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How To Burglar Proof Your Front Door

11 April 2016

Marie Brunet

If you think your home is safe from a break-in simply because you lock your doors and windows, then you are probably wrong. Only about 30% of burglaries occur through an open door or window. Burglars have no problem using force to get into a home, and reports indicate that force is used about 95% of the time during a robbery. While this is true, criminals will do their best to look for houses that can be accessed fairly easily with minimal trouble. This means that burglar proofing your front door can go a long way in deterring criminals. Keep reading to learn how to make your front door inaccessible.

Change Locks And Add Reinforcement

Jamb Plates

Many burglars will use simple tools like hammers, crowbars, and screwdrivers to break into homes. These tools are typically utilized to either break locks or to force the door jamb to break. You can prevent both of these actions by making simple changes to your door. To prevent jamb breaks, purchase a jamb reinforcement plate. There are several different types of plates that can be purchased.

A double wrap around plate is one type that reinforces the front and side of the door around the lock. Internal plates are also available that sit vertically along the inside of the jamb. These plates protect the entire length of the door jamb. If you decide to purchase one of these devices, make sure it is made from steel. Stainless or powder-coated varieties are best to reduce rust concerns. Also, make sure to measure the thickness of your door carefully so the plate fits properly. Most modern front doors are one and three-quarters of an inch thick. However, your door may not be standard if you have an older home.

Anti-Snap Locks

If you want your front door to be as secure as possible, then you have likely purchased and installed a cylinder dead-bolt lock. While these locks are secure, a screwdriver can be forced into the key opening of the lock. The cylinder will then break apart and the burglar can get into your home. This type of tactic is called lock-snapping, and cylinder locks made from strengthened steel can help keep locks from breaking apart as easily.

If you want to completely prevent snapping issues, then you should invest in anti-snap locks instead. These locks will break when force is applied to them. However, only the front part of the cylinder will snap apart. A large portion of the cylinder will be left in the door, but there will be no key opening for the burglar to break the rest of the lock. Anti-snap cylinders can typically be used to replace regular cylinders, so ask your locksmith about the replacement.

Change Your Door

A complete door replacement may also be a good option if you fear that it can be broken down by an intruder. This is especially true if you have a lightweight wooden door that sounds hollow when you knock on it. These types of doors are often made out of veneer. This means that thin slices of wood are glued to panels made from particle board, fiberboard, or plywood. The doors have an open cavity in the middle, even though the veneer makes the door look solid. The open void and the use of fiber-based boards make the door weak and susceptible to breakage. Hollow aluminum doors are not strong either. While solid fiberglass doors can offer better security than other options, the material can crack when placed under pressure.

If you want the most secure door possible, then opt for a solid steel variety. Just make sure to inspect the door often for scratches. Scratches should be painted immediately or the door will suffer rust damage. 

For more tips on securing your home, such as installing a security system or alarms, contact a company like Tele-Plus.

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