Knowledge centre
Standards, certificates, material selection and maintenance — everything you need to know about security, explained by our specialists.
40 articles
What do the RC classes for security doors mean?
RC stands for "Resistance Class". Classes RC1 to RC6 determine how long a door will withstand a break-in attempt. We explain what each class means for your situation.
Apartment entrance doors: which standards apply in Belgium?
An apartment entrance door must meet multiple standards at once: burglary resistance, fire resistance, sound insulation and EPB requirements. An overview of Belgian legislation.
Which security door is best suited to your home?
Which security door is best suited to your home? The answer depends on your type of home, your neighbourhood, your budget and your insurer's requirements. We outline the five key factors to consider — so you can make an informed decision.
What is the difference between a security door and a regular front door?
A regular front door might look solid, but it offers barely any resistance against a targeted break-in attempt. A security door is built differently from the inside out. We compare both in terms of frame, lock, cylinder, weight and certification — so you understand the difference.
Which door should you choose for an apartment?
An apartment entrance door is more than just a security door. It must meet burglary resistance, fire safety, sound insulation and energy performance requirements all at once. We explain which standards apply in Belgium and how to choose the right door for your apartment.
How do you choose the right entrance door?
The entrance door is your home's calling card and its first layer of security. Making the right choice requires a balance between security level, material, aesthetics and budget. We guide you step by step through the decision-making process.
Which certificates should a security door have?
Not every "security door" is actually certified. Manufacturers use marketing terms like "reinforced" or "burglary-resistant" without any standard behind them. We explain which certificates matter, what they mean, and how to verify whether a door is genuinely certified.
The Ultimate Burglary Prevention Checklist for Your Home
Most burglaries take less than 5 minutes. With the right combination of mechanical security measures, you can drastically reduce that risk. A practical checklist for every home.
Bumping and picking: how are standard locks opened in seconds?
Two techniques every burglar knows: bumping and picking. Standard cylinders offer virtually no resistance against them. We explain how they work and how to protect yourself.
How do you prevent cylinder pulling (lock snapping)?
Cylinder pulling is one of the most common burglary methods in Belgium. With a simple pulling tool and a screwdriver, a burglar can extract the cylinder core from your lock in a matter of seconds — without you noticing. We explain why standard cylinders are vulnerable and how to protect yourself effectively.
Security door or alarm system: which is smarter?
Security door or alarm system — do you have to choose? The short answer: no. But if budget forces you to prioritise, the order is clear. We compare both solutions honestly and explain which combination offers the most protection per euro invested.
Which security measures deter burglars the most?
What really scares off a burglar? Not every security product is equally effective. Based on police statistics, criminological research, and our own practical experience, we've ranked the most demonstrably effective measures — ordered by deterrent value.
How safe is your front door today?
Most people assume their front door is safe. The reality is different: a large proportion of Belgian front doors offer insufficient resistance against a targeted burglary attempt. With this self-check, you can assess the vulnerabilities of your current front door in five minutes.
Checklist: is your home sufficiently secured?
Is your home really sufficiently secured — or do you simply assume it is? With this practical checklist, you can screen your home for the most critical vulnerabilities. Point by point, from front door to backyard. An honest self-assessment that might surprise you.
EI30, EI60, EI120: what do the fire classes mean?
EI30 means that a door can withstand fire and smoke penetration for 30 minutes. But what does Belgian legislation actually require for your building? Here's an overview of the fire classes.
When is a fire-resistant door mandatory?
A fire-resistant door isn't required everywhere — but more often than most owners and managers assume. Belgian legislation sets out the requirement by building type, height and use. We outline the key cases so you know exactly where you stand.
What does EI30 mean?
EI30 is the most common fire class for doors in Belgian residential and office buildings. But what exactly do those letters and that number mean? And when is EI30 sufficient — and when isn't it? A clear explanation, no jargon.
What does EI60 mean?
EI60 is the fire class that applies to taller buildings, care facilities and specific risk situations. It doubles the protection time compared with EI30. When is EI60 required, what does it mean in practice, and what does the upgrade cost? We explain.
Is a security door automatically fire-resistant?
A common question: "Isn't my security door also fire-resistant?" The answer is no — unless the door is explicitly certified for both functions. Burglary resistance and fire resistance are two independent certifications, each with different material requirements. We explain the difference.
Fire door or security door: what's the difference?
Fire door or security door — the terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe fundamentally different products with their own standards and applications. We clearly explain the difference and show when you need which door — and when you can combine both in a single product.
How do you choose the right safe for your home?
Choosing a private safe depends on four factors: the value of what you're storing, the fire risk, the available space, and the level of convenience you want. Here's a tailored guide.
Safe security ratings: from S1 to grade VI — how much can your safe protect?
Every safe rating comes with a maximum insurable value. Choose too low, and you risk your insurer refusing to pay out. Here's a clear overview from S1 to grade VI.
Which safe do I need?
Which safe do you need? The answer depends on what you want to protect, against which risk, and what amounts your insurer will reimburse. We break down the decision step by step — so you don't pay too little, or too much.
Fire-resistant or burglary-resistant safe: what do you need?
Fire safe or burglary safe — do you have to choose? Just as with doors, both functions are certified independently and place partly conflicting demands on construction. We explain the difference and show when a combined safe is the wisest investment.
How big should a safe be?
Too small is frustrating — you just can't fit what you want to store. Too large wastes budget and space. Choosing the right safe size requires thinking about your current and future contents, the installation location, and practical access. We lay out the choice clearly.
Can a safe be built into a wall or floor?
A built-in safe is the most discreet security solution: invisible to visitors, difficult for burglars to remove. But not every wall or floor is suitable. We explain what's technically possible, what the advantages are, and what to keep in mind.
What insurance requirements apply to safes in Belgium?
A safe without the correct certificate can cause your insurer to refuse payout in case of damage — even if the safe was physically present. The Belgian insurance market applies concrete requirements per value class. We explain what your insurer expects and how to stay compliant.
Why a cheap cylinder ends up costing you more
A cylinder lock costing €8 can be opened in 30 seconds using bumping or picking. We show the difference between a basic cylinder and a certified security cylinder.
Master key systems: how does a key plan work?
A hierarchical key plan determines who can open which door. Ideal for apartment buildings, businesses and care facilities. We explain the structure step by step.
Biometrics vs. RFID: which access system suits you?
Fingerprint, facial recognition, RFID or a numeric code — each system has its pros and cons. We compare the options for residential and professional use.
How to choose the right security cylinder
The cylinder is either the weakest or the strongest point of your door — depending on your choice. Bumping, picking, cylinder pulling and drilling are techniques every burglar knows. The right security cylinder neutralises all of them. We explain step by step how to make the best choice.
Who is allowed to duplicate security keys?
Not every locksmith is allowed to duplicate every key. Strict rules apply to patented security keys: only certified professionals with written authorisation from the owner may produce duplicates. We explain how the system works and why it guarantees your security.
When should you replace a security cylinder?
You don't only replace a security cylinder when it's faulty — you also replace it when circumstances have changed. Moving house, a lost key, the end of a lease or an attempted break-in: each of these situations is a concrete reason to have your cylinder replaced. We outline the six most common cases.
How does a key plan work — and do you need one?
A key plan determines who can open which door — without everyone receiving the same key. It's the backbone of every professional access system for apartment buildings, offices and care facilities. Larger private homes also benefit from it in concrete ways. We explain step by step how it works and when you'd benefit from one.
How secure are smart cylinders?
Smart cylinders open via Bluetooth, an app or a fingerprint — without a traditional key. They're popular for their convenience and flexibility. But are they genuinely secure? We analyse the strengths, the risks and the situations in which a smart cylinder makes sense — and when you're better off sticking with mechanical security.
Combining security with design: is that possible?
The days when a security door looked like the entrance to a bunker are over. Modern security and contemporary design go hand in hand today. We show you how to combine maximum protection with an interior you can be proud of.
The biggest security mistakes in Belgian homes
Most burglaries are not brilliantly planned operations — they're made possible by avoidable mistakes. Based on our years of practical experience and Belgian police statistics, we list the seven most common security mistakes. Take an honest look at whether you're making them too.
Why investing in a security door pays off
A security door isn't a cost — it's an investment. It protects what matters most to you, lowers your insurance premium and increases the value of your home. We lay out the business case for you: concrete, honest and well-founded.
Living safely in an apartment building: what should you pay attention to?
Living safely in an apartment building is a shared responsibility — of every resident and of the co-ownership as a whole. A well-secured building begins at the main entrance and ends at the individual front door of each apartment. We outline the key points of attention for residents and property managers alike.
The complete checklist for a secure home
Want a single overview of everything that truly makes your home secure? This checklist brings together all the key points — from the front door to the back garden, from the cylinder to key management. Use it as a self-assessment or as a basis for a conversation with your security advisor.
Personal advice