Protecting Your Home: The Ultimate Guide To A Secure Front Door

Home security is a growing concern for homeowners nationwide, particularly those with families or valuable possessions to protect. When it comes to fortifying your home against potential intrusions, one aspect that demands careful attention is door security. On average, 56% of home burglaries involve forced entry, while 34% enter through an unlocked door or window. Maintaining a secure home is of utmost importance if you want to protect you and your loved ones, and it all starts with a secure front door.

Why Front/Exterior Door Security is Important

Front or exterior doors serve as the primary entry point to your home, making them an attractive target for potential intruders. You should always keep your doors locked whether you are at home or not, but oftentimes a locked door is not enough. By increasing security features or choosing a new door with security built in, you create a deterrent that can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Robust door security not only protects your loved ones and belongings but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to feel secure in the comfort of your own home.

COMMON SECURITY FEATURES

• Security Plate: A security plate is a valuable addition to your door that enhances its resistance against break-ins. It is typically installed at the gap between the door and the frame, known as the strike plate area. This reinforced plate acts as a barrier, making it more difficult for intruders to force the door open. The security plate is typically made of durable materials such as steel or reinforced metal, providing a strong defense against physical attacks. By reinforcing the vulnerable area of the door, it significantly improves the overall security of your home.
• Deadbolt Locks: Deadbolts are widely recognized as one of the most effective security features for doors. They provide an additional layer of protection beyond traditional locks, making it much more difficult for intruders to force their way inside. There are various types of deadbolt locks by different manufacturers that are available to you:

• • Trilennium® Multi-Point: Offers homeowners better door closure and sealing than a single point lock. Three 1” deadbolts latch with a deadbolt throw, plus a latch and deadbolt release with a single downward movement.
  • Hoppe® Multi-Point: Additional security of four points latching when the door is locked and the easy operation of one point of latching when the door is unlocked. Anti-back drive prevents locking points from disengaging from the outside for added security.
  • Emtek®: Emtek unique Interconnect Devices provides the security of a locking deadbolt while providing the means for a panic proof exit. Turning the interior knob or lever simultaneously retracts both the deadbolt and the passage latches.
  • Schlage® Electronic Keypad: The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt allows you to enter an access code on the touchscreen to unlock the door instead of searching for your keys. Pairing the lock with your smartphone over bluetooth is easy and convenient.
  • For a full list of door hardware and locking systems, schedule a consultation with a door expert.
• Reinforced Door Frames: A reinforced door frame is designed to withstand greater amounts of force, offering increased protection against kick-ins and forced entries. The door frame is the structural component surrounding the door, and a reinforced frame typically includes additional metal or steel reinforcements within its structure. These reinforcements distribute the force applied to the door more evenly, making it much harder for someone to kick the door open or force it out of the frame. Reinforced door frames are an effective deterrent against break-ins and are often used in high-security settings or for homeowners who prioritize robust security measures.
• Privacy Glass: If you have windows on or near your front door, using privacy glass can help deter burglars. These types of glass are harder to see into, giving an intruder less confidence of a successful break-in. Privacy glass is an excellent option for those who want to maintain their privacy while allowing natural light to enter their home. Frosted glass, textured glass, or tinted glass are commonly used to achieve this effect. These types of glass can be incorporated into a new door or, in some cases, can be retrofitted into existing doors. However, depending on the complexity of the glass installation, it may be more practical to replace the entire door to ensure proper installation and functionality. When considering privacy glass, it is important to take into account factors such as the desired level of privacy, the amount of natural light you want to allow in, and the overall aesthetics of your home. It can be particularly useful for rooms where security is crucial, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices. Privacy glass not only offers a sense of seclusion but also adds an element of style and elegance to your door, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
• Peephole/Door Viewer: A simple yet effective security feature, a peephole allows you to identify visitors before opening the door. This enables you to exercise caution and avoid potential threats posed by strangers.

• Smart Doorbell Camera: Doorbell cameras have been on the rise in recent years and are a great security feature to add to your home. There are tons of different versions on the market ranging from pretty high-tech to basic security. With a doorbell camera, you can see when someone arrives at your door even when you aren’t home. Though it may be a pricey add, these are a great way to have peace of mind while you’re in or away from your home.

BUILT IN AND OPTIONAL DOOR SECURITY FEATURES

Various door security features are integrated during the manufacturing process, while others can be added later. Here’s a breakdown:

Built-in Features:

• Security Plate: Your door can come with a reinforced plate at the gap between the door and the frame to provide extra security against break-ins.
• Reinforced Door Frames: Some doors come with reinforced frames, providing enhanced security. These reinforcements work to protect against kick-ins or other forced entries.
• Privacy Glass: Your door can come with a design or glass type that adds privacy to the inside of your home. While you may be able to replace existing glass, the project may warrant a door replacement altogether.

Features That Can Be Added Later:

• Deadbolt Lock: Deadbolts can be added to existing doors. These locks reinforce door security as they are not spring activated and can’t be picked as easily.
• Peephole/Door Viewer: Adding a peephole to your door is a relatively simple task and can be done after the manufacturing process. Although, we recommend doing it all in one sweep, as a peephole is a useful tool security-wise.
• Smart Doorbell Camera: A smart doorbell replaces your existing doorbell that attaches to any convenient surface near your door. This is a great technological addition to your home if you frequently receive food or package deliveries and can be installed at any time.

PROTECT YOUR HOME WITH A SECURE DOOR

Investing in door security features is crucial to safeguarding your home and loved ones. By prioritizing front/exterior door security, you create a defense system against potential intrusions. Consider incorporating built-in features such as security plates and reinforced door frames during the door selection process. Remember, when it comes to protecting your home, no measure is too small, and every step towards enhancing security is a step towards peace of mind.

West Shore Home® is the leading expert in secure front doors for homeowners. With the most updated technology in deadbolt locks, 20-gauge security plates in all of our doors, and front door peephole options, you are safe choosing us as your door replacement contractor. Not sure if your door is secure enough? You can schedule a complimentary design consultation with one of our trusted design consultants to discuss your options. Contact us today to get started!