How to Improve Your Door’s Security: A Comprehensive Guide

Pine Treee October 16, 2024
Doors
0

In today’s world of risk, many people see the security of their homes as a top priority. And a secure entry door is the first line of defense against unwanted entry. While alarms and surveillance cameras play an important role in home security, they’re most effective when paired with a sturdy, well-secured door. Ensuring your door is resistant to forced entry and equipped with advanced locking mechanisms can make a significant difference in your home’s overall safety. In this guide, we will be looking at some practical and effective strategies to enhance the security of your doors, from the types of materials you should consider to advanced lock options.

1. Choose a Strong Door Material

First things first, one of the simplest but most critical steps in securing your door is ensuring that it is made from a strong, durable material. To put it bluntly, it is the material your door is made of that will affect the door’s resilience against forced entry attempts. But what are the options?

Solid Wood: Solid wood doors are popular due to their durability and classic appearance. While they are heavier and more secure than hollow-core doors, they can sometimes be susceptible to rot if not properly maintained. Opting for hardwood like oak or mahogany can add extra security.
Steel: Steel doors are also a popular choice as they are extremely durable and offer excellent resistance to both weather and forced entry. They don’t warp as wood can, but they may require repainting to avoid rust over time, which, taken against the security they offer, is a very good trade-off. Steel doors often come with foam cores, which add insulation and increase their robustness.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are both durable and energy-efficient. They can be made to mimic wood while offering more resilience to weather and less maintenance than real wood. They are difficult to break through, making them a great choice for security as well.

2. Upgrade Your Locks

The lock is arguably the most critical part of any door security setup. Traditional spring-latch locks are often insufficient against brute-force entry, so consider investing in high-quality locking mechanisms.

Deadbolts: A deadbolt is an essential upgrade for any entry door. Look for a Grade 1 deadbolt (the strongest rating) that resists force and is made with hardened steel. Make sure the bolt extends at least a couple of centimeters into the door frame for added security.
Smart Locks: Smart locks offer a modern solution with additional convenience and security. With features like keyless entry and temporary access codes, smart locks provide both flexibility and enhanced security. Some smart locks also offer features like fingerprint recognition for added protection. One of the best features, however, are the remote monitoring capabilities that smart locks offer. Having eyes and ears at all times really does add an extra layer of security.
Strike Plate Reinforcement: A strong deadbolt is only as good as the strike plate it locks into. Reinforcing the strike plate with longer screws that anchor into the wall studs can prevent the door from being kicked in.

3. Consider Adding a Security Bar or Door Brace

A security bar or door brace can provide an additional layer of protection by preventing the door from being forced open. These devices are often adjustable and can be used on different types of doors, including sliding doors.

Door Security Bars: These bars are placed against the door from inside, acting as a brace that’s especially useful if you’re home alone or need extra security at night. Many bars are designed to work with both hinged and sliding doors.
Door Jammers and Braces: Door jammers are smaller, portable devices that can be positioned under the doorknob or at the bottom of the door, making it harder for intruders to push it open. These are ideal for use in rented spaces where modifications to doors aren’t allowed.

4. Install a Peephole or Video Doorbell

Knowing who’s at the door before you open it adds a valuable layer of security.

Peepholes: Traditional peepholes provide a wide-angle view of your porch and are inexpensive to install. They’re simple but effective in letting you assess a visitor before you open the door.
Video Doorbells: Going back to one of the features of smart locks here. Video doorbells go a step further by allowing you to see, hear, and even communicate with visitors from your smartphone. They record activity and can alert you when someone is at the door, even if they don’t ring the bell. Most video doorbells have motion sensors, providing extra security by capturing anyone who approaches.

5. Secure Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are often targeted by intruders due to their simpler locking mechanisms. Improving their security is essential if they’re part of your home’s layout.

Secondary Locking Mechanisms: Install a secondary lock, such as a bar that fits into the door track, to prevent it from sliding open. Sliding bolts can prove to be a great investment.
Security Film: Apply security film to sliding door glass to prevent it from shattering. Incredibly useful feature should an intruder attempt to break it. Security film holds the glass together, making it harder to penetrate.

6. Maintain Proper Lighting Around Doors

While not a direct feature of the door itself, keeping the entryway well-lit can deter intruders from targeting it. Install motion-sensor lights above or near doors to ensure they’re illuminated if someone approaches. It is less likely to have intruders attempt breaking into a well-lit home as they’re more likely to be noticed.

To wrap things up, improving your door’s security doesn’t have to involve drastic changes. It does, however, require a few smart upgrades and regular maintenance. From selecting the right material and locks to adding reinforcements and security technology, each step you take enhances the safety of your home. By combining several of these measures, you can make your home a less attractive target and ensure your peace of mind. Remember that security starts with prevention, and investing in a stronger, well-secured door is an excellent way to protect what matters most. With that in mind, do trust the professionals. Head over to our contact page and contact SBS Design‘s nearest showroom to have one of our consultants help you out with selecting your new entry door.