How to Improve the Security of your Front Door
Although there is no way to completely burglar proof your doors, there are some tips and tricks that you can do to help discourage any potential burglars from entering your home. A break-in experience can be traumatic, a stranger entering your home and invading your space can make you feel unsafe and uneasy; even if the locks have been changed. We’ve put together some tips to help improve your front doors security.
Why Do Burglars Break-In Through your Front Door?
Theft is a big problem for many homeowners, and there are two main reasons why thieves break in through your front door. The first reason burglars break in through your front door is that they can find any spare keys you have hidden outside. The second, more aggressive kind will unlock and enter without hesitation- making this method much easier than doing some gymnastics on the windowsills to enter rooms upstairs at night time. You may have heard that burglars prefer breaking in through the front door because it’s straightforward and simple. Well, here are our top tips on how you can make sure your home remains safe from intruders.
Upgrade your Locks
Keeping a check on your locks is a simple but effective way to measure the security of your front door. Check the locks to ensure they are not broken, old or rusted, if you do find this it’s best to have your locks changed or upgraded by contacting a professional locksmith. No matter if your front door is wooden or uPVC it is important to always use locks that are of ‘British Standard’ therefore you can be sure the locks you are installing have gone through rigorous testing to make sure they are secure. On the more expensive side, you can opt to install anti-snap or high-security locks on uPVC doors.
Your Door and its Frames Strength
No one wants a burglar to be able to kick through your door, especially if it’s wooden, You might have the best lock in the world but if an intruder can force his foot through then it will be pointless. Should you have a wooden door you can reinforce it by inserting a strike plate made from metal. Another aspect of door security is your door frame, ensure it is securely screwed or bolted to the walls around it. You can make it more secure by fitting special bars to make locking points and hinges sturdier.
Doors without Windows
Although a door with a window is aesthetically pleasing and allows more light into your home, it still poses a security risk. If your window is close to the lock, it would take nothing for a burglar to smash the window and unlock the door from the inside. If you want to keep your window then it’s important to make sure your door houses reinforced glass or you could install decorative bars to help deter the burglar from breaking in together.
Install a Deadbolt Lock
Any door is as strong as its lock. Therefore it’s important to have the best lock available, make sure your lock extends deep enough into the door frame to withstand any kicking or other types of forced entry. Your bolt should always be no less than 2.5cm in length.
Extra Measures
Even if your door has all of the above, there are still some extra measures you can take to improve the security of your front door. Some of these extra measures include:
- A door chain
- Letterbox guard
- Security lights
- Security cameras
Although it is impossible to guarantee that any of the above will keep a burglar out, however, taking the above steps can help deter a burglar from entering your home.
Need More Advice or Information? Call Lardner Locksmiths Today
Home security does not have to be an uphill struggle. With a little bit of planning and consideration, you can keep your home safe from intruders without spending too much money on equipment that may break or wear out over time.
The most essential element to improving the security of your home is to install a stronger door, with a more sturdy locking system. Be sure to check out our blogs for more security tips and don’t forget about sharing them with your friends, family members or coworkers so they too can improve their home safety.