A Few Tips for Choosing a Security Door for Your Home

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A security door for your home can reduce your risk of a break-in, as such a door may be more difficult to kick in or pry away from the door frame. Not all security doors are alike, though, and some are simply heavier models of standard storm doors, so note a few features to consider when choosing a security door for your home.

1. Material

Some door companies will manufacture doors of a tough, thick wood and advertise them as security doors, but you need to consider that a wood door can usually be splintered or kicked in no matter its overall thickness. A true security door should at least have a metal core; if there is a wood veneer on the front, this can give you the strength you need from a security door with the look of natural wood.

Note that some metal doors are very heavy, and you may need to add some type of bracing for the door frame itself so that it doesn't become uneven. You also might need to purchase your door with its own frame so it provides proper support. Be sure you're prepared for this added cost or have a contractor note whether your home's door frame can support the weight of solid steel; otherwise, it might be advisable to get a door with a metal core and wood veneers, as it's usually lighter.

2. Lock

A true security door will have a heavy-duty doorknob and lock along with a thick, strong deadbolt. You need to consider the thickness and length of the deadbolt because a metal door with a metal frame is very difficult to drill through in order to install a new lock. It's often better to get a door with a thick, strong lock already attached than to assume you can easily upgrade the locks or add new ones once you get your door installed.

3. Peephole

Along with a lock, don't assume you can easily drill a new space for a peephole in a thick metal door, but invest in a door with the right type and size of peephole already installed. A peephole without a reverse viewing area, meaning it blocks out any images inside the home rather than just distorting them, can add security. You might also get a peephole with a cover that closes over it on the inside to ensure no one can use special camera lenses to take pictures of what's on the other side of the door.

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25 May 2016

Security Doors, Frames and Locks: Securing Your Home's Openings

Hi, my name is Brenda, and welcome to my blog. A few years ago, my home became the victim of a burglary. I didn't think it was possible because we live out in a relatively remote rural area, but it happened. After that, I knew I never wanted anyone in my home again without my permission. As a result, I begin to secure my home. I ended up realising the the doors were less secure than the windows. I replaced our doors with metal security doors, but I also got new frames and locks. If you want to keep your home secure, take a look around this blog. It has posts on everything I have learned about securing your doors. I hope these ideas keep you safe and happy!