How to Make Doors in San Diego More Secure

Any door is a direct access point to your home, whether the person using it is welcome or is an uninvited intruder. According to ADT, a leading home security company, 34% of burglars in the U.S. simply twist the doorknob and walk in.1 The front door is their most common point of entry. That means you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary by making your doors in San Diego more secure.

Here are effective ways to secure all the doors in your home:

Upgrade Your Door Lock

An old, damaged, or rusted door lock won’t provide much protection. Some standard locks can open with a knife or credit card. A deadbolt lock requires a strong key or thumb turn and provides a high degree of security; it is extremely difficult to pick. A five-lever mortice lock is the most common door lock, and a multi-point locking system is even more secure as it has three locking points within the door and requires a handle and key to operate. These locking options can be combined with a night latch; while not as secure on its own, it can increase the security of other locks.

Rekey the Lock

If multiple people have keys to your doors in San Diego, rekeying the locks increases security. This is a good idea if you just moved into a new home. The previous owners may have given out keys to others who may not know they moved. Contractors and others may also have copies. 

A locksmith can shift the tumblers in the lock so old keys won’t work. They’ll also make new keys. Therefore, you can control who has access to your home. But if it’s an older lock that’s worn out, the locksmith may suggest replacing it with something stronger and more secure.

Install Reinforcements on Your Door

A deadbolt is an effective type of reinforcement. You can install it yourself unless you have a steel front door. Installing a door chain adds security because external force is required to open it from outside. It provides an obvious clue of an intrusion. Other options include steel or nickel reinforcements around locks, hinges, and screws, which make it nearly impossible to kick a door down.

Replace Weak Hinges

Hinges hold the door in place. Even the strongest lock won’t deter intruders if the door hinges easily give way. A hinge can wear out and deteriorate over time. Without a professional, you can replace door hinges or reinforce them by replacing shorter screws with those at least 2½ inches long. Doing so takes just a few minutes.

You can also install metal hinge bolts in holes in the door jamb above and below each hinge. Even if a would-be intruder removes these, which is possible on an outward opening entry door, lifting the door out will be much more difficult. A jamb reinforcement kit, which includes metal jamb and hinge shields and a deadbolt strike plate, can resist break-ins when installed with a deadbolt.

Replace an Old Door Frame

A weak door frame can give way no matter how strong the door or its locking mechanism is. Many frames are made of wood and secured with just a few screws. The constant opening and closing of doors contribute to wear and can loosen the screws, while exposure to the elements can lead to cracking, splitting, and shifting. If a door frame looks old or worn out, replace it before you face a serious home security issue.

To replace the frame, you can purchase stronger, pressure-treated lumber from a home improvement store and rebuild it. An easier option is to install a replacement door pre-hung in a frame. Either way, you can reinforce the frame using a door jamb reinforcement kit with components to secure the weakest points of any door in San Diego.

Reinforce Glass Panels

Glass is commonly used as a decorative element. But it can be easily smashed by an intruder, who can then reach in and open the lock. Installing a solid door is the most secure option. However, you can use vinyl and other types of security film that strengthen the glass and prevent it from shattering. If it does break, the intruder must reach in through sharp edges and risk injury. Security film is a good deterrent, while frosted film conceals what’s inside so the intruder doesn’t see enticing valuables.

Add a Peephole

A peephole lets you see who is at the front door. You can then decide whether to open it. Seeing a peephole also makes a possible thief reconsider their motives. No burglar wants to be seen in their act. Most carefully evaluate the features of your door and home exterior before attempting to gain entry.

Install a Home Security System

Burglars prefer less secure homes. A door camera can record any activity outside the door, including any uninvited guest who is approaching. Law enforcement can use the images or video to identify and track a burglar. Keyless locks are harder to break into and can be monitored remotely, while motion-activated lights expose any potential intruder and scare them away. A Wi-Fi security system can be monitored/controlled via a smartphone or smart home system.

Install a Solid-Core Door

Replacing front doors in San Diego is one of the most effective measures to increase home security. For the best results, install a door with an iron or steel core. Metal core doors have metal inserts that increase strength. They can have wood, composite, or other materials on the outside for aesthetic and decorative purposes. But on the inside, they’re strong and nearly impossible to break through or kick in.

Hire a Professional to Install Secure Doors in San Diego

At Window World of San Diego, we provide high-quality, durable entry doors, patio doors, windows, and siding. We’re committed to high-quality customer service and source all our materials and products from the USA. Our team helps accommodate your needs for function and style while working with your budget. Financing options are available. To learn more, request your free quote online or call 760-230-8909.