Secure a Front Door
Securing a Front Door
How to Secure an Entry Door
If your exterior doors lock well and look presentable, chances are you won’t spend time checking them for security. But to be on the cautious side, take just a moment to re-evaluate the doors on your home.
First, determine the door’s composition. If it is a hollow door, replace it. Hollow-core doors are very easy to break through. If you can’t afford to replace it, place a deadbolt lock near the lockset.
Doors made of solid wood typically provide enough security. If they are in good condition, check the thickness. If your door is under 1 ¾ inches, it is too thin and will not stand up to a strong kick. Next, check the age of the door. Check for signs of deterioration and complete the repairs. Last, check the pattern of your door. Floating panels can allow the door to break if kicked. Choose a door with a solid façade and little or no decoration.
Many newer wood doors are actually surfaced with wood panels or pressed-wood look-alike with a solid core. These are perfectly fine. They offer the look of wood with the strength of a solid core.
Metal doors provide the most security. Steel doors are strong, weather proof and low-maintenance. They can also be made to look like wood doors. See your local home and garden center to see varieties available on the market.
Reinforce the frame if there is a gap between the door and frame more than 1/16th of an inch or if the door moves when pushed or moves from side to side when pried. Also be sure to look for rotting around the lock. Rotting framework should be replaced even if the door and lock are sound.
Check the windows and lights. Any glass on the door or within an arms’ reach should be made of shatterproof plastic or security glass. A burglar can easily break ordinary glass, reach in and open the door in only a few seconds. Most doors on the market are acceptable, but be sure to read all of the information about a door before purchase. French and sliding glass doors are also double-paned and made of suitable material. If for some reason the glass on your door is not made of the proper material, you can easily install a protective panel of shatterproof plastic behind it, or sandwich it between two layers of safety glass.