Make your space extra safe
More than 1.1 million burglaries take place each year.
The average burglary costs a victim $2,661.
Solid doors are more expensive than hollow but more secure.
Glass doors are cosmetically attractive but vulnerable to break-ins.
In extreme situations, door braces can add 350+ pounds of force to an entry door.
Welcoming friends, not foes, into your home is a cherished tradition. A weak entry door or less-than-optimal lock can invite unwanted intruders–not something you want to feel safe.
Whether you prefer to keep the front door open or closed, knowing how to reinforce a door is crucial to keeping yourself and your property safe. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done.
Front doors are among the most vulnerable entry points into a home, which is why it’s important to have extra security and maintain the locks and doors. If a trespasser struggles to find an entryway that’s easy to access, they’re more likely to move on.
In addition to ensuring you have a functional lockset, reinforcing doors and locks will provide more peace of mind. But if that’s not enough to alleviate your fears of a break-in, consider adding one or more of the following security features to your setup.
Locking all doors and windows when not in use, even if you’re at home
Not sharing vacation plans on social media
Adding adequate exterior lighting, including motion-sensitive lights
Installing a security door and an alarm system
There are several reasons to reinforce an entry door. If you haven’t changed or adapted your lockset in years, an update is never a bad idea. An uptick in crime in your neighborhood is also a good opportunity to double down on your security system. Finally, you’ll want to give your front door some extra support at the first sign of wear and tear—like when a lock doesn’t always engage properly, or a door opens on its own.
There’s more than just one way to reinforce an entry door. Most of the methods below work best when paired together–something to keep in mind when looking at options.
Are any of your entry doors hollow? This could make them an easy target for burglars. Swap out lightweight or hollow doors for solid, heavy doors. For extra protection, learn about the benefits of security doors such as hardwood or steel. You’ll pay a bit more but gain protection from unwanted visitors and extreme weather.
If your door is already solid, the next step to reinforce your door is to swap out some of the hardware. Most door hinges are secured with 1/2 inch screws, which only enter the doorframe. This makes it very simple to kick in a door, even when locked. A quick upgrade is to swap out the installed screws for 3 1/2 inch screws that extend past the framing and into the studs.
While most front doors have a deadbolt lock, a side door or garage door may only have a lock on the doorknob. Upgrading to a deadbolt lock boosts a door’s strength. Note that hollow doors won’t benefit much from a deadbolt, so upgrade both the door and lock at the same time.
Consider using a smart lock, which uses an access code instead of a key. This means your door won’t have a traditional lock a burglar can pick. Changing the access code regularly is highly recommended to prevent hackers from tapping into your lock.
While a glass pane allows for natural light and can make the interiors feel bigger, avoid glass doors, including for your deck or patio. Too much glass on your entry door can also spell trouble. All a burglar has to do is break the glass and reach in to unlock the door.
Though they may be considered extreme in some situations, both a door brace and a bar are incredibly efficient door barricade devices. They can withstand several hundred pounds of force. Some door braces require no installation and take only seconds to place under the door frame or beneath the handle. On the other hand, models, like a barricade bar, require hardware installation. Barricade bars can be a hazard in other types of emergencies, like a fire. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to remove them if necessary.
Sliding door security is extra important because these features are especially vulnerable to break-ins. Replacing them with solid doors is ideal but there are other options to boost their security. Start by blocking the tracks with wooden or metal dowels. If your sliding door has a latch lock only, add a secondary locking device, like a loop lock. Finally, apply security film to the inside of glass sliding doors for extra support, which makes it more difficult to break the glass.
In addition to reinforcing an entry door and its locks, there are several semi-regular maintenance tasks you can do to keep it in working order year after year.
When moving into a new home, it’s impossible to know how many copies of your keys have been made in the past and who might have them. Eliminate this concern by rekeying all entry door locks shortly after you arrive. You can do a project like this on your own with a few tools and some elbow grease, or hire a locksmith near you to take care of it for you.
Don’t hesitate to repair any part of your front door that isn't functioning as it should—whether that be the hinges, knob, frame, or the door itself. The longer it’s left unfixed, the worse the damage may become, and the more vulnerable your home will be to intruders.
If your front door is equipped with a keypad, changing the entry code a few times a year will ensure your home is not susceptible to burglaries. In general, you’ll want to do this after having short-term visitors or whenever the code is shared with someone who’s not part of the household.
It doesn't take much time or expense to strengthen your entry doors and locks. But if you would prefer that a professional handle the job, look for a locksmith near you. Not only will they have the skills to complete the job accurately and quickly, a professional locksmith is up to date on the latest techniques and available hardware. Either way, reinforcing your entry doors and locks will leave you more confident in your ability to protect your family, home, and possessions.
Before attempting to reinforce an apartment door, speak to the property owner. If the door hasn’t been updated in a while, the landlord may offer to cover the cost of a professional locksmith or your expense of this security update. Rekeying a door can be a costly and lengthy affair, so try low-impact, inexpensive tricks—like installing a deadlock or a door jammer—first.
Door jammers are designed for easy installation and portability. You can use them at home or while traveling if you’re looking for added security. Slide the foot under the door, then turn the bolt to tighten until it is fitted to the door. Look for options with a padded, adjustable foot to fit tricky door edges and avoid damage.
Wood is more susceptible to damage than metal, and a wood door can benefit from upgraded locks, screws, and strike plates. Additional features like security doors, latch keys, and deadbolts are also a plus. Installing a comprehensive security system will also boost your home’s protection and make you feel safer.
