How to Make Your Front Door Burglar Proof?

Assess Your Front Door Locks’ Security Features

Before making any changes to your front door, assessing its current security features is essential. Here are the three key areas to evaluate:

1. Inspect the door’s quality and material: The first step in securing your front door is ensuring it’s made of high-quality materials. A solid wood or metal door is recommended as they are more challenging to break through than a hollow core door. Check for any cracks, warping, or damage that could make the door vulnerable to a break-in.
2. Check the lock and locking mechanism: The lock on your front door is critical to its security. Ensure it’s a deadbolt lock, which is more secure than a standard doorknob lock. Test the lock to ensure it’s functioning correctly and the locking mechanism is solid and reliable.
3. Evaluate the door frame and hinges: A strong door frame prevents burglars from entering your home. Check for any damage or weakness in the frame and ensure the hinges are secure and not exposed. Burglars can easily remove exposed hinges, making it easier for them to access your home.

Upgrade Your Front Door’s Security

Once you’ve assessed your front door’s current security features, it’s time to upgrade them to make it more burglar-proof. Here are some steps to take:

1. Install a solid door or a solid core door: If your front door is made of a weak material like a hollow core, consider upgrading to a solid wood or metal door. A solid core door is also a good option, providing added strength and security.
2. Add a deadbolt lock with a long bolt: A deadbolt lock is a must-have for front door security. Upgrade to a high-quality deadbolt lock with a long bolt that extends deep into the door frame, making it much more difficult to break through.
3. Install a strike plate with longer screws: The strike plate is the metal plate that the bolt of the lock slides into when the door is locked. To make it more secure, replace the existing strike plate with a high-quality one made of metal with longer screws to anchor it deep into the door frame.
4. Consider adding additional security features such as a door chain or smart lock: A door chain is an inexpensive yet effective way to add a layer of security to your front door. A smart lock is another option that allows you to control access to your home remotely.
5. Apply security film to the glass of the door: If your front door has glass panels, applying a security film to them can make it more difficult for burglars to break through. The film reinforces the glass and makes it shatter-resistant, preventing burglars from accessing your home.

Reinforce the Door Frame and Hinges

Reinforcing the door frame and hinges is essential in making your front door more secure. This is because the door frame and hinges are often the weakest points of a door and can easily be forced open by a determined burglar. 

By reinforcing these areas, you can make it much more difficult for burglars to enter your home. This added layer of security can deter potential burglars and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is better protected.

1. Use longer screws to secure the hinges and strike the plate: Replace the short screws on the hinges and strike the plate with longer screws to reinforce the door frame and make it harder to force open.
2. Add metal pieces or plates to reinforce the door frame: Attach metal plates or pieces to the door frame to strengthen and prevent it from splitting or breaking during a forced entry.
3. Consider installing a door jamb reinforcement kit: Install a door jamb reinforcement kit to reinforce the door frame further and prevent it from being kicked in or forced open.

Implement Additional Security Measures

Implementing additional security measures is important to enhance the overall security of your front door and the safety of your home. While reinforcing the door and upgrading the lock are important steps, burglars may still try to find ways to gain entry.

1. Install a home security system: Consider installing a home security system with cameras and alarms to alert you and the authorities in case of a break-in.
2. Improve the exterior lighting around the front door: Add exterior lighting to the front door area to dissuade potential burglars and make it more difficult for them to hide.
3. Encourage neighbors to be vigilant: Talk to your neighbors and encourage them to be alert and report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
4. Add a layer of hardware to the door: Install an additional layer of hardware, such as a door chain or a slide bolt lock, to make it harder for intruders to gain access even if they bypass the primary lock.

Bottom Line

Making your exterior door burglar-proof is vital in ensuring your home’s security. Following the steps outlined above can greatly reduce the risk of a break-in and keep your family safe.

Always keep your door closed and locked, and consider implementing additional security measures such as a home security system or improved lighting.

If you’re looking to bolster the security of your front door, get started – reach out to Legacy Locksmith, the premier locksmith Roswell, GA! We have a variety of services that can help ensure your home is safe and secure.