13 Different ways to reinforce a door
The protection of your home begins with the front door, as it is the initial point of entry for a possible thief. According to Tornoto Locksmith, the majority of burglaries occur during the day, when homeowners are at work.
Remember that an expert robber can break through a typical entry in under a minute. How to reinforce front door? Fortunately, there are numerous ways to reinforce front door, boost your family’s protection, and safeguard your belongings.
1. The Solid Core
When purchasing a front door, you must select between a solid core and a hollow type. There is a reason why hollow core doors are less expensive. Because they are made of cardboard, a few kicks are all it takes to smash this door type.
The solid core door, on the other hand, is significantly safer and more resistant. You can select between a low-cost pinewood model and a more expensive but more dependable hardwood model. Don’t forget about a steel door, which is both secure and helps protect your home from inclement weather.
If you are unsure whether your door has a hollow or solid core, you can test it by knocking on it. The hollow door has an echoey sound, but the solid core door has a dull sound.
2. Locked Deadbolt
A deadbolt lock is one approach to improve the security of your door. If your door lacks one, you may easily install one in a matter of minutes. Because it is the longest, security experts recommend purchasing a grade 1 deadbolt lock. As a result, the bolt is set deeper into the door frame, making it more difficult for the burglar to breach.
Some states, such as California, mandate that the front and balcony doors have single deadbolts. As a result, you can only lock and unlock the deadbolt door from the inside. As a result, it is far safer than conventional lock systems, such as door chains and swing bar locks.
3. Reinforce the Door Lock
Believe it or not, a few little modifications can dramatically increase door security. Because an experienced thief may quickly break a normal lock, many homeowners opt for a lock with an anti-snap cylinder.
You can, however, add security pins to the lock. If you use the lock for a long time, make sure to replace the springs because they can become loose or rusty.
To tighten the lock even more, replace the screws in the metal strike plate that holds the lock latch. Screws in the plate are typically 1 inch (2.5 cm) length. By replacing them with screws that are 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, You will fortify the lock and increase its resistance to forceful access.
4. Intelligent Lock
The most sophisticated and secure locks on the market today use an access code rather of a key. As a result, the intruder is unable to pick or bump the lock. While these smart models are not inexpensive, they are a long-term investment that improves your home’s security.
After installing this door lock type, you will be able to get access to your property using a one-time set code. A randomly generated numeric code obtained by linking the lock to a smartphone is another option. This option, however, is dependent on the model you have.
5. Secure Door Hinges
Hinges are an important component that joins the door to the door frame. They are visible to the person standing in front of the door if you have the model that opens outwards.
You can strengthen hinges with safety studs to increase your safety. It’s also a great idea to use corrugated pins and lengthy screws. These modest modifications can keep burglars from knocking your door off its hinges.
However, if you have no previous expertise with DIY projects like this, you may inadvertently harm the hinges and doors. In that scenario, it is best to hire a professional to properly secure your door.
6. Lights
When a burglar selects a target, it is usually a house that has been left unattended. The well-lit driveway and porch increase the likelihood that neighbours or anybody else will notice the burglar. As a result, leave the light on at night or install floodlights in the yard.
Floodlights with motion sensors may now be purchased online for $20 to $50 and considerably reduce the danger of burglary. Furthermore, while you travel, you can configure the lights to turn on at predetermined intervals.The robbers will be unaware if no one is at home in this manner.
7. Antique Keys
When you acquire a house, the previous owner, the real estate seller, and who knows who else have all had access to the keys. The most prudent course of action is to replace the lock as soon as feasible. That is also the first thing you should do if you misplace your keys.
It was once usual for your first neighbours to have a spare key to your house. Today, though, it is uncommon to have a neighbour in whom you have such faith.
Unfortunately, keeping a spare key exposed, such as under a mat or flowerpot, can be dangerous. As a result, the best approach is for only family members who live in your home to have access to the front entrance.
8. Door Frames
A thief with sufficient strength can get into your home by destroying the door frame, as most hardwood frames are not impact resistant. Installing a metal frame will address this problem. Nowadays, you may galvanise your metal door frame and paint it to match the colour of your door.
If you don’t want to replace the door frame entirely, you can add a layer of steel to keep it from breaking. In fact, fastening the high-gauge steel to the frame with long screws is not difficult. Remember that the screws must go through the wall studs on all four sides.
9. Security Bar And Door Barricade
When you acquire a house, the previous owner, the real estate seller, and who knows who else have all had access to the keys. The most prudent course of action is to replace the lock as soon as feasible. That is also the first thing you should do if you misplace your keys.
It was once usual for your first neighbours to have a spare key to your house. Today, though, it is uncommon to have a neighbour in whom you have such faith.
Unfortunately, keeping a spare key exposed, such as under a mat or flowerpot, can be dangerous. As a result, the best approach is for only family members who live in your home to have access to the front entrance.
10. Security Devices
When you acquire a house, the previous owner, the real estate seller, and who knows who else have all had access to the keys. The most prudent course of action is to replace the lock as soon as feasible. That is also the first thing you should do if you misplace your keys.
It was once usual for your first neighbours to have a spare key to your house. Today, though, it is uncommon to have a neighbour in whom you have such faith.
Unfortunately, keeping a spare key exposed, such as under a mat or flowerpot, can be dangerous. As a result, the best approach is for only family members who live in your home to have access to the front entrance.
11. Glass Doors
There are a variety of front door models available on the market. Keep in mind that, despite their appealing appearance, glass-paneled doors are not safe. By smashing the glass and unlocking it from the inside, criminals can easily overcome the security bolt. If you currently have a glass door, you can have it replaced or a double cylinder deadbolt lock installed.
12. Peephole
As you are aware, a thief can knock on your front door and forcefully enter your home when you open it. Install a wide-angle peephole to avoid this issue. That way, you can see who is standing in front of the door before opening it. That means you can only let people in who you trust.
13. Back Doors
Even if you have done all possible to lock your front door, there is always the risk that robbers will enter through the back door. If you are one of these homes with a sliding glass door in the back, you must also secure it.
Unfortunately, no strike plates or deadbolts can be installed on the glass door. The ideal choice is to choose a high-quality glass that will not shatter on the first strike. You can also install a two-bolt locking system or a security bar to prevent the door from slipping open when you are not at home.
Summary
The front door is the first point of entry for intruders trying to break into your property. As a result, you should protect it as much as possible. The good news is that there are numerous strategies to strengthen your entrance. The final decision will be based on your preferences.
When considering how to reinforce a door, it’s crucial to prioritize security by implementing several key steps. Begin by upgrading the strike plate with longer screws and installing a deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt, paired with a reinforced strike plate for added strength. Enhance the door frame’s durability by incorporating door reinforcement bars or jamb reinforcement kits and replacing hinges with longer screws for better anchorage. To further fortify the door against forced entry, consider installing a door security guard or brace and applying security film to glass panels. Regular maintenance ensures all components remain in optimal condition, effectively bolstering the door’s security and deterring potential intrusions.
