Security

Everything you need to know about the security levels offered by aluminium frames.

Alumil Team

Updated 12/02/2024

5’ read

Burglars trying to break into the house through the windows

It is important to understand that there is no frame that provides perfect security, which cannot be tampered with. When we refer to the resistance of frames to burglary, we mean how long a frame will last until a potential burglar enters through it. The behaviour of a frame is determined by the time (in minutes), but also by the tools needed to tamper with it.

Older frames did not have safety specifications because there was no need and corresponding demand by customers. Classic examples of such constructions are the old wooden frames. Due to the increased incidents of burglary, in recent years the security requirements for frames have increased and are now an important factor in shaping the final decision of consumers.

Important safety details

So if we choose to install a hinged frame, we should prefer to include a multi-point lock mechanism, which is inserted around the perimeter between the leaf and the casing. In addition, sliding frames must have internal locks. Apart from windows and balcony doors, it is very important and crucial for the security of the house to choose the right entrance door as it is the main point of intrusion in burglaries.

It is therefore important to opt for a security door, such as aluminium doors, which prevent burglars from gaining access. But not just any aluminium door... We should choose the aluminium coplanar door, i.e. with a glued sheet metal panel, as it provides greater security than a door with a simple panel. A panelled door is easily broken into with a crowbar and a very hard kick.... While in the case of a coplanar door, the burglar needs to break into the door at the point of the recess between the leaf and the casing, which will take a long time.

Finally, security doors should always have multi-point security locks. Also, in case your door includes a fixed section or skylight, the glass should be triplex safety glass so that it will be very difficult to break.

See the table in detail

Resistance category	Resistance time	Type of attack and procedure to be applied during testing
RC 1N*		Resistance to the use of physical force, such as kicking, shoulder pushing, pulling outwards. The test is carried out and with small burglary tools trying to open, destroy the frame
RC 2N* -		The burglar tries with additional simple tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and a wedge, to break a locked and bolted frame in its structural elements. Direct attack on the glass panes is not possible. The test only works with standard glass in the window (i.e. without safety glass)
RC 2	3 minutes	The burglar tries with additional simple tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and a wedge, to break a locked and bolted frame in its structural elements. A safety glass pane according to EN 356 is required for class RC2
RC 3	5 minutes	The burglar tries with additional tools, such as a second screwdriver and a crowbar to break through the locked and bolted to the structural elements frame
RC 4	10 minutes	The experienced burglar uses not only the saw but also additional tools such as a crowbar, hammer, chisel and a cordless drill
RC 5	15 minutes	The experienced burglar uses not only hand tools but also electric tools such as drill, jigsaw and circular saw with a max 125mm disc diameter. The frame is made of bulletproof glass according to EN 356
RC 6	20 minutes	The experienced burglar, besides hand tools, also uses powerful electric tools such as drill, jigsaw and circular saw with a max 230mm disc diameter. The frame is made of bulletproof glass according to EN 356

* The N for RC1N and RC2N strength classes represents the respective "National provisions" and this means that the required glass type can be defined at national level.

Tips on resistance against burglary

42% of tested intrusions are currently prevented by mechanical security devices.
The correct use of devices should be the No. 1 priority for users: burglar-resistant fittings can do their job as long as they are closed and locked. A tilted window is still an open window for burglary resistance purposes
Lockable doors and window handles must be locked. The key must also be removed to avoid handling from the outside.
An RC 2 class window with a lockable window handle and a safety glass inside has benefits in terms of child safety.
With burglar-resistant fittings, special care must be taken to ensure proper installation and assembly, as well as to adjust the equipment to exactly the right setting.
Ideally, take into account anti-burglary resistance considerations as early as the design stage and use tested certified components.

It is important to mention that even today most of the frames are in class 1 or 2 while rarely we find frames of class 3 or 4. Security doors of course offer better performance and are often classified in Class 3 ή 4. For the confirmation of the class the frame should be accompanied by a certificate of an accredited body (laboratory), which has conducted the necessary test and has classified the frame in one of the above classes. The certificates should be delivered to the consumer together with the relevant Performance Declaration