Types of locks used on composite doors explained
When it comes to protecting your home, the lock on your front door is just as important as the door itself. After all, your front door is the main source of access to your property, and choosing the right locking system can make all the difference to your home security and peace of mind.
If you’re considering composite doors for your home, understanding the different types of locks available will help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the most common locking mechanisms fitted to modern composite door installations.
Multi-point locking systems
Multi-point locks are the popular choice for GRP composite doors, and for good reason. Unlike traditional single-point door locks, these systems secure your door at multiple points along the door frame – typically three, five or even seven points.
When you lift the handle and turn the key, steel bolts shoot into the frame at the top, middle and bottom of the door. This distributes force across a wider area, providing maximum resistance against attack methods such as forced entry.
Most composite doors now come with multi-point locking mechanisms as standard, offering far superior protection compared to older-style locks. The beauty of these systems lies in their combination of high security and ease of use – a single turn of the key engages all locking points simultaneously.
Why Entrance Composite Door Solutions uses Winkhaus locking systems
At Entrance Composite Door Solutions, security isn’t left to chance. That’s why our composite doors are fitted with Winkhaus multi-point locking systems – a trusted name renowned for engineering excellence and proven performance in high-security door hardware.
Winkhaus locks offer advanced features designed to suit different lifestyles and security preferences, including lift-lever locking and automatic locking (autolock) functions. Lift-lever systems require the handle to be lifted to engage all locking points, giving homeowners clear control over when their door is fully secured. Autolock systems, on the other hand, engage the locking points automatically as soon as the door is closed, removing the risk of accidental non-locking and providing immediate protection.
For complete peace of mind, composite doors fitted with Winkhaus locks have been fully tested to PAS 24, the recognised UK standard for enhanced security performance. This rigorous testing assesses resistance to physical attack, ensuring the locks, door slab, frame and hardware work together as a complete, secure system.
By combining high-quality composite door construction with Winkhaus locking technology and PAS 24 certification, Entrance Composite Door Solutions delivers doors that meet the highest expectations for modern home security.
Deadbolt locks
While multi-point systems do the heavy lifting, deadbolts often work alongside them to provide an additional layer of security. These force resistant locks throw a solid metal bolt deep into the door frame, making it extremely difficult for even the most determined burglar to breach.
Deadbolts meet stringent security standards and are frequently recommended by insurance companies. When fitted correctly through professional installation, they offer reassurance that your home is protected to the highest level.
Cylinder locks and anti-snap technology
The lock cylinder is arguably the most vulnerable point of any locking mechanism. Standard cylinders can be susceptible to ‘lock snapping’ – one of the most common attack methods used by intruders.
That’s where innovative products like the Ultion cylinder come in. These are some of the most secure cylinders available today, featuring snap protection technology that’s been proven through extensive tests. When an attack is detected, Ultion cylinders lock down completely, preventing access even if the outer section is broken.
Entrance Composite Door Solutions prioritises your safety by offering high-security cylinder options including the 3 star cylinder rating – the highest available. This level of protection gives you genuine peace of mind and helps create safer homes for families across the UK.
Smart locking systems
Technology has transformed home security, and smart locks are becoming increasingly popular. These allow you to lock and unlock your front doors using a smartphone app, keypad code or even biometric recognition.
Smart locks maintain the same core security features as traditional systems but add the convenience of keyless entry and remote access. They’re particularly useful if you have a stable door configuration or simply want to grant access to visitors when you’re not home.
Protecting against physical attack methods
Modern composite door security goes beyond simply having a lock – it’s about creating a complete defence system that addresses every potential vulnerability. Security locks designed to meet national standard requirements are rigorously tested against various physical attack scenarios, including drilling, picking, bumping and the increasingly common lock snapping technique.
The most effective protection comes from a layered approach. Extra secure door handles form your first line of defence, manufactured with reinforced materials and anti-drill plates that make forced entry significantly more difficult. These handles are designed specifically to resist leverage attacks and work seamlessly with your multi-point locking system.
When all components – from the lock cylinder to the handles and strike plates – are certified to national standard specifications, you create a unified security barrier. Each feature of the door supports the others, ensuring there are no weak points that could be exploited during an attempted break-in. This comprehensive approach is what transforms a good door into an exceptional security investment for your home.
What should I look for in a composite door lock?
Look for locks that meet British Standard security requirements, offer anti-snap protection and provide multi-point locking. Professional installation ensures all components work together properly, and choosing reputable manufacturers gives you warranty protection and a security guarantee you can trust.
Security meets style: An extensive contemporary range
Gone are the days when enhanced security meant compromising on kerb appeal. Today’s composite doors prove that robust protection and beautiful design can work hand in hand, offering homeowners an extensive contemporary range of options that suit every architectural style and personal taste.
Choosing upgraded security features can actually serve as a design upgrade for your entire entrance. Modern manufacturers offer security locks, handles and accessories in numerous finishes – from classic chrome and polished brass to contemporary matt black and brushed nickel – allowing you to coordinate your security hardware with your door’s overall aesthetic.
The integration of security and style extends to every feature of the door. Extra secure door handles, for instance, are now available in sleek, modern designs that enhance your home’s appearance while providing superior resistance to physical attack. These design-conscious security elements ensure your front door makes a stunning first impression while meeting the highest national standard security requirements.
Whether you’re drawn to traditional elegance or contemporary minimalism, you can achieve both the protection your family deserves and the beautiful entrance your home demands.
Locks for composite doors: The Entrance Way to better security
Choosing the right locks for composite doors doesn’t need to be complicated. At Entrance Composite Door Solutions, we understand that your security needs are unique to your home and lifestyle.
Our range of composite doors comes equipped with advanced locking systems designed to meet the highest security standards. From multi-point locks to cutting-edge smart technology, we’ll help you find the perfect solution.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, the lock on a composite door should be serviced annually and replaced every 5–7 years, or sooner if you notice signs of wear or difficulty operating the lock.
Ready to upgrade your home security? Explore our security features or contact our team today to discuss which locking mechanism suits your composite door best. Your peace of mind is our priority.