How can I improve my front door security

Did you know that in many break-ins, intruders don’t bother with any fancy tricks? Most just walk right in through the front door. It’s unsettling but true, which is why front-door security is so important.

At Sure Lock & Key, we’ve helped countless people restore their security after break-ins, and we know how stressful and upsetting it can be. However, we’ve also learned much about keeping potential intruders out. Keep reading to explore practical ways and security upgrades to strengthen your front door security and protect your home.

Why is front door security so important

Each year, thousands of homes are broken into, and in many cases, the front door is the prime entry point. The truth is, criminals are opportunists – they’re not looking for a challenge, just quick, easy access.

Think of a poorly protected front door as an open invitation. If your home isn’t secured properly, a thief can be inside it faster than it takes to order a pizza. The good news is that with the right security measures in place, you can make them think twice about targeting your home.

A strong, secure door isn’t just about protection; it’s about peace of mind, ensuring that your home is far less likely to become an easy target.

Upgrade to a Secure Door Lock

A secure door lock is the foundation of any good home security setup. If your current lock is flimsy, outdated, or just plain unreliable, it’s definitely time for a change.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from:

Deadbolt Locks: Classic, reliable, and still one of the best choices for front door security. Deadbolts are tough to pick and even tougher to force open. A solid deadbolt can be a real game-changer.
Smart Locks: For the tech-savvy homeowner, smart locks offer a perfect blend of convenience and security. Forget fumbling with keys – you can lock and unlock your door with just a tap on your phone. Plus, many smart locks come with extra features like auto-locking, temporary access codes for guests, and remote monitoring.

Whatever lock you choose, make sure it perfectly matches your unique needs, preferences, and home's specific requirements.

Replace the Front Door or Reinforce It

If your door is flimsy, hollow, or just past its prime, it might be time to replace your front door with something sturdier and more secure. Look for options like solid wood, metal, or fiberglass doors. These materials are specifically designed to withstand forced entry and give you peace of mind.

If a full door replacement isn’t in the cards, you can still strengthen your entry point with a few easy upgrades:

Install a Metal Strike Plate: Reinforcing the area around the lock with a metal strike plate makes it significantly harder for someone to kick in the door.
Use Door Reinforcement Bars: These bars can be placed behind your door when you're at home, adding an extra layer of protection that’s tough to breach.

Get longer set screws

Most doors come with short, weak screws that secure the hinges and strike plates – typically only about ¾ of an inch long. These tiny screws are an easy target for someone trying to force their way in. With just a bit of pressure, they can be ripped out, leaving your door vulnerable to a break-in. That’s the last thing you want when it comes to front door security.

To give your door a serious strength boost, replace the short screws with 3-inch ones. These longer screws will anchor your door more securely to the framing studs of your home, making it much tougher to force open. This small upgrade ensures that the critical points of your door are better supported and more resistant to the pressure of a physical attack.

Install a door chain and a deadbolt

A door chain is not the most effective safety measure, but it's still a great addition to your home security. Some criminals look for unlocked doors and simply push them in order to get in. A quality door chain can restrict movement and prevent intruders from opening your door. Plus, this option is pretty cheap.

If you combine it with a deadbolt, it will provide your door with double locking in a way.

Monitor your door

More and more people use home security systems to enhance the level of protection. Usually, these systems are equipped with cameras, alarms, motion detectors, etc.

Consider installing one of the cameras outside your front door. First of all, it'll act as a strong crime deterrent because, as we already mentioned, all intruders are scared of being caught. Even if they ignore the camera and try to break into your house anyways, you'll be notified about it immediately. Most modern cameras can be connected to your smartphone. That way, you have the possibility to monitor your property 24/7, even if you're far away. However, if you don't want to do it yourself, you can always hire a professional security company.

If you like the idea of door monitoring, don't hesitate to use professional residential locksmith to equip your house with a security system.

Add a Smart Security System

If you really want to take your home security upgrades to the next level, consider installing a smart security system. Today’s systems have many advanced features, including cameras, motion detectors, alarms, and even remote monitoring capabilities.

Mount a camera outside your door, and you’re not only gaining eyes on your property 24/7 – you’re also sending a clear message to potential intruders: “You’re being watched.”

Many modern security systems can be connected to your phone, So even if you’re out of town, you can keep tabs on what’s happening at home. Get real-time alerts, check in on live footage, and rest assured that your house is protected, no matter where you are.

Summing up

Your front door is the main entry point to your home – not just for you, but for potential intruders as well. The stronger your front door security, the less likely it is that an intruder will gain access. All you need to do is install a solid, high-quality door, equip it with a secure, high-security lock, and add a camera for monitoring. This combination will significantly increase your home’s security.

If you have any more questions or need professional assistance, Sure Lock & Key is more than happy to help.

The question “Which door material to use?” may normally arise when you're about to buy doors for your house or other property, as the door material naturally influences its future condition and durability. There is no wrong choice in this situation, as everything depends on what you personally look for in a door and what desired characteristics it should have. Before purchasing a door, ask yourself what factors are the most important for you. This way, it would be easier for you to synchronize your demands with the features each door material offers. We welcome you to read our article to learn more about door materials differences and determine which one is the most suitable for your property.

What are the pros and cons of a fiberglass door

Whether it's your house or office building, you would want to provide it with the best security possible. One of the first aspects you'll need to take care of is the door you choose for your front entry. There are so many options out on the market today. They are of various shapes and sizes and they can be composed of different materials. You can always go with a classic wooden door that has been tested with time. However, if you want to enhance the security level and renovate your building in a way you can consider some of the newer door options. One of the materials that have been widely used lately is fiberglass. Today, we want to talk more about the doors made of this material and which advantages and disadvantages they have.

What are wafer locks used for

Probably, all of us are familiar with common locks, like deadbolts, keypad locks, padlocks, etc. However, there are so many lock types that are not as widely used and many people have no idea they even exist. A lock type that is not as common is a wafer lock. It was invented in the 19th century and patented at the beginning of the 20th century. In some way, it is similar to a pin-tumbler lock. However, unlike tumbler locks that consist of many elements, a wafer lock is a one-piece. Wafer locks are mostly used for file cabinets and drawers. Also, you can find this type of lock on a car. Now, let's discuss the working principles and security features of wafer locks.