A home's front door is often the first point of entry for burglars. An unsecured front door makes it quick and easy for thieves to gain access and steal your valuables. Making your front door more secure is an important step in deterring break-ins and keeping your home and belongings safe. Follow these tips to fortify your front door against intruders.
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Install a Sturdy Door
The door itself is the first line of defence. A flimsy door can be kicked down in seconds, giving thieves easy access. Invest in a solid wooden or composite door at least 40mm thick for maximum security. The heavier and more sturdy the door, the harder it will be to break through. Steel doors are especially robust against forced entry. Make sure the door fits tightly within the frame with no more than a few millimetres gap around the edges.
Upgrade the Locks
Most standard locks on front doors can be easily picked or bumped open. Upgrade to high-quality deadbolt locks with a cylinder guard to protect against lock picking, such as the doors you can find at thehomedesigngroup.co.uk. Choose a lock that uses a minimum of a 5-pin tumbler system for greater security. The deadbolt should extend at least 30mm into the door frame when locked for optimal strength. Installing a British Standard accredited BS3621 deadlock can help discourage experienced burglars. Also, consider adding a door chain or limiter for an additional layer of security.
Install a Video Doorbell
Adding a smart video doorbell lets you see and speak to visitors at your doorstep remotely via your smartphone. This makes it easy to screen guests and deter opportunistic burglars. Video doorbells also typically have motion sensors that will send you an alert of any activity outside your door while you’re away. This provides an early warning if someone is snooping around or trying to gain entry. Position the doorbell at a height that captures faces clearly.
Improve Exterior Lighting
Good outdoor lighting helps eliminate spots a burglar could lurk unseen. Install motion sensor floodlights pointed at your front door and walkway. The sudden illumination will startle intruders. Use energy efficient LED bulbs for cost savings and long-lasting performance. Make sure the lighting is bright enough to easily see visitors’ faces after dark. Trim any bushes or landscaping that could allow criminals to approach undetected.
Reinforce the Frame
Even the toughest door is only as strong as the frame it sits in. A flimsy frame can be kicked apart to allow the door to pop open. Install a British Standard accredited BS3621 door frame certified to thwart forced entry. Or reinforce an existing frame by adding corner armour guards, removable hinge bolts, and a security strike plate with long screws anchoring deeply into the studs. Apply silicone sealant around the edges to prevent any movement or flexing.
Practice Smart Key Control
A sturdy, secure door is only effective if it stays locked when not in use. Avoid hiding keys outdoors where burglars can easily find them. Only provide keys to trusted individuals. If you use key lock boxes, change the code periodically. Always take keys with you when exiting the house rather than stashing them just inside the door. Be careful not to allow unauthorised duplication of keys. Re-key or replace the locks if your keys ever become lost or stolen.
Following these tips can significantly boost your front door security. Start with the easiest improvements first, then consider more advanced upgrades when your budget allows.
