the door or frame condition, and how complex the installation is. Photos and clear details help us advise before work is arranged.