What Is The Most Secure Door Chain To Use?
When it comes to fitting a door chain, you have a great many options on the market to consider. Door chains come in all shapes and sizes, making it tough to find the right selection relative to your needs. Most people turn to using door chains because they want a bit of extra protection on their front door. With the rise in break-in attempts in some parts of the UK, relying on your locks alone is not always enough. If you live in an area with high rates of crime, then a door chain is an investment worth making.
With a door chain, you can stop someone from entering your home simply by opening the door. You would then need to manually unlink the chain, which can act as a secondary form of protection. Most uPVC doors today do not have classic ‘snibs’ fitted on the inside; instead, they use the more aesthetically pleasing door chain.
To help you understand why you should consider having a door chain fitted, read on.
Door Chains: At A Glance
What is a door chain, exactly? You will likely have seen them in operation in other people’s homes. They are a form of security that stops someone from entering your home simply by opening the door. If someone forces open your lock, if there is no door chain, then they can be straight into your home. With a door chain, they now have another layer of security they need to brute-force. Most of the time, this action would make enough noise that the intruder would be heard and detected early.
The first thing to note about door chains is that they come in two styles: lockable and non-lockable. It is important to review your options carefully, but most people prefer to have a lockable door chain installed. They offer just an extra degree of protection and security that you might not have received otherwise.
Also, door chains, like door locks, come with certain specifications and certifications. Any door chain that you invest in should come with one of two standard specifications: Secured by Design, otherwise known as Police Approved specification, or TS003 Tested. These specifications let you know that your door chain has undergone thorough testing prior to reaching the market. Most insurance companies will demand that any door chains you have fitted come with either SbD or TS003 Testing certification.
A professional should install most door chains. While someone with DIY skills can fit a door chain, we recommend that you have it fitted by an expert. Not only does this ensure the correct installation, but it also increases the likelihood that the standard of work will stand up to an insurance inspection.
Pros And Cons OfStandard Door Chains
If you decide to go down the route of having a door chain installed, you are making a very wise choice. Relative to their cost, door chains are some of the most affordable home security we can find. They cost far less than most traditional home security add-ons and can be fitted with minimal fuss. As mentioned above, someone with DIY skills can fit a door chain themselves. However, a professional locksmith could have the door chain fitted for you in a very short space of time indeed.
They are great deterrents for burglars, too. Given that they would need to be opened with sheer force, breaking through a door chain makes a significant noise. As such, they put off most criminals from trying; even if someone gets in your door itself, they will struggle with the chain and likely move on. This makes them great investments for people who live alone or who otherwise feel vulnerable due to age, physical condition, or mental health. They provide extra peace of mind that other alternatives lack.
However, when fitted incorrectly, door chains become easy to smash through and take off the wall. Also, it is easy for people to become complacent with door chains. They might begin to simply lock the chain as opposed to locking the door’s full mechanism. That can pose problems in itself, making it easier for someone to gain entry. When fitted and used correctly, though, door chains are a great investment.
How Much Do Door Chains Cost?
Generally, a quality Police-Approved (or TS003 tested) door chain costs around £10. It can be purchased very easily from most home stores and home security stores. However, we recommend that you contact a locksmith, as they can help you find—and fit—a suitable door chain.
Other Door Chain Types
Like most other forms of home security, door chains come in various forms. There is no one-size-fits-all option, but you do get different types to pick from. Most of the time, door chains remain a suitable choice for UPVC doors. However, you should always check with your insurance provider prior to fitting a door chain; since they interact with the door’s security rivets, some insurers refuse their installation. Some UPVC door suppliers make it clear that their doors are incompatible with door chains, too.
In terms of types of door chains, let’s take a look at what your options are on the market today.
Lockable Door Chains
As mentioned above, you can also get a lockable door that you can use if you so choose. Lockable door chains are generally more secure than standard door chains, offering another layer of security. If you want to help improve childproofing in your home, then lockable door chains make a great investment. Fitting a lockable door chain just boosts the overall security level provided.
In terms of function and style, though, they are very similar to the standard door chain. Aluminium and UPVC doors, as well as doors with glass panels, are compatible with lockable door handles. Most composite doors, though, are not suitable for lockable door chains.
Most find that lockable door chains offer an extra layer of peace of mind and protection. Some styles are also only openable with a key, making them even more childproof than other lock types. Lockable from the inside and out, they offer an extra layer of peace of mind for those who are looking after a vulnerable friend or family member.
However, the only downside to lockable door chains is that they do not provide an emergency exit function. As such, they cannot be unlocked from the exterior in an emergency. If the chain is left on all the time, then it becomes very hard for someone to get access to the property in an emergency situation.
Restrictor Chains
Another option to consider when choosing from various door chains is the restrictor chain in use. Restrictor chains are very popular as they are suitable for both composite and UPVC doors. Therefore, they tend to be the easiest form of chain to fit for UK doors. They should attach over just about any kind of door handle.
Restrictor chains are easily fitted and installed, just like most other door chains. However, we also recommend that you install a secondary ‘sash jammer’ alongside your door chain restrictor. This adds another layer of protection and security that was not there otherwise. Door chain restrictors make a great way to stop ‘distraction’ burglary events, where someone distracts you at one door while someone else comes through another door. Any restrictor chains you have fitted should be either Secured by Design accredited or PAS24 tested and approved. Generally, restrictors will cost you around double that of a standard door chain, with a cost of around £20 if you want something that SbD/PAS24 approves.
