Recent findings from the Government’s Commercial Victimisation Survey reveal that around 8% of business premises have experienced burglary – equivalent to roughly 103,000 properties across England and Wales. Even more concerning is that one in three burglars return to target the same building again, highlighting the urgent need for immediate and effective security measures after a break-in.
For facilities managers responsible for protecting buildings and assets, responding quickly and professionally to security breaches is critical. Yet traditional solutions are increasingly being questioned. Could there be a better alternative to boarding up damaged entrances?
The Problem with Boarding Up
When a break-in occurs and doors or entrance areas are damaged, the most common response is to board up the opening. While this may provide a short-term barrier, it presents several drawbacks.
Boarded-up entrances can make a property look abandoned or closed, potentially drawing further unwanted attention to an already vulnerable building. In addition, the visual impact can negatively affect a business’s professional image, particularly for customer-facing premises.
Another option has traditionally been manned guarding, but this can be costly and impractical as a long-term temporary solution.
With these limitations in mind, many facilities managers are now seeking more secure, professional and cost-effective alternatives.
A Modern Alternative: Temporary Steel Doors
Temporary steel door systems are emerging as a smarter solution for securing premises after a break-in. Unlike boarding, these doors provide a solid, lockable barrier that maintains both security and the building’s professional appearance until permanent repairs can be completed.
Our TEMP-DOR has been designed with flexibility in mind. It can be installed quickly and securely, with adjustable width to suit different sized openings. It can be fitted as left or right handed, inward or outward opening, and complies with recognised safety standards such as BS EN 179.
Availability is also key in emergency situations, which is why we have TEMP-DOR ready from stock for same-day collection or next-day delivery to ensure businesses remain exposed for the shortest possible time after a security breach.
Beyond emergency use, these doors are also proving useful during planned refurbishments, building renovations, or security upgrades, providing reliable interim protection.
A New Opportunity for Facilities Managers
Temporary steel doors are also creating new service opportunities for facilities management companies. Some organisations now provide these doors as rental assets, offering clients a fast and professional security solution when incidents occur.
This approach helps address several challenges simultaneously:
- Eliminates the unsightly appearance of traditional boarding.
- Maintains a professional building façade.
- Provides a higher level of physical security.
For facilities managers, it also adds value to their offering by combining rapid response with enhanced security expertise.
The Growing Security Risk of Fire Exits
While break-ins through main entrances are common, industry research highlights a growing concern: fire exit doors are increasingly being targeted as entry points.
Over the past five years, incidents involving forced entry through fire exits have risen significantly. In many buildings, main doors benefit from advanced access control systems, while fire exits are often fitted with basic hardware that can be compromised more easily.
This creates a serious vulnerability in what should be a secure building perimeter.
Strengthening Fire Exit Security
Fire exits play a crucial role in building safety. They must allow rapid escape during emergencies, but they also need to resist unauthorised access from outside.
Balancing these two requirements can be challenging. Historically, many fire exit doors have prioritised regulatory compliance over security performance, meeting fire safety standards while overlooking potential weaknesses in forced-entry resistance.
However, this approach can prove costly. A poorly secured fire exit can expose a building to theft, damage, liability risks and reputational harm.
Investing in stronger fire exit door solutions helps ensure buildings remain both compliant and secure.
Financial Benefits of Improved Security
Improving door security isn’t just about physical protection – it can also deliver financial advantages.
Many insurers now recognise the value of proactive building security measures, including high-quality doors and hardware. As a result, businesses that demonstrate strong security standards may benefit from reduced insurance premiums, helping to offset the cost of upgrades.
Modern steel fire exit doors can be fitted with advanced hardware solutions that provide secure emergency escape while resisting forced entry, delivering both safety and security in a single system.
A Shift Towards Proactive Security
As crime statistics continue to highlight the risks facing commercial properties, the need for reliable temporary security and stronger permanent door solutions has never been greater.
Temporary steel doors represent a shift away from reactive boarding-up towards professional, proactive security management. Their availability allows facilities managers to respond quickly to incidents while maintaining the appearance and integrity of the building.
At the same time, investing in robust fire exit doors with enhanced hardware provides long-term protection against increasingly common entry-point vulnerabilities.
Together, these solutions help ensure that business premises remain safe, secure and operational, even when unexpected security incidents occur.
Need advice on the right door solution for your project or premises?
Contact the Robust UK estimating team on 01782 592900 or email to discuss your requirements.
