Fingerprint Door
Fingerprint door access systems are a revolutionary approach to door security, providing enhanced protection, while offering convenience and efficiency.
Front doors have traditionally served as the main entranceway between our personal spaces and the outside world. As technology advances, so do the methods we use to secure our homes and businesses. Homeowners are familiar with keyless entry for their cars and are now seeking biometric door locks with fingerprint access for the front door to their homes.
Electronic locks offer sophisticated options, such as a thumbprint door lock or fingerprint keypad door lock, making it easier to open the front door to your home without having to fumble for a key in your pockets or bag. Watch our video showing fingerprint entry.
Fingerprint Door Access
Fingerprint door access systems use a sensor to read the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person's fingertip. When a user places their finger on the sensor, the device captures an image of the fingerprint and converts it into a digital template. This template is compared to a database of enrolled fingerprints to verify the user's identity. If there is a match, the door unlocks; if not, access will be denied.
With a Spitfire Door fingerprint system, up to 100 individual fingerprint or thumbprints can be safety stored within the database. Continual improvements are being made to improve sensor technology to ensure reliability in various conditions.
It is advisable to register more than one finger or thumb when setting up your fingerprint door access, so that if a fingerprint is temporarily unrecognisable due to a build up of dirt, oil or moisture on the fingertip, the back up fingerprint will allow you to gain access.
Advantages of a Fingerprint Front Door Lock
One of the most significant advantages of fingerprint access is its security. Since each fingerprint is unique, unauthorised users are unable to gain access. Unlike keys, which can be copied, or codes, which can be forgotten, fingerprints are always with the individual.
The convenience of no longer fumbling for keys to gain access to your home or office cannot be overstated. A simple touch of the finger can grant access, streamlining the entry process. Fingerprint access systems represent a significant leap forward in door security, merging convenience with advanced technology. Contact Spitfire Doors.
Biometric Door for Office and Commercial Premises
With the option of including up to 100 individual fingerprints, a biometric door lock system for offices is a popular choice.
Once a fingerprint has been registered, employees can enter their workplace, close the door behind them and the door will automatically lock. Many fingerprint access systems come equipped with the ability to log entries and exits. This feature can be particularly useful in commercial settings where monitoring who enters and exits can be crucial for security and safety. Administrators can easily add or remove users from the system, providing flexibility for businesses or households.
With a Spitfire Door, the biometric door system can be controlled either manually, or remotely via the Inosmart App. It operates in a similar way to a Smart lock front door.
Fingerprint Door Handle
With a Spitfire entry door, the biometric system can be fitted either within the door handle, or within the door sash itself.
A fingerprint door handle is a convenient and attractive design. There are many pull bar handle designs available, including a square or round pull bar in a choice of black or stainless steel. The biometric system is discreetly situated within the handle itself. Watch our video demonstrating the use of the keypad being used to open the door.
Biometric Fingerprint Door Lock
A fingerprint door lock system offers several conveniences that make it an attractive choice for securing homes. There is no longer a need to carry keys, which could become lost or forgotten, simply placing a finger or thumb on the sensor is all that is required for access.
Fingerprint systems typically unlock within seconds, providing immediate access without delay. As fingerprints are unique, there is no risk of someone copying a key. This enhances security and peace of mind.
Download a Spitfire Doors brochure.
Keypad Door Entry
Keypad door entry systems are also a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties, offering a convenient and secure method for accessing buildings. By requiring a numeric code to unlock a door, these systems eliminate the need for physical keys while providing a range of benefits.
Codes can be shared with family members, employees, or guests without the need for extra keys. Each user can have their own code, which can be changed or deactivated as needed. Temporary codes can be created and later removed, enhancing security. This feature is useful for allowing temporary access to a dog walker, cleaner or guests who will only be visiting at a certain time of day or for a certain number of days. Their code can then simply be removed when no longer required.
Both fingerprint door entry and keypad entry systems offer a blend of convenience, security, and flexibility that makes them an appealing option. Whether for residential or commercial purposes, they provide an efficient way to manage access without the need for traditional keys. By understanding their benefits and potential challenges, users can make informed decisions about incorporating keypad entry into their security plans. Download a brochure
If you are considering a biometric fingerprint door access system for your home or office, please contact a member of our Customer Service team on 01625 412570 or email enquiries@spitfiredoors.co.uk or visit our door designer to configure your dream door.
Is your front door ready for winter?
With a fall in temperature, the colder winter months are approaching. Are you and your home ready for winter? The temperatures dropping in winter accompanied by a rise in humidity can quickly affect the entrance to your home, so now is a good time to check how your entrance and its surroundings are prepared for the cold season.
HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR FRONT DOOR IS READY FOR WINTER
Do you proactively maintain your front door on a regular basis, or are you more likely to carry out any repairs when they become noticeable? We would recommend that you prepare your home for winter by ensuring that your entrance door is safe and in full working order.
How to carry out checks:
- Carry out a detailed inspection of the front door leaf itself
- Oil any hooks and locks
- Test for any draughts or water ingress
- Consider if there is adequate lighting around the entrance and hallway
- Review accessories around the entrance to your home, such as a mat, umbrella holder or coat hangers
- Check for security - would your home deter an opportunist burglar?
IS YOUR FRONT DOOR WELL INSULATED - TO HELP WITH ENERGY BILLS?
Poor thermal insulation of windows and front doors is one of the main causes of energy loss in a home and, as a result, higher heating costs. More heat can be lost through poorly insulated windows and doors than through an uninsulated façade. High-quality and, above all, well-installed front doors that provide good insulation are therefore an excellent investment that pays off in winter.
HOW TO CHECK THE INSULATION OF YOUR FRONT DOOR
When considering the insulation of an entrance door, we need to take into account the insulation of the door leaf itself, the side seals and cills which prevent warm air escaping from a property and also prevent the penetration of cold air into the interior of your home. The thickness of the door itself and the material your front door is made from can affect the quality of the door seal. If you feel that your door is letting in the cold air, is it time to consider upgrading is and replacing your front door?
You can check the effectiveness of the gasket seal on the side and bottom of the front door. If the door is worn and bent, and no longer fits perfectly into the frame, air will escape through the gaps in both directions.
If you can feel a draught coming in through your front door, it can help to use a torch to carry out a full investigation. Point the beam of light at the edges of the door and observe if light enters through one of the openings. Alternatively, you can do the same with a sheet of paper and see if you can slide it between the door and the frame, if you can, this could be where the draught is coming from. One of the classic methods of leak testing is a test with a lighter, as you bring the lighter closer to the sides of the door, observe how the frame flickers. This way, you can find out where the pull of the flame occurs which can help identify where additional seals are needed. For example in the form of:
- rubber textile seals
- foam seals
- Textile stopper or
- Cill seals with brush.
It is definitely worth checking whether the door sits correctly within its' frame, and whether it closes and locks easily.
IS IT TIME TO BUY A NEW FRONT DOOR FOR YOUR HOME?
If your front door looks tired and old, it could be time to consider replacing it with a new front door which will be energy efficient, with excellent U-Values to keep your home warm and your energy bills lower.
A high-quality front door like the Spitfire Doors S-500 Series, will keep out the noise and cold and reduce your heating costs. A new front door will be more secure with high quality multi-point locks to keep out would-be intruders, whilst visually brightening up both the exterior and interior of your home and adding kerb appeal to your home. If you want to save on heating costs, installing a new front door is a good place to start.
DESIGN YOUR DREAM FRONT DOOR HERE
ALUMINIUM FRONT DOORS WILL LOOK GOOD AND PERFORM WELL FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS
The Spitfire Inotherm aluminum front door is well-known for its insulating properties, which is especially beneficial in the cold winter months. Aluminium doors do not twist and warp on hot sunny days, even at high temperatures, ensuring that the heat in your four walls will not escape thanks to special door fillers, triple glazing and vulcanized corners which create a water and airtight seal.
Our doors are powder coated in our own paint shop, offering additional protection against UV radiation. There is a huge range of RAL colours to choose from. You can design your bespoke front door using our online door configurator here.
A SECURE FRONT DOOR WILL PROTECT YOU EVEN ON DARKER WINTER EVENINGS
When the nights draw in and with fewer hours of daylight during autumn and winter, many people give more consideration to the security of their homes. To deter an opportunist burglar, having a secure aluminium front door is a great place to start. The Spitfire Inotherm S-500 front door meets both PAS 24 and RS3 levels of security to keep your property safe and secure.
IS THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME SUFFICIENTLY ILLUMINATED?
If the outside of your home is well lit at night, potential burglars will have a harder time sneaking up to the door and trying to gain access. Whether the lighting is positioned to the side of the door or above the front door, the right lighting is likely to put off an intruder, helping to keep you safe in your home. Installing lights with a motion sensor will ensure the outside of your home is illuminated every time the light detects any movement.
IS YOUR DOOR LOCK STRONG AND SECURE?
When carrying out an inspection of your front door, check to see if any of the hinges or locks are rusty and ensure that the lock opens and closes smoothly. By ensuring that your door locks easily, you could prevent your front door being left unlocked unintentionally, making it easy for an opportune thief to gain access. The Spitfire Inotherm S-500 Series Doors lock automatically, as soon as they are closed.
If your lock is worn or is of poor quality, it could be time to upgrade your lock or door to ensure your home is secure. Most modern front doors will have a new multipoint locking system, which means that the door will be locked in several places along the side of the door. The Spitfire Inotherm door has a 5-point security lock as standard and meets PAS 24 security.
SAFETY AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY GO HAND IN HAND - AN INTRODUCTION TO INOSMART
Do you want to combine the security of your entrance with modern technology? Can you imagine the convenience of not having to look for keys every time you arrive home? Especially in winter, when we want to escape the cold and rain quickly, such a solution is worth its' weight in gold. In addition, it offers absolute security, as the door locks automatically every time it is closed.
Doors with the INOSMART system offer three types of opening:
- Fingerprint access
- NFC technology
- by entering a numerical code
The system is equipped with an advanced high-speed fingerprint reader that recognizes the fingerprint regardless of the position of the finger, but also detects changes and adapts to a specific fingerprint. The administration takes place via an app on a smartphone, which also logs attempts of any unauthorized access. Contact Spitfire Doors to find out more.
THE BEST PROTECTION FOR YOUR LOVED ONES AND YOUR PROPERTY - A BURGLAR-PROOF FRONT DOOR
Statistics show that most burglars still enter buildings through the front door.
For maximum security, care must be taken to ensure that it is protected as well as possible against burglary attempts. If you want to protect your home in winter and install a new entrance as part of the renovation, secure burglar-proof doors are something to be considered.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF FRONT DOORS - IS YOUR FRONT DOOR READY FOR WINTER?
Regular maintenance of your front door is essential. It only takes a few minutes to ensure that your door threshold remains free of grit and dirt. A simple wipe of the exterior of your door and some oiling of hinges and moving parts is recommended from time to time. Aluminium front doors are extremely resistant to winter conditions, but simple maintenance ensures a longer service life. Before winter, be sure to check the moving parts such as fittings and locks. Clean them first and then oil them as this will ensure easy closing and opening. Lubricating the lock should not be just a seasonal task; pay attention to regular lubrication, as this prolongs the service life.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT VENTILATION IN YOUR HOME
If you have chosen a well-sealed front door and windows for your home, it is important to ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the areas around the door and window. By opening your doors and windows for a few minutes every few days, this should ensure there is enough fresh air to keep the area free from mould or damp.
If you would like the opportunity to design your own front door, why not visit our door designer where you can choose from over 400 designs in a huge choice of colours and finishes. We also have a wide range of door handles to choose from.
If you would like to discuss a new front door for your home, please contact our Customer Services Team who will be happy to put you in touch with a design partner in your area. Call 01625 412570 or contact us here We look forward to hearing from you.
Doors Showroom London now open
Spitfire Doors Showroom London is now open.
Spitfire Doors has opened a flagship London showroom in Sutton. We have on display more than 8 of our most popular and high-end aluminium front doors, suitable for luxury homes throughout London and the South.
Spitfire Showrooms - Spitfire Doors
Doors Showroom London - which doors are on display?
Our Doors showroom London includes an extensive range of front door designs in varied colours. On display are some of the most popular styles as well as some funky door designs. Selected doors have the latest in technology, including fingerprint scanners which can be operated via a Smart App and recessed door handles with LED’s which stay on 24 hours a day.
Open five days week our Doors Showroom London contains 13 luxury front doors all in one large room so that you can wander around the doors and get a feel for your preferred design. Each of our doors has a low threshold for ease of access. We also have on display a front door with wheelchair access.
Some of the designs include:
- A combination of a walnut effect and anthracite grey externally / white internally
- A textured black finish externally / anthracite grey matt finish internally
- A combination of a split oak grey and black matt finish externally / white gloss internally
- Metallic anthracite grey externally with decorative glass / designer light rush finish internally
- A set of double doors in dark grey externally with plenty of bling / black gloss finish internally
Visit our door designer to design your bespoke door
Some of the 13 doors on display in Sutton, London demonstrate:
- A day latch option
- A thumb turn on the inside of the door
- A letterbox fitted within a bespoke glazed side panel
- Inosmart fingerprint scanner which stores up to 100 different fingerprints
- Decorative triple glazed, laminated safety glass
- Swarovski crystals
- LED lighting
- Pivot Doors which are a whopping 2 metres wide
There is no better way to decide on the best front door for your home than to see the doors in person.
We welcome visitors on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Why not get in touch to make an appointment? Or watch this virtual showroom tour.
What is the widest front door you can get?
Spitfire Pivot Doors can be made up to 2 metres wide and up to 3 metres high. We have two Pivot Doors on display at our showroom in London.
Spitfire S-500 Signature Series Doors can be made in bespoke sizes from 850mm wide up to 1250mm wide. The doors on display are approximately 1100mm wide. Designs incorporating side panels are even wider.
How do I choose the right front door for my home?
The Customer Services team at each of our showrooms will be happy to discuss the features and benefits of our doors to help you decide which front door will be the most suitable for you. However, if you would prefer to walk around the London showroom and look at the doors at your leisure, we won’t put you under any pressure.
Designs can incorporate Swarovski crystals within the door sash itself or within the glazing panel. If you are looking for a little sparkle within your door, we can show you a sample of the sprinkle effect paint finish which adds a subtle sparkle when a light shines upon it. Spitfire Doors Signature Series Aluminium front doors are the most luxurious, stylish and secure doors in Europe, with over 400 door designs to choose from.
Visit our door designer to design your unique front door.
SPITFIRE DOORS - FINISHES AVAILABLE - WATCH VIDEO
Doors Showroom London - Aluminium Pivot Doors on display
We have on display two impressive Pivot Doors at 2 metres wide, both with designer finishes to stimulate your imagination. One has a dark concrete finish externally with an ice touch finish internally. The second Pivot Door features a fabulous black glass finish externally (pictured above) combined with a Corten finish internally. Both doors look super. Watch a short video
Spitfire Aluminium Pivot Doors really do create the wow factor. There is a design available to complement all styles of home. Every door is incredibly secure and achieves excellent U-Values.
Call us to help create your Pivot Door.
Can I see a variety of door handles on display in London?
When choosing a door handle it can be helpful to see and touch the handles, to see which is the best fit for you and your home. At our showroom in Sutton, London, we have a variety of external door handles on display, including:
- A long square vertical pull bar with a contemporary matt finish
- A jet-black recessed handle, complete with LED’s
- A horizontal square polished pull bar
- A vertical stainless pull bar recessed into the door sash
- A black square vertical pull bar (pictured)
- A classic round polished pull bar on a set of double doors
- A curved round matt stainless handle
- A 1400mm square pull bar
- A Silver Anodised recessed handle with LED’s running the full height of our Spitfire Pivot Door
If you call into our Doors showroom London, you will see a variety of aluminium door designs. Some doors combine a wood effect with anthracite grey and others feature decorative glass with clear or satin lines.
Spitfire Doors understands that buying a new aluminium front door for your home is a big investment. Our customer service team will help guide you through all of the options to help you come to a decision as to which front door is most suitable for your home. Every door comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Contact Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570.
An Aluminium Door makes the perfect entrance
As featured in Windows Active February 2021:
It is clear from market research that there are exciting growth opportunities for sellers and installers of residential entrance doors of all materials across the UK. Consumers are very aware of their options and they now have the freedom to design a secure, energy efficient, bespoke door of their choice via a plethora of online door configurators. Aluminium entrance doors are the ‘new kid on the block’ in the UK and Irish residential markets but they are widely specified across central Europe, with over 50% of replacement and new build doors in Germany being aluminium. Surprisingly perhaps, composite doors whilst ubiquitous in the UK, have not really been widely adopted by consumers or installers on the continent. Aluminium doors share the continental market with timber and premium quality uPVC panel doors.
German consumers prioritise product quality and material specification above price in their selection process because outstanding daily performance and longevity are pre-requisites. Price and choice of installer are important issues but they are of secondary importance in the decision-making process. Aesthetics and Design are increasingly important and every market in Europe has idiosyncratic door designs, particular to a country or region. Generally, at this time UK consumers have a fairly conservative taste in front door design but as people become more affluent, there is a desire to make a personal statement on a property’s frontage, using the front door, particularly if its a mid-high-end, bespoke home.
Across the UK and Ireland, demand for aluminium entrance doors is steadily increasing. Market share is still modest, but growth is being driven by demand from developers and consumers building high-specification homes, where aluminium front doors are typically chosen to complement aluminium glazing or premium quality uPVC flush window systems. Typically today, aluminium entrance doors are sold into homes that are valued at circa £400k minimum, so they are still very much a niche product.
Because aluminium is relatively light and very strong, much wider and higher entrance doors can be manufactured up to 1250mm x 2700mm, which is perfect for ‘grand design’ new builds, particularly where the front door is glazed-in, within a large glass façade. Aluminium is an excellent choice for door skins because hundreds of different bespoke designs can be achieved and with 3mm skins in particular, spectacular finishes can be produced using a CNC machine.
Improving the thermal efficiency of buildings is now a legislative requirement and this is forcing door manufacturers of all materials to react. Aluminium entrance doors provided by Spitfire Doors and others are all under 0.9 w/m2K and can be as low as 0.6 w/m2K. With an aluminium entrance door, very high levels of security protection against intrusion are a given.
The Spitfire Doors journey began in 2016. Following almost 2 years of research into European markets, products and suppliers, the decision was taken to introduce two distinct residential aluminium door systems to the UK, via a network of independent installation partners. Essentially, a door range at the very top-end of the market and a mid-market door series, both sourced from highly respected European manufacturers. The main criteria for selecting manufacturing partners was to collaborate with companies that only make aluminium doors and they must have a respected pedigree of producing ‘fit and forget’ front doors. Price for Spitfire Doors is a distant second behind product quality and performance, because service calls and unhappy customers are a money pit for door installers.
Whilst recognising that composite doors enjoy a dominant share of both the replacement and new build markets, which will continue for many years, Spitfire Doors predict that aluminium entrance doors will take a significant slice of the mid to high-end new build market, exactly as aluminium windows, sliders and bifolds have done. 15 years ago, who would have thought that aluminium window and door systems would have made such a successful comeback in the UK residential market or that uPVC systems houses would be forced to launch aluminium systems to maintain market share?
To discuss your Aluminium Entrance Door requirements, contact Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570 or why not design your own door using our door configurator?
Weathered Steel, Corten and Concrete finishes are a rising trend for front doors
When designing a bespoke self-build property, a forever home or renovating your existing home, it is worth taking time to carefully decide on the perfect front door, as it will make a statement about you and your style leaving visitors with a strong first impression.
Corten, rust-weathered finish for front doors
Home-owners with a vision for creating a home with a modern, industrial style entrance door are embracing both Corten, a rust-weathered steel, or Concrete effect finishes. Due to their industrial look, these minimalist finishes can be perfect both inside and outside the house. We have two online Door Designers which will help you configure your perfect door.
Architects across the UK regularly specify the rusty metal finish called Corten (steel) when specifying cladding, bespoke gates or when designing garden ornaments for contemporary homes. Whilst an authentic steel Corten finish would look fabulous on a front door, as it weathers the steel would require a lot of maintenance and the downside of Corten steel is that it can cause stains that can drip onto areas under the metal, therefore making it an inadvisable material for a front door facade.
The good news is that Spitfire aluminium front doors are available in a wide range of special and unique powder-coated finishes, such as Corten or Concrete effect, offering almost exactly the same finish, aesthetics and contemporary styling as steel, without the downsides of steel or concrete. You can view the gallery of doors here.
With a Spitfire Aluminium Door, a rust effect paint is baked on to the aluminium skin, creating a perfect, maintenance-free finish which will look fabulous for many years to come. Rusted metal, concrete and leather effect finishes are all available within the three ranges of Spitfire Doors and are a popular choice for front doors in luxurious homes.
Door frames can be specified in the same colour or finishes or a contrasting RAL colour and finish, to create a truly bespoke door. As well as looking fabulous, Spitfire Doors meet PAS 24 security levels and are extremely thermally efficient. Spitfire doors can be manufactured up to an impressive 2 metres wide by 4 metres high, to create the perfect grand entrance to your home.
We have two online Door Designers which will help you configure your perfect door. The configurators take you step by step through the various options available to you. Just send us, or your local Spitfire Design Partner the design you have created to discuss and to acquire a quotation.
Contact our Customer Services team on 01625 412570 or visit our online Door Designer to configure your perfect door.
Biometric Fingerprint Technology
What is Biometric Technology?
Biometrics identification is the only mode of authentication that can unequivocally validate a person's identity. Biometric authentication is the automated recognition of an individual using unique physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints, which have been pre-stored in a biometric security system or scanner. Biometrics most commonly refers to the use of technology to authenticate or identify a person based on their Fingerprint. Fingerprint readers analyse a fingerprint to digitally identify a person to grant access to systems, devices or data. There are other systems like face recognition, voice, hand geometry, Iris recognition, and DNA but fingerprint readers are most prevalent and are the only biometric solutions fitted to high-end aluminium residential entrance doors.
Why select a capacitive fingerprint scanner to unlock and open your front door?
Of all the biometric techniques, fingerprint scan is the most convenient and most secure way of proving identity, guaranteeing trusted access to the right people, at the right times. Plus, capacitive scanners are very reliable and easy to use. Children's fingers from age of 6 upward are recognized and Spitfire Doors scanners are easy for young and old to use.
The Signature Spitfire Doors capacitive fingerprint reader requires the user to simply press and briefly hold the finger on the scanner for less than a second to open the door, which is a huge improvement over the old technology and far less reliable ‘swipe’ scanners.
The Signature Spitfire Doors fingerprint scanner is intuitive and each time you use the scanner our unique algorithm adapts to your finger. This unique feature is particularly useful in hot and cold conditions because the scanner will still recognise your finger as your finger expands and contracts. The encrypted software guarantees peace of mind because it means your entrance door is totally secure.
Design your unique front door complete with fingerprint scanner
Are Fingerprint Readers Secure?
Your unique fingerprint is much more secure than a key, which could be stolen, copied or lost. Authorized individuals can be programmed to unlock a door using their unique fingerprint. And a fingerprint scanner is one thousand times more secure than the 4-digit code on a bank card.
A fingerprint reader has a patented fingerprint recognition algorithm at its core and biometrics are extremely hard to fake. Our advanced reader is very sensitive and detects the temperature of a finger placed on it, if the temperature is outside normal parameters the scanner will deny access.
No impression remains on the scanner when you use a Spitfire fingerprint scanner, which provides an extra level of security.
Biometrics provide strong authentication and accountability because no-one can later deny having accessed the scanner, because the scanner retains a record of activity.
Unlike keys or passwords, biometrics are non-transferable and the Spitfire Doors scanner unlocks the door in 1.2 seconds.
What is NFC Technology?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contact-less communication technology based on a radio frequency field using a base frequency of 13.56 MHz. NFC technology is perfectly designed to exchange data between two devices when they touch, or are in very close proximity to each other and that is why millions of modern payment terminals now feature NFC. You will have witnessed the rapid transaction between a contactless credit card and an NFC device, which is just like the contact between your Spitfire Doors fingerprint reader and your Smartphone will be.
The latest generation of Spitfire Doors feature NFC readers, that will communicate with our Smartphone App, meaning you can open your Spitfire Door using your Smartphone as you approach the door. The security of near field communication technology is emphasised by the word “near”. NFC signals only transmit data centimeters away from the NFC device and unlike wireless internet technology, near field communication signals can’t be hacked from across town, across the street or even across the room.
NFC is actually a subset of RFID (radio-frequency identification), a technology that allows identification through radio waves.
Can other technology be integrated into a biometric scanner?
Fingerprint readers and electrical unlocking systems allow more effective connections with smart phones.
The Spitfire Doors scanner has a double relay so that a second door could be programmed and opened using the same scanner; eg. a garage door or adjacent gate. An intercom system can also be wired into your door, allowing you to unlock the door with a single 24V pulse.
If your door or handle has LED lighting built-in, this can be controlled via the Smartphone App and scanner.
Spitfire Doors fingerprint readers can be combined with a codepad and wireless doorbell, in one small and aesthetically pleasing unit which is flush mounted on your door sash. These unique combination units can be integrated within the external pullbar handle or built-in to the external face of the door.
Our online Door Designer will help you configure your perfect door.
How easy is it to programme a scanner?
Fingerprints can easily be added to the Spitfire scanner using our Android or Apple Smartphone App or by using the control buttons located between the hinges of the door itself. There is no need for a PC or sets of buttons on the door itself. Only an ‘Authorised Administrator’ can grant access to other users, by first unlocking the scanner using their own fingerprint before they record a new users finger.
Adding a new user to the Spitfire Doors fingerprint scanner takes about 30 seconds and they can be removed just as quickly.
Can you allow free access through the door during a party for example?
Yes, our scanner has a ‘Free Access’ mode which can easily be activated or de-activated via our Smartphone App. This mode overrides the scanner technology and will allow any fingerprint to be read to open your Spitfire door, until you re-activate the scanner.
Can I check who is using my scanner?
Yes, via the App you can view the last 100 visitors and what time of day they entered.
Plus, you can restrict access to a user or users, at different times of the day e.g. cleaners or gardeners.
What type of lock is fitted on a Spitfire Door with fingerprint or codepad access?
An extremely secure, multipoint, electronically operated lock will be fitted to your door. This lock will be released when the scanner recognises a valid fingerprint, and you can simply push the door open.
Immediately as you close the door from either inside or outside, the electronic lock will automatically operate and all locking points will engage inside their security keepers with a reassuring whirr.
So, whenever your Spitfire Door is in the closed position, it will be totally secure with all locking points engaged. Safe, secure, sophisticated.
What happens in a power cut?
Your electronic lock will still operate if you access your Spitfire door using a key.
Find out more about our S-500 Signature Series Doors
Paint Powder Coating and Decoral® Luxury Effects
Spitfire Doors are all powder coated and many customers request doors with an extra treatment, to add a sophisticated finish, like wood, concrete or carbon-fibre effect.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating was first developed in the 1950’s and is a dry finishing paint process used in many industries where a high quality, long lasting finish is required. Powder coating will retain its perfect finish for up to 20 years with negligible fading. Powder coating is noted for its resistance to chemicals, corrosion and weather.
Why choose to Powder Coat?
Since around 1980, powder coating has been increasingly accepted as the preferred industrial finishing process for many products, including residential entrance doors. The reasons for the conversion from wet to dry powder can be attributed to these key factors:
- Material utilization is much higher with powder, with 92%-98% of the powder being utilised versus an average of 60% when using an electrostatic liquid system. The remaining 40% of liquid paint is toxic and has to be carefully disposed of.
- Powder is not considered hazardous waste, so the cost of disposal is minimal.
- Air used in the powder coating spray booth is returned directly to the plant, eliminating heating and cooling costs.
- The cured powder finish is less susceptible to damage than a liquid finish. There is less need for repair work on the finished item. This results in the need for much less elaborate packaging saving time and cost on re-working and packaging.
- Epoxy, acrylic, and hybrid powders provide excellent adhesion and offer improved resistance to chipping, abrasion, corrosion, and chemicals.
- Polyester powders provide additional advantages in ultraviolet and weathering resistance.
- Stringent regulations are being aggressively enforced in an effort to control air pollution and hazardous waste disposal.
- Powder coating eliminates solvent fumes from spray booths and oven exhausts that pollute the air.
- Potentially toxic sludge from liquid paints could contaminate the earth and must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Every Spitfire door has a powder coated paint finish because it is such a high-quality, durable finish and the painting process is relatively environmentally friendly. This advanced process is available in an almost limitless range of colours and textures, and technological advances have resulted in exceptional performance, which allows us to give a long warranty on our doors, with confidence.
Because powder coated finishes are so tough, they are used on thousands of products that we come into contact with every day. Powder coating is used to protect equipment like JCB’s and aeroplanes, as well as everyday household products like doors and windows. This exceptional finishing process is more durable than a liquid paint finish and is much more resistant to fading or degradation when faced by attack from impact, moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light or extreme weather conditions. This coating therefore reduces the risk of scratches, chips and corrosion. In summary, a powder coated Spitfire Door looks fabulous, the paint is consistent across the door and frame and the finish will last a very long time.
All of the powders used in the powder coating process are non-toxic, non-volatile and completely safe. Powder coating has no known short or long-term health risks and does not pose a fire risk.
A summary of the key benefits of powder coating
Durability - powder coating is extremely durable which means your Spitifre door will withstand the elements and will stand up well to daily use
Corrosion Resistant – salt, moisture and humidity attack metal. Powder coating provides a protective barrier that helps prevent corrosion.
Chip Resistant - unlike other treatments that can easily crack, peel, chip, scratch and corrode, powder coated aluminium doors are much more durable and will withstand the weather better
Zero Maintenance - because of its durability and resistance to abrasion and corrosion, powder coated aluminium requires virtually zero maintenance. Just a wash down with warm soapy water once a month will ensure that you Spitfire Door will look good for more than 20 years.
Long Lasting, Colour Fast Finish - powder coating is a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Because of this, colours stay brighter and more vibrant for longer than conventional paints.
Environmentally Safe - the powder coating process has very little impact on the environment. No harmful solvents are used and powder coating does not emit vapours or fumes like liquid paint.
10 Year Warranty – a ten-year warranty is only possible because the quality of powder coating is so high and consistent
What is Decoral®?
Decoral® is a patented process for Decorating Aluminium, based on Sublimation, which is a physical-chemical process; the direct transition of a substance from the solid phase to the gas phase. Such technology is also called a ‘Heat-Transfer Process’.
The basic requirement being that Spitfire Doors aluminium profiles and aluminium sheets can resist a temperature of 200° Celsius in an oven for 10 minutes with no deformation.
Using the Decoral® process, countless effects and patterns such as woodgrains, concrete or granite can be transferred onto the aluminium surface of our profiles.
In order to apply the Decoral® process, first all profiles must be powder coated and cured. Then a Decoral® heat transfer film, carrying the desired effect is wrapped around the profile. This sublimination film is printed with special inks which can replicate for example a woodgrain effect. Then the wrapped profile is placed inside an oven for 10 minutes and whichever effect is on the film will be burnt into the powder coated finish. The final finish will faithfully replicate the effect that was previously on the sublimated foil.
Advice for choosing a door when installing in a Marine or Hostile Environmental situation
It is universally recognised that entrance doors installed in close proximity to the sea, an estuary, a swimming pool or certain industrial sites, will be constantly attacked by salt or other corrosive substances. It is important to follow our advice when choosing your front door, so that you enjoy years of trouble-free use and learn how to keep your door in pristine condition.
Which Door would be suitable in a marine environment?
We would recommend you specify our S-500 Series if you live in a hostile environment, because this door series is supplied with a full 5-year marine warranty. Within reason, you are free to choose from any of over 400 designs from this series. View the range of S-500 doors
Door Finishes and Colours
Our textured IGP finishes are the most resistant to attack. This luxurious textured finish is best suited to the following colours:
Which door handle is best in a marine environment?
There are options to consider here:
- Choose a recessed handle outside, so that there is no external furniture, except the brushed steel rosette that reinforces the area around the profile cylinder
- If you choose to order a rain deflector at the base of the door (recommended), always choose a polished finish
- Avoid furniture on the outside of the door, but if you want an external handle, it must be polished chrome
- Avoid fingerprint scanners and LED’s
- All S-500 series furniture is manufactured from AISI 316L. Steel Alloy 316L is austenitic stainless steel, with a high nickel and molybdenum content, which is more resistant with regard to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments
Get in touch with Spitfire Doors
Best door lock for use in Marine environments
We recommend fitting a Spitfire electrically operated lock because it is more consistent in pulling the door slab tight-in against the frame, as the door closes.
Door frame
In hostile environments, we recommend a stronger and more stable outerframe than usual, choose from our AT100 or AT100P profiles.
Cill
We recommend a specifying a 150mm cill in marine environments to take water away from the door more quickly.
Maintenance
CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL – every week is recommended
Stainless steel is a metal alloy that contains at least 10.5 percent chromium. Although stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, it is not stain-proof. If salty water dries on a stainless steel surface, it usually leaves behind a white film. Remove salt spots from stainless steel by using cleaners that are effective yet safe for this surface. If you use harsh, abrasive products to clean stainless steel, you run the risk of making it susceptible to corrosion.
DO
- Use the mildest possible cleaning agents
- Use plastic or wood tools
- Follow any polishing lines if you use slightly abrasive cleaners
- Rinse thoroughly
- Wipe dry
DON’T
- Use steel or metal scrapers as they will cause rust spots
- Allow chemicals, bleaches or chlorides to remain on the steel for more than a minute
- Another method is as follows:
Things You'll Need - White vinegar - Baking soda – Soft cloths
Step 1 - Moisten a soft cloth with white vinegar
Step 2 - Dip the cloth into baking soda
Step 3 - Wipe off the salt spots with the cloth
Step 4 - Rinse the cloth under clean, running water, and use it to wipe off the area. This will remove any lingering residue from the baking soda
Step 5 - Dry the stainless steel surface with a lint-free cloth.
Other advice:
Cleaning the aluminium powder coated external surface of the door - every week is recommended
Powder coating is one of the most durable colour coatings and with very little effort on your part, it will provide you with many years of excellent service. To extend the life of your powder coated door and to comply with our warranty, a simple, regular maintenance program should be implemented.
The effects of ultra-violet light, atmospheric pollution, dirt, grime and airborne salt deposits can all accumulate over time and should be removed at regular intervals.
In beachfront homes, industrial or geothermal areas a cleaning program should be carried out weekly.
Simple steps to cleaning your powder coated Spitfire Door
- Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge
- Use a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a diluted solution of a mild detergent, eg, pH-neutral liquid hand dishwashing detergent in warm water to remove dust, salt and other deposits
- Ensure you thoroughly rinse the surfaces with clean fresh water after cleaning to remove all residues
- Stubborn marks on the powder coating may be removed with methylated spirits
- You can order special aluminium cleaner containing citrus in a 500ml can from Spitfire Doors, to spray on your door, which can be gently buffed to remove water marks and general dirt, like fingerprints.
To speak to a member of Spitfire Doors' customer service team, call 01625 412570, or email sales@spitfiredoors.co.uk
Spitfire Doors were a rip-roaring success at Salon Privé
During the three-day exhibition at Blenheim Palace, Spitfire showcased their stunning S-500 series across the last weekend of August at the event of the season; Salon Privé.
Chairman of Spitfire Doors, David Richards, had this to say about exhibiting at the event:
“People were surprised to find doors of such high quality and imaginative design in the UK.
Salon Privé was an ideal forum for our doors because the quality, design, aesthetics and finishes perfectly dovetailed with the Ferrari’s, Rolls Royce’s and Bentley’s.
Spitfire Doors was immediately recognised as a true luxury brand by the gathered aficionados of modern and classic cars.”
There were three days promoted throughout the event: The prestigious Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, Boodles Ladies’ Day and a Tribute to 70 Years of Ferrarri.
For more information about Salon Privé and how you can visit for 2018 please visit: https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ticket-alert-2018/
