When securing your home or business, choices are standing in the way. Alarms, cameras, motion detectors – all of these are useful, but physical security barriers such as security doors and shutters are the first line of defence. Not only do they keep burglars away, they also provide you with the peace of mind that your property is less likely to be broken into.
But the final question is this: do you do security doors or do you do shutters? Both are used for different purposes and you have to select the right one according to your requirements, your budget and your type of property. Let’s break it down.
What Are Security Doors?
Security doors are designed to look like ordinary doors but are designed to be more durable. Imagine reinforced steel frames, hard-wearing locks, and glass or mesh panels that can’t be forced open. They are meant to be a part of your daily operation–you can open, close, and lock them like a regular door.
For homeowners, security doors are typically fitted at the front or back doors. For business premises, they are fitted at main entry points or side doors that require additional strength.
Benefits of security doors:
- Look just like regular doors but offer a lot more security
- Can be stylish – don’t have to sacrifice on appearance.
- Easy to use every day (no rolling up and down like shutters)
- Offer a wide variety of finishes and styles.
Drawbacks
- Only secure one entrance at a time
- May be costly to materials
- Do not cover large windowed shopfronts like shutters do
What Are Security Shutters?
Security shutters are steel or aluminium roll-down barriers. They are most commonly seen on shopfronts, warehouses and occasionally on residential windows. When not needed, they roll up and stow away, but when pulled down, they form a solid wall between the outside world and your property.
Pros of security shutters:
- Large areas, ideal for large windows or shop fronts.
- Highly visible deterrent – potential intruders often won’t even try.
- Provide other benefits like insulation, soundproofing, and even storm protection.
- May be motorised for convenience.
Cons:
- Less attractive for residential entrances.
- Industrial style may not be for every home.
- Allow space for installation and rolling mechanism.
- Which One Is Right for You?
For homeowners:
This is where security doors are the most common. They look good on your house, can be kept clean, and won’t make your place look like a fortress. If you have a lot of glass doors or large windows in your space, shutters may be a worthwhile investment, but for most homes, a good security door on all the entrances is a good place to start.
For business people:
Shutters are the standard, however. If you have a shopfront that contains expensive merchandise, shutters provide a visible barrier of security when you close up late at night. Side and rear doors can still have their solid security door as well – often a combination of both is the best solution.
A Quick Cost Perspective
Security doors: Varies by material (steel, aluminium, reinforced glass) and design. A good residential security door can cost anywhere from mid to high hundreds, and commercial grade doors can cost thousands.
Security shutters: Costs vary with width, material, and type (manual or motorised). For a shopfront, you will have to pay a little more, but remember you are protecting a larger area.
Both are an investment in safety. And while alarms and cameras are great for catching criminals after the fact, doors and shutters literally stop them in their tracks.
There is no single solution that is right for everyone. Shutters are ideal for commercial applications or anywhere with large glass openings, while security doors are ideal for homeowners and smaller entryways.
If you’re still not sure, consider your primary concerns:
Do you need something that is fashionable and subtle? – Employ a security door
Do you need a clear, solid barrier for a shop front or garage? – Shutters are the way to go
Need the highest level of security? – Employ a bit of both
Either way, it makes your property safer and keeps you safe and that’s priceless.