Replacement panel for my back door?

[cjs]

I have a plastic back door, the top half is glazed however the bottom half has a plastic laminated insulation panel fitted. I am worried about the security of this panel, it is not at all strong and could be kicked in or cut with a Stanley knife.

So I'm looking for suggestions on what I can replace the bottom panel with. Needs to be a white finish and secure. I guess it is about 15mm thick, same as a double glazed unit.

Any ideas?

[Gav147]

Most of the panels are also reinforced with a sheet of steel or timber, if yours ins't then any local window/door company will make one up for you. They may look like they aren't very strong but you would need a fair bit of force to get through one. They will certainly stand more than the pain of glass in the top half.

ETA - Pic which shows the reinforced panel. Click

Edited by Gav147 on Wednesday 23 February 18:41

[shimmey69]

Agreed, many years ago some yoof tried to get into my mums house by kicking the bottom panel through left at least 7-8 footprints on bottom of door but didn't get through!!

Glazing co said would be quicker and easier to take it off hinges!!

[Flintstone]

cjs said:

I guess it is about 15mm thick, same as a double glazed unit.

Replace it with a double glazed unit? Mine had this, I replaced it with a solid panel so as to fit a cat flap but kept the glass which can easily go back in.

[cjs]

Gav147 said:

Most of the panels are also reinforced with a sheet of steel or timber, if yours ins't then any local window/door company will make one up for you. They may look like they aren't very strong but you would need a fair bit of force to get through one. They will certainly stand more than the pain of glass in the top half.

ETA - Pic which shows the reinforced panel. Click

Edited by Gav147 on Wednesday 23 February 18:41

So there are reinforced panels available, I'm pretty sure mine is not, I fitted the door about 10 years ago and remember the panel only being laminated compressed foam. I'll take it out and check and if so I'll get one of those reinforced panels.

Thanks!

[cjs]

Flintstone said:

cjs said:

I guess it is about 15mm thick, same as a double glazed unit.

Replace it with a double glazed unit? Mine had this, I replaced it with a solid panel so as to fit a cat flap but kept the glass which can easily go back in.

Did originally consider glass, but it spoils the white lines of the kitchen, the door is in line with all the white units. Also don't need any more light. Also worried the glass may get kicked and smashed, unlikely I know... but.

[cjs]

Just an update. I removed the panel for a look, and it is reinforced, it has a 3mm layer of plywood sandwiched between the compressed foam and laminated finish. So pretty secure, a burglar would need to kick it in to gain entry, so a bit happier now!

[Defcon5]

cjs said:

Just an update. I removed the panel for a look, and it is reinforced, it has a 3mm layer of plywood sandwiched between the compressed foam and laminated finish. So pretty secure, a burglar would need to kick it in to gain entry, so a bit happier now!

Its the europrofile lock you need to be worried about.

[cjs]

Defcon5 said:

Its the europrofile lock you need to be worried about.

Can you expand on your comment?

[Defcon5]

Will PM you