Unfortunately, a mate had his garage screwed this week, which got us talking about how to increase security. I have a single garage door which is as secure as I can get it, however there is a side door which is really handy, however made out of UPVC.
Is there anything I can do to reinforce the UPVC door? The good bikes are chained to ground anchors inside, but I see that as the last line of defence. Are there any suggestions to reinforce a UPVC door, which is 50% (allegedly) reinforced glass?
I was wondering about an internal metal shutter? If this is even possible ? I feel an external shutter may just advertise, there’s something valuable in here ! And it still needs easy access as the freezer is in there too!
Any suggestions ?
Expensive, but I’ve got a DoorStop access door fitted to my workshop. Claimed to be the strongest and backed up with a guarantee if breached. Very strong hinges, Yale security lock and five point locking. Hope this helps.
Kick through a uPVC panel door pretty quickly - the panels pop out the frame when forced
I've reinforced mine with rebar mesh. Panels - both glass and plastic won't pop out the frame now
If the door opens outwards, put a shutter or security cage door behind it. Had that as a bike shop i worked at years ago.
Trailrat, that’s what I’m worried about! Have you got a link or photo to point me in the right direction?
Not without giving away my security entirely.
Pick appropriate fixings and secure to inside of door should become obvious how to go about it when you look at the back of a door.
Thanks, the rebar mesh seems easy to get hold off. I’m not sure the best way to attach to the door, other than with very strong adhesive?
The mesh definitely seems like a cost effective option.
I used mechanical load spreading fixings ....... Wasn't really worried about damaging inner surface.
Replace it with one of these?
I went for the 'middleweight' version and even that appears to be made to a standard I'd expect of an armoured main battle tank.
A neighbour of mine has fitted a metal garden gate inside as a second layer of defence.
The gate was bought cheaply from gumtree.
Lathams steel doors held up pretty good against Eddie Hall in this video!
I would almost be more worried about how solid the masonry work is 😂
I once fitted the highest security Latham's door - it weighed a ton and was maybe overkill.... Even the most basic one with a decent anti-snap euro lock will be light years stronger than your current door.
Those Latham doors look like a worthwhile investment. Are they simple to install? Is it a job a local joiner could potentially do? Or is it more specialised than that ?
I DIY'd it. It was a fresh install into a brick wall so a big job (installing lintel etc) but with an existing aperture it wouldn't be too bad at all. You choose your fixings at purchase dependent on the wall construction method and material.
Competent DIYer job but you'll need a mate and some packers as it's critical to get it all aligned and it's bloody heavy.
The only way mine is coming out, is, as mentioned above, taking half the garage wall with it. They were great to deal with too.
FYI I went for an wide door, to suit wheeling a 780mm riser bar bike straight through. Very useful for a bike garage!
Are they simple to install?
As long as you get the right size, those type of doors are really simple to install, some packers, spirit level and just a dozen or so bolts into the wall. Then a load of expanding foam and mastic to finish off.
No packers needed. The frame is threaded and has wind out bosses to square everything up in the opening. The very cheap fixing kit for masonry had everything, right down to a huge hex key for the bosses and an SDS drill bit.
You don't want the frame super snug or you can't adjust enough to square up. The steel top and side infill panels can be used to make std frame sizes fit bigger openings (or go custom). The side infills increase security a little as they cover the fixings. Loads of Latham's fitting videos on youtube explaining everything.
