How Secure is Your Front Door?
You may take your front door for granted. You may even have the best locks on the market, including a dead bolt. But locks aren’t the only thing keeping intruders from your family. The type of door you choose makes all the difference. A flimsy one can be kicked down easily. So, we ask: how secure is YOUR front door?
Materials
Doors come in all types of materials, from wood to steel. The one you choose will depend on your budget and your security needs. Solid core doors are heavily constructed and are common for front entry doors and anywhere sound proofing, insulation or security are of utmost importance. Hollow core doors are just what they sound like. They’re cheap and lightweight and are better for interior doors rather than exterior ones.
Aluminum doors are strong and durable, and surprisingly lightweight and affordable. Of course, no other material is stronger than steel, so choose this type of door if you need top-notch security.
Iron doors are also a good choice, offering enhanced security, durability, and functionality. Plus, they lend a certain ornate beauty to your home that you can’t get with other types of doors.
Wood is the most common overall, with many reasons for this:
- Environmentally friendly
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Natural, rustic look
- Matches with all decors
- Provides noise reduction
- Energy efficient
- Easily fabricated
- Durable
- Strong in proportion to its weight
- Can be stained or painted any color
Hinges
The material of the door is important, but the reinforcements you add are just as important to the safety and security of your home. From reinforced doors to composite doors, you have many options at your fingertips. Hardware, of course, is the crowning glory of your door and will determine how secure it ultimately is. The right hinges can help you prevent weaknesses that leave your home vulnerable to attacks. If your door opens outwards with external hinges, those pins can easily be removed and the door can be freed. Today’s modern security hinges are designed to provide more protection to ensure the pin isn’t so easy to remove. Riveted pins, security studs, non-removable pins, and hinge bolts are all types of hinges you should consider.
Locks
The type of lock you choose, above and beyond the one that comes with your door, is critical to security. Here are some tips from Reader’s Digest:
- Add a heavy-duty dead bolt: These don’t cost much and they add a high value to your security system. A dead bolt is a low-cost, high-value addition to your security system. You can choose a double-cylinder dead bolt (keyed on both sides) or a single-cylinder dead bolt (keyed on one side). Make sure it comes with a grade 1 security rating.
- Put in a strike box: This will further secure your entry door, as these structures comprise a metal pocket and over-sized plates. They connect into the wall stud behind the doorjamb using three-inch screws.
- Consider a reinforcer plate. A three-sided metal reinforcement plate encases a door around the handset or dead bolt.
Contact Dallas Door Designs
For more insight into the security of your doors, contact us at 214-973-0373. Dallas Door Designs, a family owned and operated company, offers you the very best products that fit your needs. With a focus on outstanding service, dependability, and a personable experience, you can count on us to determine which front door is best for your home.