It’s that time of year again where it is getting dark earlier and the temperature is dropping. With earlier nights comes greater opportunities for intruders to break into your home so it is important it is as secure as can be.

Your front door is the first line of defence against break-ins. It serves as an entry point for burglars and also provides access to your most important possessions. 

If you want to make sure that thieves can’t get in, then it’s time that you started thinking about making improvements! 

In this article, we will take you through some of the ways you can improve front door security and give you and your family peace of mind!

9 Ways to Improve Your Front Door Security

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own homes. But with most burglars always looking for an opportunity, it is important to make their lives more difficult. If your front is old or is poor quality, it can make an easy target for burglars. However, with just a few alterations, you can make your front door as safe and secure as possible.

Take a look at these ways to improve the safety of your front door and your home:

1. Upgrade your Door Lock

When it comes to security, the most important part of your front door is the lock. There is a huge range of door locks available so it is important you understand which is best for you. Getting the right locks can make a real difference to home security. Here are some of the most secure door locks on the market:

Multi-point locking system

If you want to improve its security, consider upgrading from a standard lock to a multi-point locking system. Multi-point locking systems have three locking points and the system sits inside the door making it more difficult for it to be tampered with. These types of locking systems are considered to be one of the most secure front door locks. Essentially, the more points that have to be manipulated before breaking into your home, the better! 

Deadbolt lock

Another great way to make your front door more secure is by installing a deadbolt lock. Deadbolt locks differ from other locks in that it does not use rotating parts like the spring mechanism found on standard locking systems. Instead, this type of system features an additional metal bar (the bolt) which slides into place and secures the door shut. Best suited to a wooden door, steel door or fibreglass door, it is important to make sure that your front door is compatible with this type of door lock. 

Smart locks 

With the rise of technology, smart locks have also become a popular option for front door security. These types of locks allow users to operate them using their smartphones and can be programmed to automatically lock as soon as you leave your home or property. This makes them an extremely secure option. 

Double cylinder locks

Double-cylinder locks are keyed on both sides, which means the homeowner would need to be able to use keys from inside and out in order for them to be unlocked. The advantage of this type of door lock is that they provide an extra layer of protection against break-ins making them one of the most secure door locks you can buy. 

2. Replace Your Door Frame & Hinges

If your door frame and hinges are in poor condition, you may want to consider replacing them. This will ensure that no matter how hard a burglar tries, they won’t be able to get through your front door without a new door being fitted too. 

Hinges

The first thing you want to start with replacing is the screws of the hinges to make sure they are at least 2 and a half inches long. Screws that are smaller than an inch are a security risk and should be replaced.

Installing hinge bolts is also an effective way of reinforcing your door’s hinges. These bolts are mounted on the surface of your door. These have been designed to prevent anyone from being able to kick down, pry open or break a hinge off your front door.

Door Frame

Next, you should move on to the door frame. It is important to consider hardening your door’s frame. After all, a strong frame is a strong door. The first thing to do is to make sure that your door frame is securely screwed or bolted into place. You can also install special bars for added security by fitting them in key points like hinges and locks so they’re sturdier than before.

3. Add a Strike Plate

Strike plates protect the door jamb against friction. This metal plate helps to protect the door from being opened from the outside. Adding a strike plate is a great way to make your door secure.

Your old strike plate could be ineffective if it hasn’t been checked recently. Even if you already have one in place, upgrading to a heavy-duty strike plate could provide an extra level of front door security.

4. Upgrade Your Home Security System

Installing a security system is not only for catching burglars. It is also an excellent deterrent. If your front door is not the only access point to the home, consider installing a system that covers all points of entry.

When it comes to choosing a front door security camera, there are so many to choose from. We recommend opting for a security camera that records in HD. This way any would-be burglar can be easily identified.

Doorbell cameras are increasing in popularity.  This is due to their ability to record people who come and leave. A video doorbell can usually be accessed through your smartphone so you can keep an eye on your entranceway when you’re not at home.

For the best home security system, you should consider a company that can provide multiple cameras, with night vision capabilities. Having this type of surveillance will give homeowners more peace of mind knowing they are protected 24 hours a day. 

Of course, there will be burglars who are simply not worried about a security system so it is important to reinforce your door in other ways too. 

5. Replace Your Door

You can install as many reinforcements as possible on old or damaged exterior doors, but there is only so much security it provides. A replacement front door is an ultimate way to make your home more secure. Installing a new one not only provides better protection for you and those inside, but it also offers many other benefits that cannot be found with an older or damaged model. 

However, not all doors are created equal so it is important to choose a front door from a trusted door supplier to ensure the best possible results. At Express Doors Direct, we supply a range of front doors from composite to hardwood so you can find the front door to match your home and your security needs. Why not take a look at our full range of external doors here? 

A solid wood door can offer more security than a hollow core door as it’s simply more difficult to gain entry. Hollow-core doors make cost-effective internal doors but a solid door is really your only option when it comes to your entry door. Consider upgrading to a solid core door to prevent break-ins. Choose a composite door for extra security.

It’s important to make sure your new exterior door is properly installed too, as any weaknesses in the installation will make it easier to gain entry.

6. Add a Peephole or Door Chain

A peephole or door chain will allow you to see who is at the front door without having the door open. This means that they can be identified before giving them access to your home. A peephole can also act as a deterrent against thieves and scammers as they lose the element of surprise. 

7. Upgrade The Glass

One of the easiest ways to improve security at your front door is by upgrading the glass. If you have single-glazed windows, it can be easy for a burglar to smash through them and reach around to open the lock on your front door. Double glazing will make this task much more difficult.

Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is made with strength in mind. Being up to five times stronger than standard glass, a burglar will have a tough time gaining access to your home with toughened glass installed.

8. Reinforce the Door

Another way to improve the security of your front door is by reinforcing it. There are many options when it comes to reinforcing your door. Reinforcing the door jamb is a good place to start, as this is an area that can weaken over time.

Another option is to replace the door handle. This might not sound like it will make much of a difference but a low-quality door handle can be easily broken off or forced open allowing for access to your home. 

If you want to ensure the safety of your home, install steel or nickel reinforcements around door hinges and locks. This will provide additional protection for any intruders who might try to kick down your door. 

9. Install a Security Light

Finally, one thing to take into consideration is the installation of a security light. Security lights are great deterrents against would-be burglars as they make it harder for them to remain hidden in darkness. 

Motion sensor security lights will automatically detect any movement from outside your front door or around your home. Placing these strategically above your front door and in poorly-lit areas around your home will leave intruders with no place to hide. 

Door Security: A Final Word

Forced entry can take just a few minutes, burglaries happen and they can be very distressing. There’s a lot you can do to deter burglars and increase your family’s safety. It’s important to consider a whole range of security measures to keep your home secure but the front door is a great place to start. You can’t make front doors 100% burglar proof but you can reinforce and improve them in a whole variety of different ways.

If you want to find out more about how you can best secure your front door or would like to replace your front door with a high-quality door from Express Doors Direct, get in touch with us today and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.