How to Make Your Door Your Best Form of Defence When it Comes to Security

The doors to your property are the very things that stand between you and the outside world, and of course one of the key things that must protect you from unwanted intruders. For this reason, your doors must not be anything other than your strongest form of defence.

In this post we will take a look at various ways to ensure your doors are suitably protecting you, your loved ones and your property.

Check the Condition of Your Doors

Firstly, take a look at the condition of your doors. Generally, composite or UPVC doors tend to be tenacious in nature and can withstand the elements for many years, although they do need checking to ensure they have not dropped or warped as the temperature has changed, as this could affect the efficiency of the locking system.

If you have timber doors then they will need regular maintenance. Take a look: are they split or rotting? If the wood has gone soft then it would make it fairly easy for an intruder to obtain access with little force. You should be treating the timber regularly to protect it from the elements and if you spot any weaknesses, either arrange for them to be repaired, panels replaced or better still, the entire door exchanged for something more reliable.

Reinforce Your Door Frames

Your door frames are just as important as the doors themselves. Ensure they are securely bolted or screwed to the surrounding walls. If you are concerned about whether the frames are secure enough, consider strengthening them with bars. A London bar will make the locking points sturdier, and a Birmingham Bar will reinforce the hinges. Hinge bolts prevent doors from being forced off their hinges and are a good idea for doors that open outwards, for example French doors.

Replace Glazed Panels

If you have glazed panels fitted in your front door, replace them with toughened glass or laminated glass panels fitted from the inside so that the beading cannot be removed from the outside to gain entry. Alternatively fit a metal grille on the inside as an added layer of security. Choose something pretty and you could end up enhancing the appearance of your door whilst reinforcing its security.

Review Your Locks

If you are considering upgrading your door locks, consult an expert locksmith because one wrong move along the DIY route could render your doors a major security failure.

Different doors call for different types of lock and of course some locks provide a higher level of security than others. Front and back doors should be fitted with a 5-lever, 2-bolt sash lock that meets British Standards. Mortice and rack bolts fitted to the bottoms and tops of the doors provide an extra security boost and these are also an absolute must on French doors which are a burglar’s favourite, although another good recommendation for this type of door is surface mounted locking bolts. Patio doors should have a minimum of three locking points together with an ant-lift device so that there is no way of lifting the doors off their tracks.

When it comes to door locks, always opt for the very best you can afford, and seek advice from a Master Locksmiths Association accredited company before making your selection so that you can be sure you are choosing precisely what you need to give you the highest possible level of security.

Think About Added Extras

Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. Get yourself a spy hole installed so you can see exactly who is outside before answering to any callers. If you wish, you can go a step further and invest in a spy camera which allows you to see a clear picture of any callers on a screen – you can even view these callers remotely. Also something else that’s relatively straightforward but effective is fitting a door chain or a limiter to stop the door being forced open from the outside. Night latches, lock guards and letterbox cages also offer enhanced security for doors.

Tailored Advice from a Master Locksmith Accredited Company

The ideal security systems for doors really do depend on the type of door, the layout of the property and the security risk. Tailored solutions are of course the best route to peace of mind. Barry Bros Security are Master Locksmith Association members which means we are very well placed to provide advice on the most suitable types of locking system for your particular doors as well as on door security in general, so please don’t hesitate to ask us for personalised advice.