Entry Armor™ for Property Managers
Passive security has an essential defensive function in securing entryways because it helps protect against forcible entry. An intruder seeking to gain access forcibly will, in most cases, choose to attack the entrance using tools such as lock picks, drills, pry bars, or blunt objects. I last wrote about the role of security strike plates in a passive security plan. Now I’d like to expand on passive security by writing about the part of Latch Protectors, their function in a passive security plan, and how the suggestions and installation of these products can strengthen the relationship with the property manager or owner.
Our population falls into two categories: Proactive and Reactive.
Security solutions for reactive property managers and owners are traditionally delivered after the fact, typically when the property has been compromised, goods stolen, or attempted forced entry. The property manager or owner’s motivation for proactive security solutions is often triggered by a change in management or an overall upgrade in infrastructure. Unfortunately, this is a concept that security professionals are all too familiar with.
Whether the customer is proactive or reactive, a passive security system can easily integrate into a more extensive action plan. The plan comprises all the necessary suggestions, both active and passive. Ensure that property management is educated on the different options to secure the entryways and overall property. Meeting with the property manager or owner provides a great opportunity to suggest passive security options, like latch protectors, when management is already in the security mindset. These impulse add-ons can both strengthen the relationship with the client while at the same time increasing billable time.
While security strike plates are designed to provide additional reinforcement around the extended latch or deadbolt on the jamb side of the entryway, latch protectors are designed to protect the latch or deadbolt from forcible physical manipulation. Pairing security strike plates and latch protectors provide low-cost security solutions while at the same time reinforcing entryways.
Latch Protectors provide a physical barrier to deter forced entry through kick-ins, door prying, jamb spreading, and other actions intended to defeat the locking device. Latch Protectors are made from either stainless steel or a cold-rolled steel base material and undergo a finishing process to achieve the desired finish for the customer. Entry Armor finishes include aluminum, antique brass, mirrored brass, mirrored chrome, anodized, and stainless steel.
Latch Protectors are a relatively low-cost solution that provides an extra level of security for the latch and deadbolt. There is not necessarily a one size fits all solution when it comes to latching protectors. Each entryway can be uniquely different, and it is recommended to look for the following components of the entry and latch protector product when choosing the correct latch protector solution:
- The door type
- The swing of the door
- The surface area needed to be covered
- The offset between the door and the frame
- Any obstacles that could hinder the door from closing properly
A segment of security lock hardware has grown considerably in size over the years. The larger hardware may pose a security threat in the door entry access point because many traditional latch protectors are not large enough to accommodate newer models. This poses a real problem to any passive security plan. Entry Armor’s™ elongated ELP-240 series Latch Protectors overcome these obstacles because the product features up to a 17% increase in the cutout relief over traditional latch protectors. This beneficial solution will fit the most comprehensive array of commercial hardware, providing the added security and reinforcement needed in commercial applications.
Additionally, Latch Protector installations can sometimes be complex because many times, there is a height or offset adjustment that needs to be made between the door and the frame to ensure a proper fit. Often, a latch protector cannot be installed because the plane of the door does not align with the plane of the frame.
Entry Armor™ has solved this problem by providing a patent-pending spacer with various latch protectors. The spacers are installed between the door and the latch protector to reduce the offset. This may reduce compromising the security of the entryway while providing accurate, easier installations that will save both time and money in the installation process. This solution allows latch protectors installation on the segment of doors where traditional latch protectors are, resulting in a more secure property. There may be an installation that does not require a spacer; however, another job may need more than one, depending on the construction of the entryway. Spacers are also available separately.
Many times a higher level of security is needed for specific entryways. Entry Armor™ has security options to provide the property manager or owner an added benefit and reduce the chance of compromising entry access.
These security options are:
- Level 3 Security: Offers commercial grade security to deter forced entry.
- Level 2 Security: Features 1 Anti-Spread pin providing additional commercial-grade security to deter forced entry and doorjamb separation.
- Level 1 Security: Features 2 Anti-Spread Pins providing heavy-duty security to deter forced entry and doorjamb separation.
Anti-spread pins add another physical component to the latch protectors to further secure the area around the latch or deadbolt from physical manipulation. The additional security option may strengthen the relationship with the customer by the value-added proposition. The higher security products take more time to install, which is a great way to increase billable services.
In addition to the variety of length and width in Latch Protectors, Entry Armor™ offers a variety of latch protector solutions to accommodate:
- In-swinging doors
- Out-swinging doors
- Narrow Stile doors
- T Style
- Interlocking
- Rose Cutout
Interlocking Latch Protectors are designed to provide additional security for commercial and residential in-opening doors. These products are available in both 7” and 12” lengths and 5/8” widths; these products provide extra protection and are relatively easy to install. These latch protectors are an idea for cash, computer, accounting offices, and in-opening garage doorways. Any in-opening entryway can benefit from this deterrent to tamper with the bolt and latch and is compatible with key-in-knob, deadbolts, and mortise lock-sets.
No matter the situation, always keep passive security at the forefront of communication with the client.
Original Article: Passive Security: Deterring Forcible Entry | PRO-LOK. https://www.pro-lok.com/passive-security-deterring-forcible-entry/