The front door of your house is not only one of the first things visitors notice, but it’s also a vital point of home security. You may worry that making safety upgrades to the main entryway will reduce its aesthetic appeal. The reality, however, is that there are lots of subtle and even attractive options to keep your place looking its best and simultaneously help prevent front door break-ins.
If you’re looking for a security door installation in the Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC area, consider Master Seal. Our qualified team is experienced with installation, and we offer a large range of security storm door and steel entry door designs. Call 855.608.1580 or reach out online for a free price quote.
How to Secure Your Front Door From the Outside
Installing a whole new door with updated security features is one of the best ways to ensure optimal security on the exterior side of the front entry. That said, some measures can also be taken that entail simply modifying individual parts or even behaviors on your part! Here are just a few helpful tips to keep in mind in securing your front door from the outside:
- Add additional locks or deadbolts. The more complex the entry system, the more likely would-be thieves will give up. Deadbolts, in particular, offer a significantly greater challenge to people attempting to break in since they can’t be picked the way a conventional lock can be.
- Purchase and install a study strike plate. This essential piece of door hardware is fitted to the door jamb and surrounds the lock bolt when the door is shut and locked. A sturdy strike plate can prevent a door from being kicked in by surrounding and protecting the metal bolt that connects the door to the jamb when the door is locked.
- Get rid of exterior hinges. Having vulnerable hardware visible to intruders can, unfortunately, be an invitation. Replace exterior hinges with interior versions as a simple step toward better security.
- Don’t hide keys anywhere near your entry door. It’s common to stash a spare under a flower pot or doormat on the porch, but sadly many robbers are well aware of this. If you must stash a key on your property, make it as far from the door as possible and choose a thoroughly original location.
- Upgrade to keyless entry. If misplacing keys is a common issue, consider an electronic keypad lock instead. Smart doors are also great if you regularly rent your property since you can easily swap out the entry code.
How to Burglar-Proof Your Front Door From the Inside
While less obvious, burglar-proofing your front entry from the inside is likewise a great way to improve your home security. Here’s a lineup of ideas for the interior of your front door:
- Add a door barricade. A relatively simple hardware upgrade, a door barricade includes a floor plate and a movable sliding lock rail that slides down into it. When in place, a door is much harder to kick in from the outdoors than one without this security feature.
- Treat any glass components with polycarbonate security glazing or choose a tempered glass option. Many homes feature decorative windows in their front doors. While these add curb appeal and let in natural light, they can be a liability if they’re not reinforced.
- Add a door security bar. Like a barricade, a security bar can help prevent the door from being kicked in. Security bars extend across the width of the door and are set into the walls, either with hardware or specialized fixtures.
- Purchase door wedges. Much like the kind used to hold doors open, security door wedges squeeze between the floor and the bottom of the door when it’s closed, making it very difficult to open from the outside.
- Upgrade to retrofit security framing. Strong steel or aluminum framing members can greatly improve your door’s chances of withstanding forced entry. Combined with sensible locking improvements like deadbolts that extend at least one inch into the doorjamb, these reinforcements are a game-changer to home security.
Learn More About Security Door Installation and Features by Contacting Master Seal Today
Why wait another day to upgrade one of your home’s most important access points for optimal security? With Master Seal, installing a new security door or upgrading an existing door is a breeze. Just call our knowledgeable team at 855.608.1580 or send us a message online to start the conversation.
