Internal Doors
Internal Doors
We don’t generally recommend fitting locks to internal doors, (except internal garage doors and cellars, see below).
Most internal doors and frames are much less sturdy than their external counterparts. Therefore, the fitting of locks will probably not provide much of a barrier should a burglar get in.
It is far more important to concentrate your security on outside doors and windows to prevent unlawful entry in the first place.
Of course, this does not mean that you cannot have locks on internal doors, but it is better to use them for privacy reasons rather than for security. Your office/study, maybe guestrooms. Don’t forget though that fire safety is of the utmost importance here. If possible internal door locks should be operable from the inside of the room without a key.
Internal Doors Into Garages
An internal garage door that leads into the house can be particularly vulnerable, especially if there are no extra security measures in place on the main up-and-over garage door.
If a burglar is able to gain access into your garage, then it will be much easier to work on an internal door unnoticed.
For this reason we recommend that internal garage doors be treated to the same levels of security that you would give to an external door.
The door should be of sturdy construction. Five lever mortice deadlocks or sashlocks should be fitted, that comply to British Standards BS 3621.
Key locking bolts are also desirable.
Information regarding the security of main garage doors will appear later in this guide
Internal doors into cellars
Again, if your cellar is accessible from windows or maybe a coal chute, then you should consider upgrading the security of your cellar door to prevent anyone that gets in from gaining further access to your property.
Locking bolts are a good idea for this type of door. Make sure that they can only be opened from the outside of the cellar.
Loft Hatches
If your house has a shared loft space, always fit sturdy bolts to the hatch to prevent it from being opened. If a burglar breaks into your neighbours’ house, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they could use an insecure loft hatch to burgle you too!
