Whether you’re going on a holiday or have decided to temporarily relocate to another property for a while, securing your home when you’re going to be away for an extended period of time is a top priority. From improvements to door and window hardware to tips for making your place look lived in, there are a number of different things to keep in mind.

So, here are our top 9 tips for keeping your home secure when you’re away.

1. Install proper security doors and windows

If you don’t already have proper security doors and windows, now is the perfect time to install them. Quality doors and windows from a reputable company like Lock & Roll are built with an exclusive construction technique that meets all Australian security standards, plus they offer a 10-year warranty for peace of mind. When choosing a security door and window company in Australia, always check that they are a member of the National Security Screen Association (NSSA) to ensure quality.

2. Get a professional technician to repair broken security screens

If you already have security screens on your doors and windows, but they’re looking a little worse for wear, you should take the time to get them repaired or even replaced. If your screens are still within warranty, it shouldn’t cost you much at all, but if not, just get in touch with a professional technician who will be able to provide you with a quote and advise you on the right option for you.

3. Replace your locks… and lock them!

Locks can get loose, worn and unreliable over time, so if you think your home might be due for some new ones, call in a professional to assess and replace your door and window locks. And, once you’re sure you have adequate locks in place, make sure you double-check that they are all properly locked before you leave home. It sounds obvious, but in the haste to get away on holidays, sometimes it’s the most obvious things that are overlooked!

4. Install a security system

A home security system is another great way to secure your home against burglars. There are a number of options out there, from a basic alarm system to full-blown video surveillance that can be activated by movement around your doors and windows, so you’re best off to take some time researching and deciding what level of security you need.

5. Don’t indicate publicly that you’ll be away

In the age of social media, it can be easy to make mistakes like bragging about the fact you’re going on a three-month trip around Europe, without realising that your profile is set to public! Declaring to the world that your house is going to be empty, combined with technology like geotagging, has sadly led to people being exploited. So, err on the side of caution when it comes to your posts.

6. Get sensor lights and/or a smart lighting system

Sensor lights in your front doorway or around the perimeter of your house might seem simple, but they’re a great way to spook any intruders that might be lurking about wanting to remain hidden from view of the street or neighbouring properties. Another option is installing a smart lighting system on a timer inside your home, that you can program to turn on and off at various times to make it look as though people are still living there.

7. Put valuables out of sight

Again, it might sound obvious, but if you’re going to be away for a long time don’t leave precious items like jewellery or expensive technology in clear view of windows. This will just make you a target in the unfortunate event that someone is being a bit nosey around your property.

8. Suspend newspaper deliveries

An overflowing mailbox or a stack of newspapers piling up on your driveway is a sure sign to burglars that there is no one living in the house. So, if you have regular deliveries make sure you suspend them or redirect your mail to a post office box to avoid arousing suspicion.

9. Get a trusted friend or neighbour to check on your house

If you can, getting a friend or neighbour to drop round to do things like collect the mail, water the plants and just keep an eye on the place is probably the best thing you can do for your peace of mind. Not only will they be able to provide you with any updates, but they are likely to notice any changes or red flags in the event anyone unwanted has paid you a visit.

Do you want help securing your home before going away? Lock & Roll are the experts in stylish window and door security solutions, so get in touch for a quote today.

Lock & Roll customer, Joe, recently had six security doors installed at his new home. We spoke to him after the job had been completed to find out more about the process from his perspective, right from the initial quote through to installation and the end result.

1. First up, why did you decide your home needed a security upgrade?

I had recently moved to a new area and have a young family. So for me, peace of mind when it came to the safety of my family was my top priority.

2. What did the entire process entail, from the quote through to the installation?

When I first decided I needed security doors installed at home, I wasn’t really sure which types of doors would be most suitable for us.

So, initially I sent an enquiry through on Lock & Roll’s website, asking for some help and information and the next day I received a call from the customer service team who arranged to send a technician out to do a measure and quote.

They sent one of their technicians out the next week to see us and he took some time and walked us through our different options. He was really knowledgeable and once we’d settled on the best doors to suit our needs, he was able to provide us with a measure and quote on the spot.

Three days later I phoned Lock & Roll back to accept the quote and confirm the order. From there, it took less than two weeks for the doors to be custom manufactured and for the technician to return and install the doors.

Finally, Lock & Roll contacted me about four weeks after the installation, just to check we were happy with our doors (and I told them we are delighted with them!).

3. What types of security doors did you get installed?

In the end, I decided on four sliding security doors and two hinged security doors. All six doors were custom sizes and colours.

4. What was the most useful advice Lock & Roll gave you when you were deciding on which security doors to choose?

We had a wide opening and had previously been recommended stacker security doors, but Lock & Roll suggested that we moved to a bi-parting setup, which takes better advantage of that space.

Their customer service was also fantastic. I got a phone call confirming my appointment and at one stage I had to change the appointment time due to a work commitment and it was no problem at all. It seemed like nothing was too much trouble for the Lock & Roll customer service team!

5. What stood out about Lock & Roll’s doors to you?

Lock & Roll were great value, particularly given there was an oversized door as part of our requirements. They were also happy to move away from their standard colour schemes and customise our doors using powder coating, to the colour we chose to match our existing door frames.

6. Would you recommend Lock & Roll to friends and family?

Absolutely! The customer service team were friendly and a pleasure to deal with and the technicians were so knowledgeable and understood their product. They really took the time to understand our requirements and provide us with suitable options.

The overall customer experience was simple and Lock & Roll were able to accommodate for our every need, at every step of the process.

When it comes to choosing the right option for your home, not all security doors are created equal. There’s no point spending time and money having doors installed, only for them to perish, or worse, for them to let you down when you need their protection most.

In fact, there are four key indicators of quality that any savvy homeowner should focus on when choosing a security door. Here’s what you need to look out for.

1. Dynamic impact absorption

If an intruder plans to break into your house using impact, such as throwing their body against the door to force it open, you should ensure the security door you’ve chosen meets dynamic impact industry standards. The National Security Screen Association (NSSA) states that in order to meet industry standard specifications, you must pass the AS5039-2008 Impact Test.

Lock & Roll passes this test, largely thanks to our patented two-part strengthening system made from a combination of aluminium mesh screen and panels. They work together to create a barrier that absorbs and spreads the shock of severe force, meaning that there won’t be any chinks in your door’s armour.

2. Warranty period

A high-quality security door should be robust in design and made of durable materials that will last for years. And a good indicator of this will be the warranty that’s provided with the door.

Our doors have been designed through years of vigorous testing, development and refinement. Being Australian owned and based, the products are designed to consider the variety of Australian weather conditions, and are created to withstand them. With a 10-year warranty on offer, Lock & Roll are confident that our doors will stand the test of time, no matter what strain they’re put under.

3. Probe, knife and shear resistance

It’s one thing for your security door to be able to survive impact, but if it comes up against a sharp object trying to pierce the surface – that’s another thing entirely. A high-quality security door will be made of materials that are impenetrable to knives or other sharp implements.

Our premium mesh has been cleverly designed to resist all attempts to slice through it (surpassing National Security Screen Association testing), but still manages to allow fresh air to flow straight into your home.

4. Pulling and jemmy strength

The final quality indicator for a security door is its structural strength when it comes to being pulled or jemmied. In Lock & Roll’s case, our doors are constructed using powder coated mesh and fused decorative panels made from aluminium beading, which create a strong, bend-resistant barrier. Plus, these elements have the added bonus of making your door look great too!

Ultimately, like any purchase, it’s worth doing your research about a company before you commit. A reputable company, such as Lock & Roll, will be part of the NSSA. This certifies that they are part of the national third-party certified accreditation scheme, that recognises members who meet Australian or NSSA approved standards.

It’s also important to investigate who actually makes the doors that you are having installed. We exclusively use Colonial Castings screen doors, an industry-leading Australian manufacturer with over 70 years’ experience.

So, you’ve been putting off getting security doors because you don’t know where to begin? We hear you. Choosing the right security door can seem daunting – from knowing whether the one you are considering is as safe as possible, to trying to match the size and colour of your door frame.

Lock & Roll are not only known for the exceptional quality of the Colonial Castings doors we use, but also for the smooth process our customers experience when it comes to choosing the right door and having it installed.

We’ve put together this guide, so that you know what to expect when we install a security door in your home.

Choosing a security door

Our website is designed to make choosing and ordering a security door simple. In fact, it’s kind of like building a Subway sandwich, except instead of standing in front of a cabinet full of meats, salads and sauces, you’ll be browsing sizes, door types, frame colours and mesh types. You simply scroll through, choose the options that sound good to you and then submit your request for a quote. And, if you don’t know where to begin, you can contact us directly for a chat and we can help figure out the best solution for your home.

The installation process

Once you’ve submitted your request for a quote online, we’ll arrange a time to come out to your house and measure your frame to ensure what you have selected online will work. From here, we can confirm exactly what specifications your door will require and arrange for it to be custom built. Once the door is ready to go, we’ll come back and install the door onsite at a time that suits you.

Quality assurance

Our doors, supplied by Colonial Castings, are National Security Screen Association approved and come with a 10-year warranty.

Lock & Roll’s commitment to our customers is one of the things we pride ourselves on most. That means we always arrive on time to appointments (or advise if we’re running early or late), leave our workspace clean and tidy and are proud of our workmanship. In fact, we’re so confident that we’ll deliver a quality product and service to you, that we’re happy to commit to arranging an alternative Franchise Owner to assist you if you’re unhappy with our work.

Keeping you safe and healthy

All Lock & Roll technicians have public liability insurance and security licenses, plus we have a master security license for your peace of mind.

In a world where COVID-19 restrictions are everchanging, you can rest assured that the process with Lock & Roll is well-organised and safe. The wellbeing of our staff, suppliers and of course, our customers, has always been our number one priority, which is why we’re strictly adhering to all health and safety advice, both in our offices and warehouses, and in your homes.

There is a lot to consider when planning a home renovation or building a house. And, when it comes to keeping a new or improved home safe and secure, it is often much simpler and more cost-efficient to consider installing security doors during the initial build, rather than down the track.

Lock & Roll has many services available to improve security on both your doors and windows that can be installed during renovations and building.

Here are some different factors to keep in mind:

Residential entrance doors

If eyes are the window to the soul, then a front door is the window to a home. What we mean by this is that you want to ensure that from the outset, your entrance doors are secure and match the style of your newly built house.

Our team of specialists have all the tools necessary to create a front or back door that perfectly fits your needs and we recommend getting this process started at the beginning of your renovation or building planning. Simply submit an enquiry or call us for a quote, and we will be able to help.

Door handles and locks

There are many reasons handles and locks can deteriorate or become faulty over time, and of course, we can easily arrange a technician to come and repair or replace your existing ones if this occurs. However, these issues may be avoided altogether if you choose high quality locks and handles when you are designing and building your dream home.

Not only this, but if you design your security door at the same time as the rest of your house or renovated area, you can ensure that the look is consistent with the aesthetic of the rest of your home too.

Awning windows

Cheap awnings may be susceptible to weather corrosion, which can cause windows to stick or become hard to close, compromising the overall security of your home. Or worse still, if your builder installs non-secure windows, there will be no peace of mind for you at all! That’s why it’s important to choose quality awning windows from the word go.

Lock & Roll technicians install all awning windows with the latest designs, ensuring all locks, latches and opening and closing mechanisms are corrosion resistant, prolonging their lifespan.

Fully customisable security

We want you to be able to create a home that is not only safe but looks amazing too. Our security doors are fully customisable, so that you have complete control over everything from handles, to mesh types, to the door frame colours. Lock & Roll offer 10 standard colours, but if you speak to one of our consultants, we can match over 200 different colours when you supply the corresponding Dulux colour match.

By being proactive and factoring in home security in the early stages of building, you won’t need to pay for a cheap fly screen that you ultimately want to replace with a quality security door or window down the track.

The safety and security of your family should always be a top priority, and by making these decisions early, you will be saving yourself time, money, and unwanted anxiety in the future.

Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help! Check out our security doors to learn more about the options available, or contact us to find out more on 1800 203 377 today.