There are a few ways in which you can increase entry way security. Some of these you may be aware of. Some you may not even know about. But if you want to increase your door security, follow a few of these steps.
1) Reinforce the Door
This may appear to be much harder, than it actually is. All you need to do is slide the reinforcement plate onto the door. Take the deadbolt and latch that you have and insert them. Take the matching screws and secure it all in place.
It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy pick-proof dead bolt locks and accessories. But the truth is, you are throwing money out the window if you do that. All you need is a reinforced hardware kit. You can pick them up at any hardware store. They cost roughly $120 or less. Just pick up one of these kits and do it yourself. It takes only an hour to install. Your entry way will be much more secure because of it. You also won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on items that won’t work either.
2) Check Your Doors
Do you have the right one? If your entry way is hollow, it’s time to replace it. How can you tell if it does need to be replaced? Simply knock on it. If you hear and feel a hollow sound, chances are it needs to be replaced. If the entry is solid on the inside, as well as the out, it is fine.
3) Decide What Material to Use
If you do need to replace the entry, consider using one of the following. Wood or fiberglass. Fiberglass is your best bet. When you do install it, make sure it swings outward, not inward. If it swings inward, you won’t have the protection you need.
You will also want to pick up some security hinges. This will give your doors some extra force. Most entry ways get broken into by a forced entry. Having fiberglass or wood doors, is a good way to combat that. If you do use wood, be sure it’s solid wood core. This would be a layer of veneer over the solid wood. This way you get double the protection.
HINT: You can metal if you want. Only use metal doors that are reinforced on the inside. They should also have something known as a lock block. With a lock block, it will prevent even the smallest of forced entries. If a person can get in using a car jack on the entry, chances are you need to invest in a lock block.
4) Windows to Windowless
Replace the window doors on the outside, with windowless doors. For your own protection, you should not have windows near the entry. If you do have sliding glass doors in the entry way, consider using a security gate or grille. You can install one of these on the outside. This will make it practically unbreakable.
You can also use a polycarbonate panel on the inside. Be sure it’s unbreakable and it’s secure on the inside.
5) Cylinder Locks
Put in cylinder locks around the lock guards. For those that don’t know, this is the spot where people put in the key. If a burglar attempts to break in, but can’t, they might have damaged or broken the seal. This will make it easier for them to get around the next time. Don’t kid yourself, there will be a next time.
Taking care of the cylinder lock will give you that added protection. You should also consider replacing the strike plates, if they look worn and flimsy enough.
All Four Seasons garage doors is the premier full-service vendor for your garage doors Atlanta GA. For more information, to schedule a FREE estimate, or to request a service call, call us today at 678-981-8454!
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