How to Reinforce an Entry Door

Doors are vital when it comes to protecting your home, family and valuables, but the main line of defence, your front door, can be compromised in various ways and sometimes in as quickly as a few seconds. A properly reinforced door, supported by the right door hardware, deadbolt lock, and home security system, can significantly reduce the risk of forced entry.

According to Home Office statistics, over 70% of burglars target the doors of a property, usually by forcing a lock. In this post, we are looking at ways to prevent that happening, by reinforcing a door to prevent forced entry.

When you take steps to make it more of a challenge to bypass your front door, a burglar will be more likely to move on to an easier target. So, how to reinforce your main entry door?

Reinforce the door frame

The strike plate acts as an anchor point for a door’s deadbolt lock and is responsible for keeping the door locked tight. However, because a door’s frame is usually only an inch thick, consistent force to the door may end up breaking the frame, which compromises the strike plate and therefore the lock.

For this reason, it’s important to reinforce the door frame so that it can withstand forceful entry. The best way to do this is to add a layer of steel to prevent the door frame from splitting. The steel should be placed over the door jamb, the flat surface that runs vertically up either side of the door frame and which houses the strike plate.

Another option is to replace the whole door frame with a steel alternative, particularly if the existing frame supports a hollow door, which can be more vulnerable to forced entry than solid timber doors.

Strengthen the edge of the door

The section of the door that the bolts travel through to lock into the door’s frame – the edge of the door – can be one of its weakest points.

As the door’s edge is only secured to the frame by the bolt and the door’s handle latch, there are only two areas of force that need to be distributed when the door is attacked. Because the bolt and latch have a small surface area, they don’t distribute the force very well.

The best way to deal with this is to fit a steel or aluminium door wrap around the edge of the door. The aim of a door wrap is to increase the surface area over which any force will be distributed. When force is more widely distributed, more of it is needed to cause any damage and breach the door. Upgrading the door handle, fixings, and other door hardware at the same time can further improve strength and durability.

Fit high security locks to prevent lock snapping

Lock snapping, or lock bumping, is a common method used by burglars to breach doors fitted with euro cylinders, which are typical to UPVC and composite types. Lock snapping involves breaking the cylinder to manipulate the lock into opening. According to the Master Locksmiths Association, a quarter of burglaries involve snapping.

The solution is to fit high security locks with snap-proof cylinders. There are many of these types of locks and cylinders on the market,  including modern smart lock options that integrate with a home security system for additional monitoring and control. It is strongly advised that you engage the services of a Master Locksmiths Association accredited locksmith who will be able to recommend, supply and install the best choice of lock for your needs and budget.

Replace glazed panels

Regular glazed door panels can be easily compromised, providing access to the lock inside. Replacing these with toughened or laminated glass panels, fitted from the inside so the beading cannot be removed from the outside, is a wise move.

A metal grille fitted on the inside of a glazed door will also enhance its security.

Install a kick-stop

If a door’s frame is weak, perhaps because it is made from timber that has softened over time, then it won’t take too much effort for a burglar to breach the door with consistent and forceful kicking.

There are various ways to prevent this. Firstly, fitting a steel kick plate to the bottom of the door will strengthen it considerably.

Another option is a Birmingham Bar, which is something widely recommended by police to strengthen a door frame against kick-in attacks. This is a multi-purpose flat security bar, designed to strengthen the hinge side of the door frame on inward opening doors.

The London Bar is another door frame reinforcing bar designed to prevent kick-ins. This one has a ‘D’ shaped staple which fits over and secures the staple of a surface-fitted rim cylinder night latch.

Additional options, such as a door barricade, door jammer, or door security bar, can also provide extra door security from the inside, particularly overnight or when occupants are at home.

Frequently Asked Questions (NEW SECTION – People Also Ask)

What is the best way to reinforce a door?

The most effective approach is combining multiple upgrades, including reinforcing the door frame, installing a high security deadbolt lock, upgrading door hardware, and adding security bars or door reinforcement plates.

How to reinforce a door to prevent kick-ins?

Reinforcing the frame with steel plates or security bars such as Birmingham or London Bars, along with a strong deadbolt lock, greatly reduces the risk of kick-in attacks.

How to reinforce a bedroom door?

For internal doors, upgrading hinges, installing a stronger lock, and using a door jammer or door barricade can improve security.

How to secure a front door from inside?

Options include door security bars, internal bolts, reinforced locks, or smart locking systems connected to a home security system.

How to reinforce wooden doors?

Solid timber doors can be reinforced with metal edge wraps, stronger strike plates, longer screws, and upgraded locks to improve resistance to force.

Looking to enhance your entry door security?

If you are keen to reinforce your entry doors, whether for your home or commercial property, talk to Master Locksmiths Association accredited Barry Bros Security.

With over seven decades of experience, and helpful experts on hand to provide tailored advice on reinforcing your entry doors, you’ll have access to everything required to safeguard your property.

For the guidance you need, please do not hesitate to get in touch, or visit our London showroom.