Improve Front Door Security with These Tips

Posted by Eric Williams on November 22nd, 2020

Is the front door secure, or is it a welcoming beacon for nefarious individuals? Even entryway doors that seem secure at first glance may be vulnerable. Some tips to help ensure a higher level of home security can be found here.

Choose a Solid-Core Door

Secure doors are designed with a solid core. This means they are much more difficult to break or kick in. If a homeowner is unsure about which type of door they have, knock on it. A solid door will sound dead, and the hollow door will echo. Improving door security requires a homeowner to replace a hollow entry door with one made of solid wood, a solid wood core, fiberglass, or metal. For an additional layer of protection, consider installing security screens for doors.

Install a Quality Deadbolt Lock

If the exterior door does not have a deadbolt lock in place, now is the time to get one. Be sure the door's deadbolt will extend into the doorjamb opening completely. This should then be reinforced using a metal strike plate.

It is also a good idea to make sure the bolt does not have any exposed exterior screws. Think about installing an exit-only deadbolt or dead-lock. These locks do not have an outside keyhole, and they will only be locked or unlocked from the inside of the home.

Reinforce the Existing Locks

Even if a homeowner has installed security doors or security screens, they need to make sure to reinforce the current locks. Cylinder guards around a lock will help to prevent a criminal from wrenching or prying the lock loose. Also, a solid strike plate, which is the metal plate surrounding where deadbolts go into the door frame, makes it more difficult for burglars to kick in the door.

Strike plates need screws that are long enough to make it to the studs around the door frame, rather than just the frame itself. This helps ensure the door stays secure if someone tries to break in.

Securing a Door

When it comes to securing a door leading into a house, there are many factors to consider. Be sure to take the right steps to ensure that a home and door are secure and that a burglar cannot get in if they tried. Being informed and knowing what to do are the best ways to ensure a home and door remain secure even when under attack.