Securing Your Entry Doors From Burglars:
If your exterior doors function well and look presentable, checking them isn’t likely to be at the top of your "to-do" list. But for improved security, take a few minutes to evaluate the doors on your home.
Determine the door’s composition:
If it’s a hollow core door, replace it. A hollow core door is easily broken through. If you can’t afford to replace it, add a deadbolt near the lockset.
If it’s a hollow core door, replace it. A hollow core door is easily broken through. If you can’t afford to replace it, add a deadbolt near the lockset.
Reinforce The Frame:
If the gap between door and frame is more than 1/16th of an inch or if the door gives when pushed or moves from side to side when pried, reinforce the frame. Gap and play allow room for a pry bar to be slipped in and the door worked open. Also, check for rot, especially around the lock. Rotting framework should be replaced even if the door and lock are sound.
If the gap between door and frame is more than 1/16th of an inch or if the door gives when pushed or moves from side to side when pried, reinforce the frame. Gap and play allow room for a pry bar to be slipped in and the door worked open. Also, check for rot, especially around the lock. Rotting framework should be replaced even if the door and lock are sound.
Check Windows And Side Lights:
Any glass on the door or within arm’s reach of the lock or lockset (about 40 inches) should be made of shatterproof plastic or security glass. Within that distance, a burglar can easily break ordinary glass, reach in, and open the door in a few seconds. Most new sliding glass, French, and glass panel doors are double paned and made of suitable materials. With the notable exception of laminated glass, you can replace most glass panes yourself. If your door has decorative glass, install a protective panel of shatterproof plastic behind it, or sandwich it between two layers of safety glass.
Also see this page: choosing the right door lock.
Any glass on the door or within arm’s reach of the lock or lockset (about 40 inches) should be made of shatterproof plastic or security glass. Within that distance, a burglar can easily break ordinary glass, reach in, and open the door in a few seconds. Most new sliding glass, French, and glass panel doors are double paned and made of suitable materials. With the notable exception of laminated glass, you can replace most glass panes yourself. If your door has decorative glass, install a protective panel of shatterproof plastic behind it, or sandwich it between two layers of safety glass.
Also see this page: choosing the right door lock.
Many newer wood doors are actually surfaced with wood panels or pressed wood look-alike composites, and have a reinforced solid core between. These offer both the security of a new, solid-core door and the beauty of wood.
Metal clad doors (right) provide the most security. Steel-plain or pressed to look like a wood panel-is attached to a solid wood frame and a fiber core. These doors are strong, weatherproof, and low maintenance.
Metal clad doors (right) provide the most security. Steel-plain or pressed to look like a wood panel-is attached to a solid wood frame and a fiber core. These doors are strong, weatherproof, and low maintenance.
More Home Security Resources On Alarm System Reviews.Com:
Doors made of solid wood usually provide adequate security-if they are in good condition. Consider thickness (under 1 ¾ inches is too thin and won’t stand up to a strong kick), age (check for signs of deterioration and make the necessary repairs),and pattern (floating panels can allow the door to break if kicked; solid facades with little or no decoration are best).
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Above:
Would you believe this "wood" door is actually made of steel and polyurethane?
Would you believe this "wood" door is actually made of steel and polyurethane?