Buzz
Home invasions by burglars are a constant worry for many homeowners. But what is the best way to ensure your home remains secure? You’ve probably already installed an alarm system (if not, do it right away), and you might even have a guard dog. Statistics reveal that most burglars enter through the front or back doors. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure these entry points are securely locked and reinforced. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve that.
Steps
Is your door suitable?
Install the right type of door. If your front or back door is hollow-core, replace it immediately. How can you tell if it’s hollow? Simply knock on it. Hollow doors are typically made of a thin wooden veneer covering a cardboard core. All exterior doors should be sturdy and constructed from materials such as:
- Fiberglass
- Solid wood
- Solid-core wood (with a hardwood core and plywood exterior)
- Metal (Note: Ensure metal doors are internally reinforced and have secure locks. Otherwise, they can be pried open using a car jack.)
If you’re installing or replacing a door and its frame, consider using a fiberglass door that swings outward instead of inward (and don’t forget to install sturdy hinges). Doors that open outward can better resist forced entry attempts.
Replace all glass-paneled doors with solid doors. For maximum security, all entry doors should be solid without glass panels, and avoid placing windows near doors where burglars could break the glass and unlock the door from the inside.
- However, if your door is a sliding door, has glass panels, or is near a window, you can install security grilles over the glass or use transparent, shatter-resistant polycarbonate panels on the interior.
Locking the Door
A significant number of break-ins occur because intruders enter through unlocked doors. Even the most secure locks are useless if not used! Always lock your doors whenever you leave the house – even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Install deadbolts. Except for sliding doors, every exterior door should have a high-quality deadbolt (Grade 1 or 2, made of hardened metal with no exposed screws) with a throw bolt (the part that extends into the door frame) of at least 2.5 cm. Ensure the lock is properly installed. Many homes use low-quality deadbolts or shorter throw bolts, which should be replaced immediately.
Install a deadbolt lock. Adding an extra lock enhances security when you’re at home. A deadbolt is a lock that cannot be opened from the outside without a key. While visible to outsiders, it cannot be breached unless the door, frame, or the lock itself is destroyed. Although it doesn’t directly help when you’re away, potential intruders may think twice upon seeing this added security measure.
Reinforce sliding doors. The best way to secure sliding doors is to install key-operated locks at both the top and bottom. You can also purchase or create a bar that extends from the door frame to the center of the door to prevent it from sliding open. At the very least, place a sturdy wooden rod or dowel in the sliding track to block the door. Regardless of the method, reinforce any glass panels with polycarbonate sheets as suggested earlier.
Strengthening Entry Points
Install a protective shield around the lock cylinder (the part where the key is inserted). Intruders sometimes remove or damage the lock cylinder by hammering, twisting, or prying. Protect this component with a metal plate or rotating guard rings on both sides of the door. Secure the plates with round-head wood screws to prevent tampering. Rotating rings around the lock cylinder will stop thieves from using wrenches to twist it. Many locks come with these shields, but if yours doesn’t, consider purchasing one.
Replace weak strike plates. The strike plate is the metal piece surrounding the bolt hole (the opening in the door frame where the lock bolt enters). All exterior doors should have sturdy metal strike plates secured with four 7.5 cm screws. Many homes are equipped with low-quality strike plates or ones attached with short screws that only penetrate the door frame’s outer layer, not the solid core.
Reinforce exterior hinges. Hinges should ideally be installed on the inside of the door. If your door has external hinges, you’ll need to either rehang the door or secure the hinges with non-removable pins. This can be done by removing at least two screws from the center of each hinge and replacing them with non-removable pins (available at hardware stores) or double-headed masonry nails. Even concealed hinges should be reinforced into the door frame using 7.5 cm screws.
Strengthen the door frame. Even if your door is sturdy, high-quality, and properly locked, burglars can still break in by forcing or prying the door frame. Most door frames are simply attached to the wall, making it easy for intruders to pry them open with a crowbar. Secure the door frame to the wall by driving multiple 7.5 cm screws along the frame and strike plate. Ensure the screws penetrate the solid core of the wall.
Door Peepholes
Install peepholes. Peepholes, also known as door viewers, allow you to see who is outside. Install wide-angle peepholes at eye level on all exterior doors. If you have to open the door to see outside, your locks won’t be as effective. Look for peepholes designed to prevent outsiders from looking back inside.
Tips
- Doors and their hardware require periodic maintenance, and poorly maintained doors can make it easier for burglars to enter your home. Ensure that sliding door tracks are in good condition and that the door fits snugly into the track.
- Consider installing metal security doors over your existing doors for an added layer of protection.
- Observe your neighbors' homes and remember that professional thieves often target the easiest option first. Aim to make your home less appealing than those around you.
- Avoid turning your home into a fortress. Firefighters often use manual tools to enter homes during emergencies or fires. Even skilled professionals may need to find alternative entry points, such as front windows.
- Do not hide spare keys under mats, in plants, or similar spots. No matter how well-hidden, burglars can often find them. If you must leave a key outside, use a high-quality, securely mounted lockbox hidden in an inconspicuous location.
- Most reported burglaries are simple daytime break-ins. The above door reinforcement tips are highly effective for nighttime safety. Keeping lights on at night is also a good practice.
- Install security cameras. Even one or two cameras can deter potential thieves. You can monitor footage via your computer or phone. Uniden offers reliable options at reasonable prices.
- If replacing your door, consider the Bandit Latch door for enhanced security.
- Always use a door chain or latch from the inside. You don’t want burglars to easily force the door open. Ensure the chain is properly installed to make breaking in more time-consuming and difficult.
- Garage doors are notoriously easy to breach, so apply the same security measures to the door between your garage and home as you would to your main entrance. Additionally, lock your car when parked in the garage and avoid storing house keys inside it.
Warning
- Don’t become overly obsessed with security. While it’s important to take reasonable steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property, avoid turning your home into a prison. No matter how cautious you are, you could still fall victim to crime at some point. You have a life to live—don’t let fear prevent you from enjoying it.
- Even the strongest lock is useless if the door frame is weak. Ensure the frame is as secure and sturdy as the lock itself.
- If you’re not used to locking your door, and if your door can lock without a key, remember to carry a key whenever you leave. You might lock yourself out once or twice, but you’ll quickly develop the habit. Consider asking a neighbor to hold a spare key or agree to hide one at their place instead of using a key-hiding device near your door.
- Double-cylinder locks, while more secure, can be dangerous in a fire, as you’ll need to find and use a key to unlock them, even from the inside. Some U.S. jurisdictions prohibit their use in residential settings. Weigh the risks before installing one.
- Lock picking is relatively easy if you know the right techniques, even for deadbolts. Consider bump-proof locks for added security. Medeco locks, though expensive, offer the best resistance to picking.
What You’ll Need
- Solid wood or metal door
- Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt lock
- Durable strike plate
- Screwdriver and wood screws
- Drill
