Hardening Your Home's Doors with Security in Mind

Doors are the primary access points to your home, and reinforcing them is a critical step in creating a secure environment. An intruder’s first attempt at entry will likely be through a door, so it’s essential to ensure that your doors are strong, well-locked, and properly installed.

In this article, we’ll explore various ways to harden your doors, from installing high-quality locks and durable materials to using smart technologies that provide extra protection and control.

Reinforcing Door Materials and Frames

The strength of your doors and their frames plays a significant role in your home’s overall security. Even the best locks are only as effective as the door and frame they’re securing, so it’s crucial to choose materials and construction methods that resist force.

Install Solid-Core or Metal Doors: Exterior doors should ideally be solid-core or metal, as they are much more resistant to impact than hollow-core doors. Solid wood, Fiberglass, or steel doors are excellent choices for entry doors. Avoid hollow-core doors for exterior entry points, as they can be easily broken down.
Reinforce the Door Frame: Many intruders target the door frame, as it can be a vulnerable point. Reinforce the frame by installing a steel Strike Plate, which distributes the force of any impact and reduces the likelihood of the frame splintering. For maximum protection, use 3-inch Screws to secure the strike plate and door Hinges directly into the wall studs, rather than just into the frame.
Use Metal Reinforcement Kits: Door reinforcement kits provide added strength to both the door and frame. These kits often include door shields, strike plates, and hinge reinforcements. They’re relatively easy to install and make it more difficult for an intruder to kick in the door.

Upgrading Door Locks for Enhanced Security

Locks are your first line of defense against unauthorized entry. High-quality, durable locks make it much harder for an intruder to force their way into your home.

Choose High-Security Deadbolts: Install a Deadbolt with a 1-inch throw (the distance the bolt travels into the door frame). Look for deadbolts with a hardened steel bolt and anti-drill features, as these are much harder to tamper with. Double-cylinder deadbolts, which require a key on both sides, offer additional security for doors with glass panels, as they prevent intruders from breaking the glass and reaching in to unlock the door.
Consider Keyless Entry or Smart Locks: Keyless entry systems and smart locks provide convenience while enhancing security. These locks use PIN codes, smartphone apps, or biometric authentication to grant access. Smart locks also allow you to monitor and control access remotely, which is ideal for homeowners who want to be able to secure their doors from anywhere. Look for locks with Encryption and tamper alerts for added security.
Use Strike Plates with Extra Reinforcement: The strike plate is the metal piece that catches the deadbolt when you lock the door. Upgrading to a heavy-duty strike plate with extra-long screws (at least 3 inches) provides greater resistance to force and makes it harder for an intruder to pry open the door.

Enhancing Door Hinges and Hardware

Door hinges and other hardware are often overlooked but play a critical role in your door’s overall security. Reinforcing these components prevents intruders from manipulating or removing them.

Install Security Hinges: If your door swings outward, the hinge pins are exposed on the outside, making them a potential target. Security hinges have non-removable pins, preventing an intruder from removing the pins to gain entry. Alternatively, you can replace standard hinge pins with locking hinge pins or install hinge bolts, which keep the door in place even if the pins are removed.
Use Hinge Bolts for Extra Protection: Hinge bolts are small metal bolts that extend into the door frame when the door is closed, providing an additional layer of security. They are typically installed on the door side opposite the hinges. Hinge bolts help keep the door secure even if the hinges fail, making it much more challenging for an intruder to remove the door.
Reinforce the Door Jamb: The door Jamb is the vertical portion of the door frame. Reinforce it with a metal door jamb reinforcement kit, which strengthens the area around the hinges and strike plate. This reinforcement prevents the door from being kicked in by spreading the force across a larger surface area.

Adding Door Security Accessories

In addition to locks and reinforcement, certain accessories can further enhance your door’s security, providing extra layers of defense and allowing you to monitor entry points effectively.

Install a Door Barricade or Security Bar: A door barricade or security bar provides added protection against forced entry. These devices are placed at the bottom of the door and brace it against the floor, making it virtually impossible to push the door open. Door barricades are especially useful for entry doors that aren’t frequently used or for extra protection during the night.
Add a Door Viewer or Peephole: A wide-angle peephole or door viewer allows you to see who is outside without opening the door. For even more functionality, consider a smart door viewer with a built-in camera and intercom, which lets you view and speak with visitors from your smartphone.
Use Door Chains or Latch Guards: A door chain or latch guard provides a secondary barrier that prevents someone from fully opening the door. Latch guards cover the gap between the door and frame, making it harder for intruders to pry or manipulate the lock. Be sure to choose a chain or latch guard made from heavy-duty materials, as lower-quality options are easy to bypass.

Securing Sliding and French Doors

Sliding and French doors require additional security measures, as they are often less resistant to force than standard entry doors. Taking steps to reinforce these doors prevents unauthorized access and helps keep your home secure.

Add a Security Bar for Sliding Doors: Place a security bar or Dowel rod in the track of a sliding door to prevent it from being forced open. This bar provides a physical barrier that keeps the door in place, even if the lock is compromised. For even more security, consider adding an anti-lift device, which prevents the door from being lifted off its track.
Install a Foot Lock or Deadbolt for French Doors: French doors can be vulnerable at the meeting point between the two doors. A foot lock or a deadbolt installed at the top and bottom of one of the doors prevents the doors from being forced open. Use at least two locks for French doors: one that secures the meeting point and one that secures the inactive door to the floor or frame.
Use Shatter-Resistant Film on Glass Panels: If your doors have glass panels, applying a shatter-resistant film strengthens the glass and prevents it from breaking easily. Shatter-resistant film holds the glass together if it’s struck, making it more challenging for an intruder to break through.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Even the best security measures can become less effective over time without regular maintenance. Checking and maintaining your door security ensures that all components remain strong and functional.

Inspect Locks and Hardware Periodically: Check your door locks, strike plates, and hinges at least once a year for signs of wear or damage. Tighten any loose screws and replace any parts that show signs of rust or wear. Regular inspections help maintain the effectiveness of your door security features.
Lubricate Locks and Hinges: Use a silicone-based lubricant to keep locks and hinges functioning smoothly. This helps prevent jamming and ensures that all components operate effectively. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and debris, leading to clogs.
Test Smart Lock Features: If you have smart locks, periodically test their connectivity, battery life, and remote features. Replace batteries as needed to ensure they remain operational. Updating the software on your smart locks also helps maintain their security features and address any vulnerabilities.

Additional Resources

For more information on door security and home protection, consult these resources:

National Crime Prevention Council: The NCPC provides guidance on home security and crime prevention. Visit the NCPC’s Home Safety Resources for additional information on securing doors and other entry points.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA offers advice on home security and fortifying entry points for disaster preparedness. Visit FEMA’s Emergency Preparedness Guide for tips on protecting your home.

Wrap-Up

Hardening your home’s doors is a crucial step in creating a secure living environment. By reinforcing the door frame, upgrading locks, and using accessories like door viewers and security bars, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry. Securing sliding and French doors with specialized locks and shatter-resistant film adds further protection to these vulnerable points. Regular maintenance ensures that all security measures remain effective, providing peace of mind and enhancing your home’s resilience against potential threats.

With a combination of strong materials, quality locks, and thoughtful accessories, you can make your home’s doors an integral part of a comprehensive security strategy.