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, one that cannot be tampered with. When we refer to the resistance of frames to burglary, we mean how long a frame will last until a burglar manages to break in. The behavior of a frame is determined by the time (in minutes), and the tools needed to violate it.

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

It is worth noting thatALUMIL ensures the high performance of its systems through rigorous testing. The checks carried out in the specially designed testing chambers are conducted under the authority of major international notified certification bodies. Such us ift Rosenheim, providing the necessary accreditations and verifications for their results and making the company's systems particularly reliable in the critical field of anti-burglary protection.

Important safety tips

Therefore, for hinged frames, we recommend multiple locking mechanisms, placed at the perimeter between the sash and the casement. Additionally, sliding doors have to be equipped with internal locks. Apart from windows and balcony doors, it is critical to choose the right entrance door as it is the main point of intrusion in burglaries.

Accordingly, choosing a secured entrance door, like aluminium doors, is vital, for your home's safety. However, not all aluminium doors provide the same security levels; Co-planar doors, with metal sheets, are superior to other choices. A simple door panel is very easily breached with a crowbar and a very strong kick…. For co-planar doors, the burglar has to violate the door at the alcove point between the sash and the frame, which can take a lot of time.

Lastly, aluminium security entrance doors should always have multiple locking mechanism. In case your door has a fixed glazing part, prefer security triplex glass, which is hard to break.

See the table in detail

Resistance category	Resistance time	Type of break-in 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 also carried out with small burglary tools, trying to open and destroy the frame
RC 2N* -		The burglar tries with additional simple tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and a wedge, to break into a frame that is locked and bolted to the structural elements. There is no direct attack on the glass panes. 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 into a frame that is locked and bolted to the 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 frame that is locked and bolted to the structural elements
RC 4	10 minutes	An experienced burglar using not only a saw, as well as extra tools such as a crowbar, hammer, chisel and a cordless drill
RC 5	15 minutes	n experienced burglar using, besides hand tools, also power 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	An experienced burglar using, besides hand tools, also power 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

* TheΝ for RC1N and RC2N strength classes reflects the respective "National provisions", meaning that the required glass type can be defined at national level.

Tips on Burglary Prevention

42% of tested intrusions are currently prevented by mechanical security devices.
The correct use of devices should be the No. 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 any manipulation 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 hardware, special care must be taken to ensure proper installation and assembly, including adjusting equipment to the right settings.
Ideally, take into account anti-burglary resistance considerations as early as the design stage and use tested and certified fittings.

It is important to mention that even today most of the frames are Class 1 or 2 while rarely can we find Class 3 or 4 frames. Security doors offer better performance and are often classified as Class 3 or 4. The frame must be accompanied by a certificate by an accredited body confirming its Class. The certificates should be delivered to the consumer together with the relevant Performance Declaration