ᐅ Safe room in an older building: security expert for older buildings wanted
Created on: 10 Nov 2018 13:50
S
StevenHello
I am facing a challenge:
An old building is to be upgraded for extreme security.
Windows that are truly secure. What protection class is available for that?
Doors accordingly.
And preferably a complete lockdown of the upper floor—essentially a large panic room.
An architect is involved. He is experienced with old houses, but probably less so with security.
Budget is not the top priority. I understand that upgrading will not be cheap.
Does anyone know a company or specialist familiar with mechanical security upgrades?
Steven
I am facing a challenge:
An old building is to be upgraded for extreme security.
Windows that are truly secure. What protection class is available for that?
Doors accordingly.
And preferably a complete lockdown of the upper floor—essentially a large panic room.
An architect is involved. He is experienced with old houses, but probably less so with security.
Budget is not the top priority. I understand that upgrading will not be cheap.
Does anyone know a company or specialist familiar with mechanical security upgrades?
Steven
Hello Steven,
This certainly sounds like an interesting project. Unfortunately, you haven’t provided enough information. Total security doesn’t exist, and fear is always a poor advisor. Budget is always a factor. Without knowing the details, based on what you’ve said, I would estimate between 500,000 and 1,000,000 euros.
Windows with RC5 resistance class and so on. What you really need is a comprehensive security concept, not just different windows and doors. The walls themselves might not even be suitable to meet the required standards.
Where will electricity, water, and ventilation come from? Is the system off-grid?
What exactly are your plans and why? I suspect that significantly lower protection classes might be sufficient, unless the old building is located in a war zone.
Best regards
This certainly sounds like an interesting project. Unfortunately, you haven’t provided enough information. Total security doesn’t exist, and fear is always a poor advisor. Budget is always a factor. Without knowing the details, based on what you’ve said, I would estimate between 500,000 and 1,000,000 euros.
Windows with RC5 resistance class and so on. What you really need is a comprehensive security concept, not just different windows and doors. The walls themselves might not even be suitable to meet the required standards.
Where will electricity, water, and ventilation come from? Is the system off-grid?
What exactly are your plans and why? I suspect that significantly lower protection classes might be sufficient, unless the old building is located in a war zone.
Best regards
Hello rick
I understand that there is no such thing as total security. Anyone can get in somewhere; it’s just a matter of materials and time. It should also withstand determined intruders—someone who has observed and prepared. The details should be discussed on-site with the specialist. Since extensive renovations are already planned, there are (almost) no restrictions.
Steven
I understand that there is no such thing as total security. Anyone can get in somewhere; it’s just a matter of materials and time. It should also withstand determined intruders—someone who has observed and prepared. The details should be discussed on-site with the specialist. Since extensive renovations are already planned, there are (almost) no restrictions.
Steven
Hello Steven,
Try searching for resistance classes for windows and doors. They range from RC 1 N to RC 6. These are defined based on the tools used and how long the windows can resist an attack.
Then you can specify your requirements. Is the property in a remote area or in the city? Usually, burglars give up after a few minutes (even opportunistic ones), as the risk of being caught becomes too high.
Alarm systems, lighting, camera surveillance, and possibly security personnel are also important. Take out a good insurance policy if valuables are involved. For protection of life and limb, a security service is probably the most effective and affordable solution.
For locking systems, have a look at UrbanAlps’ Stealthkey. It cannot easily be copied from a photo. Additionally, consider another system with fingerprint or iris scan. Use motorized locks that lock automatically everywhere.
Personally, I would not go higher than RC3 in combination with the other measures mentioned.
I know people who have built fortress-like homes. After about six months, most of the security mechanisms are disabled or not activated because they restrict daily life too much.
Try searching for resistance classes for windows and doors. They range from RC 1 N to RC 6. These are defined based on the tools used and how long the windows can resist an attack.
Then you can specify your requirements. Is the property in a remote area or in the city? Usually, burglars give up after a few minutes (even opportunistic ones), as the risk of being caught becomes too high.
Alarm systems, lighting, camera surveillance, and possibly security personnel are also important. Take out a good insurance policy if valuables are involved. For protection of life and limb, a security service is probably the most effective and affordable solution.
For locking systems, have a look at UrbanAlps’ Stealthkey. It cannot easily be copied from a photo. Additionally, consider another system with fingerprint or iris scan. Use motorized locks that lock automatically everywhere.
Personally, I would not go higher than RC3 in combination with the other measures mentioned.
I know people who have built fortress-like homes. After about six months, most of the security mechanisms are disabled or not activated because they restrict daily life too much.
Hello Steven,
Sealing off at the top is generally possible. Just treat it like an external shell.
I assume there is a stairwell with a separate door? Make sure to install this and any windows accordingly, possibly reinforce walls and floors, and add cameras and sensors. It is essential to consult a structural engineer, as a significant amount of additional weight can accumulate.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a specialist in your area.
As a starting point, get in touch with Telenot. Their alarm systems come highly recommended.
Some acquaintances completed an (industrial) project with Krass Wilke & colleagues.
You would likely be in very competent hands there (heard by word of mouth, no personal experience).
Regards,
Rick
Sealing off at the top is generally possible. Just treat it like an external shell.
I assume there is a stairwell with a separate door? Make sure to install this and any windows accordingly, possibly reinforce walls and floors, and add cameras and sensors. It is essential to consult a structural engineer, as a significant amount of additional weight can accumulate.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a specialist in your area.
As a starting point, get in touch with Telenot. Their alarm systems come highly recommended.
Some acquaintances completed an (industrial) project with Krass Wilke & colleagues.
You would likely be in very competent hands there (heard by word of mouth, no personal experience).
Regards,
Rick
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