Communal security doors welcome people to a building but are also the first line of defence against anti-social behaviour. Achieving the right specification so residents enjoy being secure in their homes without feeling prisoner is a delicate balance.

The Portcullis timber door range by Soundcraft can help provide that balance and has proved popular with social housing providers for three decades as a result.

What type of projects are timber Portcullis doors suited to?

Building regulations in England saw the introduction of ‘Part Q – Security’ in 2015, which defines what makes a ‘secure doorset’ for the purposes of meeting requirement Q1.

Currently, doors offered for security purposes are most likely to be judged on this basis. The Secured by Design (SBD) standard is recognised as exceeding Part Q but is not the only way of achieving compliance. Assessment against a variety of other standards can also be used.

However, Part Q applies only to new dwellings, or buildings whose use is being changed to form dwellings. There is no regulatory requirement for existing buildings.

Due to lack of demand in the marketplace, timber Portcullis doors do not meet SBD or the standards named in Part Q. They do, however, offer a range of proven security features, in addition to other performance characteristics, that make them an ideal choice for refurbishment projects and entrance door replacements.

How do timber Portcullis doors benefit social housing projects?

Steel or aluminium doors can possess a cold and institutional look, regardless of the finishing options selected. In comparison, timber provides a ‘warmer’ feel that will be an automatic preference for many people – and the favoured option in conservation areas.

Timber is often considered to need more upkeep over its life, which would be a concern for social housing clients. However, while periodic refinishing will be needed depending on UV and weather exposure, the Portcullis range comes factory finished and has a track record of durability and reliability.

Where repairs become necessary, they are typically easier with a timber door than a steel or aluminium counterpart.

If a door is going to be mistreated then glazing panels are likely to be the first target, followed by ironmongery. The ironmongery also bears the brunt of heavy and repeated use, so any maintenance issues will be to the fore here.

Getting the specification right

There is no standard lifespan for a security door. The specific combination of components on a door, combined with the door’s location and usage, will change its ‘expected’ useful life. Even the best-rated, highest-standard product risks premature failure if chosen for the wrong location.

Timber doors from the Portcullis range can feature glazing and ironmongery that might also be used on ‘higher specification’ security doors. The key for social housing clients looking at the Portcullis range is to have a clear idea of the project requirements and seek expert advice on specification.

Soundcraft pioneered the ‘portcullis’ style of timber door and screen, and it has been used successfully in hundreds of social housing projects.They also provide surveying and installation services to ensure the best results from communal security door specification. For more details, contact our technical team on 0800 988 1875 or email technical-sales@soundcraft-doors.co.uk