Locksmith Lyon 3: The resistance of an armored door to direct impacts

THE armored doors, often considered as a solution to reinforce the security of a house or apartment, are designed to offer maximum protection against break-in attempts. But how resistant are they really to direct impacts, such as kicks or water hammer? Let’s take stock.

1. The design of an armored door

Before looking at resistance, it is essential to understand how an armored door is designed. The latter is very different from a traditional door.

Structure and materials

Most security doors are made from a mixture of steel and wood. Steel provides a strong barrier against impacts, while wood provides thermal and sound insulation. Steel reinforcements are often strategically placed to ensure maximum strength.

Locking system

Another key element of an armored door is its locking system. Locksmiths often recommend multi-point locks that lock in multiple locations along the frame, making opening the door by force much more difficult.

2. Kick Resistance

The role of steel

The steel used in armored doors is usually quite thick and reinforced, making the door virtually impervious to attempted breakage by kicking. Even an individual with impressive strength will have difficulty breaking or deforming the door simply by kicking.

The importance of the frame

However, the resistance of an armored door is not limited only to its main structure. The frame around the door, often also reinforced, plays a crucial role in its ability to resist impacts. Without a strong frame, even the sturdiest door could fail under pressure.

3. Resistance to water hammer

Water hammer is a common method used by burglars to force entry. It involves using a heavy object (often a battering ram) to hit the door until it gives way.

Multi-layer design

Thanks to its multi-layer design and the use of steel, an armored door can absorb the impact of a water hammer, dissipating the energy through its different layers and thus minimizing damage.

The lock as a point of weakness

Although the door itself may withstand the impact, the lock could be a point of weakness. This is why locksmiths recommend high security locks to complete the protection of an armored door. These locks, combined with a frame reinforcement system, make break-in by water hammer extremely difficult.

4. The limits of resistance

Although armored doors are incredibly strong, they are not invincible. Given enough time and the right tools, a determined burglar could still gain entry. However, the main purpose of these doors is to make the task so difficult and time-consuming that the criminal either gives up or is detected before entering.

Conclusion

Armored doors offer unparalleled protection against direct impacts, whether from kicks or water hammer. By combining a solid structure with locking systems recommended by locksmiths, they are a wise investment for those who want to keep their home or office as secure as possible.