DOOR TYPES

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A. Hollow Core Wood and Glass Doors

Hollow core wood doors and plate glass doors offer little physical

security, but the noise of the glass in the door breaking may deter

the casual intruder. When break and entry is identified in the threat

and risk assessment, hollow core wood doors should be replaced

with hollow metal doors and impact resistant glass should be

installed in glass doors. Polycarbonate material will resist pounding

with heavy objects however, ensure that its use does not

contravene fire safety codes. Laminated glass is another acceptable

alternative.

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B. Exterior Doors

Exterior doors should be of solid wood core construction, 45 mm (1-

3/4") thick or be constructed of hollow metal, insulated.

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C. Overhead Doors

Doors with thin wood panels offer poor security. The panels are

usually big enough to permit an intruder to crawl through once the

panel is removed by a kick or other means. Panels can be secured

with expanded metal mesh, steel plates, steel bars or strap

aluminum reinforcement.

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D. Double Doors

Double doors should have the inactive leaf secured with top and

bottom bolts, preferably automatic or edge mounted, unless the

doors have a centre mullion.

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FRAMES AND ASTRAGALS

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1. Frames and astragals are another important consideration. The door frame should be of good quality construction and be as strong as the door. To prevent an intruder from spreading the door frame with a pry bar and defeating the lock, you can pack the door frame at the strike area with wood or grout.
2. Full length guard plates (astragals) on reverse-hand doors and double-doors offer resistance to prying and working back a door latch with a knife, screwdriver or credit card. Astragals are usually fastened to the door edge with carriage bolts or welded in place. On a double door, the astragal is usually mounted on the active leaf of outward opening doors.
3. The astragal on outward opening doors is mounted on the active leaf to ensure the door without the astragal closes first.

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HINGES

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Exterior doors with hinges on the outside can provide an intruder

easy access to a facility. Hinge pins need only be removed for the

door to be lifted out of the frame. This situation can be prevented

by:

1. Remounting the door on the inside of the frame so the door swings inward.
2. Installing hinges with non-removable pins.
3. Installing a locking pin in the hinge plate as illustrated.

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