How Do High-Security Access Doors Protect Commercial Facilities?

Forced entry creates substantial financial and operational losses for commercial facilities. FBI data shows burglaries (16.1% of property crimes, 55.7% by forcible entry) caused $3.0 billion in losses, averaging $2,661 per offense. This data highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures.

Standard access doors are simply not designed to withstand these forceful attacks. Their lightweight construction, basic locking, and inadequate frames make them easy targets. A compromised door invites theft, vandalism, business disruption, and lost customer trust. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for a sturdier solution at access points.

High-security access doors provide the crucial first line of defense against forced entry. These solutions are resistant to forced entry. Choosing solutions from reputable vendors, like Best Access Doors, is essential for ensuring effective security.

The Mechanics of Forced Entry

Intruders use various methods to forcibly enter buildings, targeting the weakest points of doors and frames. Common techniques include the following:

• Kicking attacks target the door's center or lock area, exploiting weaknesses in hollow-core doors and poorly secured frames.
• Prying uses leverage, such as crowbars, pry bars, and screwdrivers, to separate the door from the frame or compromise the locking mechanism.
• Ramming involves repeated forceful impacts to break the door down through brute force.

These methods, along with specialized tools like bolt cutters, drills, and lock picks to cut, drill, or manipulate locking mechanisms, pose a significant threat to standard doors.

Key Features of High-Security Access Doors

Security access doors and panels are engineered with many features to resist forced entry. At their core, they are made of heavy-gauge steel construction for the door and the frame. Thicker steel provides superior resistance to bending, denting, penetration, and tool attacks. Welded, anchored frames secure the door assembly to the building structure.

Equally important are high-security locking systems. Multi-point locking engages the door at many points along the frame, distributing attack forces and making it harder to pry open. Hardened deadbolts and reinforced strike plates protect against jimmying, shimming, and lock ripping. Heavy-duty hinges, often with hinge bolts or security studs, prevent the door from being lifted off its hinges.

Choosing the Right High-Security Door for Forced Entry Protection

Choosing the right high-security door begins with roughly assessing your utility's vulnerabilities. This involves considering various factors that contribute to the risk level.

Key factors include the door's visibility, surrounding hiding spots, local crime, the presence of valuables, and existing security measures. Understanding these factors informs you of the necessary level of protection for each access point.

Select a high-security door whose resistance matches the identified vulnerability. High-risk areas need access doors and panels with thicker steel, advanced locks, and reinforced hardware. Due to its inherent strength, steel remains the primary material for these applications.

While aesthetic considerations are relevant, the primary focus must be functionality and security. Reviewing specifications and prioritizing forced-entry resistance ensures effective facility protection.

Product Highlight: BA-HSS High-Security Access Panel

The BA-HSS High-Security Access Panel is a highly durable steel access panel to secure critical building systems and infrastructure. It features a heavy-duty steel construction and reinforced framing, providing a formidable physical barrier against forced entry.

For demanding applications, it offers enhanced security with mortise lock preparation. Heavy-duty butt hinges and a professional finish. 

To know more about the BA-HSS, visit Best Access Doors today.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance are essential for achieving full security potential. Even the strongest door is ineffective if poorly installed. Professional installation ensures proper frame alignment, anchoring, door fit, and hardware installation. Untrained installers who fail to pay attention to these details create exploitable vulnerabilities.

Regular inspections are vital for maintaining the security integrity of high-security doors. Inspections should verify door and frame integrity, secure and undamaged hardware, a tight fit, and smooth operation. Quarterly inspections are recommended, with monthly inspections advised for high-risk or heavily used areas.

Proper lock maintenance ensures smooth operation and extends lifespan. It includes regular lubrication of moving parts and periodic inspections for wear or damage. Locking mechanism maintenance is critical for security, especially for high-security systems. Professional installation and consistent upkeep maintain the security of your high-security doors.

Conclusion

Protecting commercial facilities requires a proactive approach due to the vulnerability of standard doors. High-security access doors provide a stronger defense, incorporating features designed to resist attacks. They feature heavy-gauge steel construction, reinforced and anchored frames, multi-point locking, and hardened hardware. Ensure optimal security by prioritizing professional installation and consistent maintenance.

Don't wait until security is compromised. Protect your critical infrastructure now with Best Access Doors. Contact us today to request a quote and ensure your facility is fortified against unauthorized access.