How Secure Should Your Front Door Be?

Your front door, together with your windows, is one of the most important security features of your home. It needs to provide a robust barrier against forced entry while also offering everyday convenience, thermal performance and the design you want.

But what actually makes a front door secure - and what do terms such as RC2, RC3, PAS 24 and Secured by Design mean?

The most secure entrance doors combine a robust door construction, high-quality locking systems and tested resistance to forced entry. For UK homeowners, looking for doorsets tested to PAS 24 and, where appropriate, products recognised by Secured by Design provides an additional level of reassurance.

• Security depends on the complete doorset, not simply the lock.

• Look for robust construction, multi-point locking and appropriately specified glazing.

• PAS 24 is a UK test specification for the enhanced security performance of complete doorsets and windows.

• Secured by Design is the UK Police Service's national crime prevention initiative.

• RC2 and RC3 are European resistance classifications indicating different levels of resistance to forced entry.

• Internorm entrance doors combine robust construction and multi-point locking, are PAS 24 certified and Secured by Design accredited, with selected systems achieving security performance up to RC3.

A secure entrance door is much more than a strong lock. The complete doorset - including the door sash, frame, locking mechanism, hinges, glazing and other access points - needs to work together.

Important features to consider include:

• Robust door and frame construction

• Multi-point locking

• High-quality hinges and hardware

• Security glazing where glazing is incorporated

• Secure connection between the door and frame

• Correct installation

This is why independent testing of the complete doorset is so important. PAS 24, for example, tests complete doorsets rather than simply assessing individual components.

PAS 24 is a UK Product Assessment Specification for the enhanced security performance of doorsets and windows. It sets out test methods and acceptance criteria designed to assess resistance to attacks associated with casual or opportunistic burglars. The current standard is PAS 24:2022+A1:2024.

Importantly, PAS 24 applies to the complete doorset, including the door, frame and relevant hardware. It is therefore a useful benchmark when comparing the security performance of residential entrance doors.

PAS 24 is also referenced by Approved Document Q for new dwellings in England and Wales, making it particularly relevant to new-build projects.

Secured by Design (SBD) is the national crime prevention initiative operated by the UK Police Service. It promotes the use of products and design principles that can help reduce the opportunity for crime. For residential doors and windows, products accepted under the Secured by Design scheme must meet stringent security requirements. PAS 24 is one recognised route for demonstrating the enhanced security performance required by the scheme.

For homeowners, Secured by Design provides a useful independent reference point when choosing security-focused doors and windows, rather than relying solely on a manufacturer's own claims. Most Internorm window and door systems have achieved PAS 24 2022 security standing, helping to protect homes without compromising on design.

This is where security terminology can become confusing. RC stands for Resistance Class, and RC2 and RC3 are classifications used to indicate the level of resistance a product provides against defined methods of forced entry.

In simple terms:

• RC2: Provides resistance against common opportunistic burglary attempts using relatively simple tools.

• RC3: Provides a higher level of resistance and is tested against more determined attacks involving additional tools and greater force.

The higher classification therefore represents a higher level of tested resistance. However, RC2 or RC3 should never be considered in isolation. The complete specification, glazing, hardware and installation all matter when assessing the security of an entrance door.

Internorm and are designed with security as an integral part of the doorset.

A five-point locking system is standard on Internorm aluminium entrance doors, securing the door at multiple points around the frame. Selected aluminium entrance door systems can achieve security performance up to RC3.

Internorm also uses robust, multi-layered door constructions designed to provide stability, thermal insulation and sound reduction alongside security.

This means security doesn't need to dictate the appearance of your entrance. The locking technology and hardware can be incorporated into a contemporary or traditional design without compromising aesthetics. It can also be linked to a home automation system. If fitted with a fingerprint scanner, which can be programmed with up to 99 different fingerprints, you can decide when to allow certain people access to your home. So, if you have a cleaner, who comes on a Tuesday between 10am and 12pm, it can easily and securely be programmed to accommodate that.

Glazing can be an attractive way to introduce natural light into an entrance hall, but it should be considered as part of the overall security specification.

Where security is a priority, appropriately specified laminated security glass can provide additional protection. Laminated glass incorporates a tear-resistant interlayer that helps hold the glass together if it is broken.

Side lights and fanlights should also be considered as part of the overall doorset rather than treated as separate design features.

Smart access can provide convenience, but technology should complement - not replace - good physical security.

Fingerprint scanners, keypads and other keyless entry systems can eliminate the need to carry traditional keys and can make access easier to manage.

However, when choosing a secure entrance door, start with the fundamentals: the door construction, locking system, tested security performance and installation. Smart access can then be added according to your lifestyle and requirements.

There is no single security specification that is right for every property.

For many homeowners, a high-quality doorset with robust construction, multi-point locking and appropriate security testing will provide excellent protection.

For new-build homes, PAS 24 and Secured by Design may be particularly important considerations, while RC2 or RC3 can help indicate the tested resistance level of a specific product.

Your location, property type, surrounding environment and personal requirements should all be considered when deciding how far to take security.

The important thing is to look beyond the lock and assess the complete door configuration.

• Is RC2 better than standard security?

  RC2 represents a defined level of tested resistance to forced entry. It provides more meaningful information about security performance than simply describing a door as "secure".

• Is RC3 better than RC2?

  Yes. RC3 represents a higher resistance classification than RC2 and involves more demanding attack conditions and tools.

• Is PAS 24 the same as Secured by Design?

  No. PAS 24 is a test and assessment specification, while Secured by Design is a UK Police Service crime prevention initiative. PAS 24 certification is one route by which doorsets and windows can demonstrate compliance with the security requirements of the Secured by Design scheme.

• Is PAS 24 required for a front door?

  It depends on the project. PAS 24 is particularly relevant to new dwellings because it is referenced by Approved Document Q in England and Wales. For other projects, it remains a useful benchmark when comparing enhanced security performance.

• Are Internorm entrance doors secure?

  Internorm entrance doors incorporate a range of multi-point locking options and robust construction, with selected aluminium systems achieving security performance up to RC3. Specific security performance depends on the model and configuration. They are PAS 24 certified and Secured by Design accredited.

Security should be an integral part of your entrance door - not something added as an afterthought.

A well-designed high-performance entrance door can combine tested security, thermal efficiency, durability and sophisticated design, allowing you to create an entrance that looks beautiful while providing confidence that your home is well protected.

Internorm's and bring these elements together, with a wide range of designs, colours, glazing, handle, and hardware options to create a secure entrance tailored to your home.

Why not create your own, bespoke front door with our fun . You can even upload a picture of your house to see what it could look like. Alternatively, speak to about your front door requirements.