For estate agents, building concierges, and property managers, building security remains one of, if not the single biggest, concern. Achieving complete security of your property does, however, involve more than simply managing keys and access control.

Properties degrade over time - it’s only natural. However, leaving these to propagate for too long can create unknown and substantial security concerns and vulnerabilities. These can, in turn, pose threats to the safety of occupants and assets within the property.

Recognising these property degradation warning signs as early as possible allows you to intervene proactively and decisively before they escalate into major security concerns. While they may appear minor and insignificant on the surface, the damage potential they have if they propagate can be severe.

How building degradation can lead to security issues

If buildings aren’t properly maintained, from their structural foundations to their aesthetic features, seemingly innocuous and harmless issues can quickly evolve into substantial security concerns.

Degradation of properties will occur over time, which is why it’s important to instruct regular maintenance and inspections of important features, including (but not limited to):

• Doors
• Windows
• Access points
• Flooring
• Walls
• Ceilings

Degradation of a property’s structure can compromise the integrity of these elements and foundations, thus elevating its risk profile for unauthorised entry, theft, or burglary. For professionals managing multiple properties or handling numerous key sets, these risks should be carefully considered.

Implementing thorough planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes, as advocated by specialists like Bradley Mason LLP, provides “a costed survey which can then be used to plan routine maintenance alongside strategic planning of larger works to keep your property in optimal condition, extend the lifespan of building components, and avoid costly unexpected repairs.”

Not only can essential building components be thoroughly assessed for their rigidity and robustness, but advice and recommendations can be given to ensure proper upkeep or, in some cases, upgrading to ensure effective security.

With that in mind, it’s important to look at some of the most critical vulnerabilities of degraded properties.

Common property vulnerabilities caused by degradation

• Degraded door frames - Door frames can suffer from rot, warping and other structural damage, which affects their ability to work effectively. Timber frames may decay and metal fixings may corrode, gaps may begin to appear around framing, hinges may start to come loose, and seals may become ineffective. Swelling or shrinking timber can misalign locking mechanisms, and all systems may therefore fail when under pressure. Property managers should consider inspecting frames regularly for signs of moisture damage, particularly around ground-level entries where rising damp is common.
• Deteriorating window frames - Windows are common entry points for opportunistic thieves, particularly in ground-floor apartments, according to ESS Security Ltd. Rotting timber window frames are particularly easy to compromise, while damaged sash window locks may also fail to deter possible intruders. Even the most unsuspected gaps or loose fittings can be exploited. For properties that have multiple access points, consider consulting a window expert to inspect them for frame warping or corrosion.
• Foundations and walls - Cracks in walls may appear insignificant on the surface, but they can be serious. Large cracks near entry points may affect the building’s ability to withstand heavy usage, and gaps in masonry can provide a leverage point. If your property is a commercial building containing valuable goods or equipment, or sensitive information, it’s vital to inspect for settlement cracks and gaps around the building’s exterior and tend to them urgently.
• Roof damage - Cracks in roof tiles may not appear that serious but they can quickly escalate. Missing tiles, damaged guttering and compromised roof framing should also not be overlooked; these can provide unauthorised access routes. Flat roofs with degrading waterproofing membranes can also develop soft spots which are easier to exploit. It’s in property managers’ best interests to maintain their roofs and instruct professionals to inspect them regularly, if not to prevent internal water ingress and ceiling damage.
• Boundary walls and fences - Failing gates, fencing and boundary walls can pose significant perimeter security concerns. Even loose brickwork, corroded steel fencing and inadequate gate mechanisms can create overt entry points that many homeowners may not see initially. It’s prudent to inspect perimeter barriers regularly to ensure that the physical boundaries remain watertight and effective.
• Landscaping - Poorly maintained gardens and outside spaces can signal a lack of care in your space and provide an easier access point for intruders. Overgrown vegetation, damaged external lights, degrading pathways, dying trees, and problem plants, such as Japanese knotweed, can conceal intruders from plain view in cameras. What’s more, if left unattended for extended periods, they could pose structural problems if they fall or weave their way into structural foundations.
• Networks and power - Whatever security system(s) you have implemented within your property or properties, it’s important to ensure they are not being affected by any structural impairments. For instance, excess moisture caused by poorly maintained walls and external flooring can damage underlying power supplies to the property, failures of which are costly and resource-intensive. Additionally, water ingress from roof tile cracks can compromise electronic cables necessary for CCTV, doorbell or access control systems. For property managers using best-in-class key management systems, keeping all network and integrations in optimum working order remains pivotal.

Steps to improve property security

Any signs of degradation that directly affect entry points, locks, or perimeter boundaries should be examined and addressed immediately. This means inspecting doorways, window frames, boundaries and any other visible entry point outside or surrounding the property that could provide intruders with an easy access point.

Property managers should prioritise security at every inspection point, where building vulnerabilities can be categorised based on likelihood and severity. This allows you to pinpoint the most essential security measures and upgrades before tending to the less important and risky ones further down the line. Comprehensive property maintenance assessments should always be sought, such as condition surveys and general security assessments, to identify vulnerabilities you may have missed.

While it may not fix building foundations, Keyzapp is a solution that proves invaluable in the construction, inspection and management stages. It helps managers and contractors manage keys to their approved property, issuing and returning them within seconds and preventing losses. For contractors and personnel coming and going when upgrading properties, Keyzapp makes it simple to tag, issue and track keys completely transparently, so there is no ambiguity around key ownership.

Book a demo of Keyzapp today at a time that suits you, or contact our support team to find out more about how it can help you maintain better security during and after the renovation process.