A pretty front door is one thing, but you can make your front door more secure without compromising curb appeal. About 34% of burglars enter through the front door, so taking the time to assess the security of your entryway is a simple way to safeguard your family. Keeping your front door locked is an obvious but sometimes overlooked safety measure. You can also make your front door more secure by updating hardware, locking, and security systems.
10 Ways to Make Your Front Door More Secure
An effective security system can help keep your home safe, but here are ten more ways to optimize your front door’s security performance.
#1 Upgrade Your Locks
Your front door should have high-quality deadbolt locks with a minimum one-inch throw bolt. The best are rated as ANSI Grade 1 or 2. Grade 2 are high quality and intended for residential use. These locks can withstand five strikes of 75 pounds of force before warping.
You can also consider a smart lock system. Unlike traditional door locks that need physical keys, a smart lock uses digital methods for locking and unlocking your door. For example, it could utilize a mobile app, keypad, or biometric recognition.
#2 Reinforce the Strike Plate
The strike plate is the metal plate on the door frame where the door’s latch or bolt engages when the door is closed and locked. Using longer screws that reach into the door frame’s studs can make it more secure.
Also, reinforcing the strike plate with a thicker, stronger metal or a security-grade strike plate increases its resistance to being kicked, forced, or drilled open.
#3 Install a Peephole
A wide-angle peephole gives you a good view of who is at your front door before you open it. Potential intruders are less likely to force their way in if they notice a wide-angle peephole. It signals that you prioritize security, and your house may be harder to access than anticipated.
#4 Light It Up
Have a well-lit front door, and consider adding motion-sensor lights.
#5 Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your front door and keep it strong and functional. Check for cracking edges, rusty hinges, or swelling.
#6 Choose a Solid Core Door
A solid core door has a thick, strong center that is more force-resistant. They are also the most fire-rated.
#7 Rekey Your Lock
Over time, tumblers and lock mechanisms can wear, so having them replaced is an easy way to make your front door more secure.
#8 Check Your Hinges
You not only want to check your hinges for rust and damage, but you also want to ensure they are inside your house!
#9 Use Impact-Resistant Glass
Decorative glass panels look great, but they can be a security risk. Using impact-resistant glass can help you secure those vulnerable areas.
#10 Replace the Doorframe
Your doorframe is exposed to the elements and heavy use. The deadbolt secures the door to the frame, so a rotted or cracking frame means your door is at risk.
Best Front Door Materials for Security
- Solid wood doors are difficult to kick in or force open, and they can be reinforced with security enhancements like deadbolts and reinforced strike plates.
- Steel doors are among the most secure options available. They are incredibly strong, resistant to impact, and difficult to break down.
- High-quality fiberglass doors are engineered to mimic the appearance of wood while providing enhanced security benefits. They are durable, low-maintenance, and often resistant to dents and scratches. Fiberglass doors can be reinforced with steel cores for added strength and security.
Door Replacements with Kentucky Home Exterior
We recommend Provia fiberglass doors for our customers’ door replacements. Provia’s fiberglass entry door won’t crack, split, rot, or warp. In most cases, an installer can install a new door in one or two days, and we can also help you decide on the style and material.
Want to Make Your Front Door More Secure? Chat With Us
Contact us for a free in-person consultation to learn about our door replacement process and how you can make your front door more secure.
