How to Make Your Front Door Burglar-Proof in Under an Hour
Your front door is a critical part of your home’s overall security. After all, it is the first line of defense between your house and any potential intruders. Surprisingly, 34% of burglaries occur through the front door, making it one of the most common points of entry for criminals. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your front entrance more secure. Here are five quick ways to “burglar-proof” your home.
1. Upgrade the Strike Plate and Screws
Most front doors are only secured with short screws in the strike plate—the metal piece that holds the latch in place. These short screws can easily be kicked through, making forced entry simple for burglars. Swap them out for 3-inch screws, which go deep into the wall stud and make the door much harder to kick in. Upgrading to a heavy-duty strike plate adds even more resistance.
2. Install a High-Quality Deadbolt Lock
Not all locks are created equal. Many standard locks can be picked or bumped by determined intruders. Look for a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt from a trusted brand—it should extend at least one inch into the door frame when locked. Some smart deadbolts also include features like auto-locking or remote access, which add convenience and security.
3. Reinforce the Door Jamb and Hinges
Even a solid lock won’t help if the door jamb or hinges are weak. Consider installing a door reinforcement kit, which reinforces the frame and hinges, making the entire doorway more resistant to force. Also, check the screws in your door hinges—replace any that are shorter than 2.5 inches with longer screws that reach the wall stud. This creates a secure hold that’s much harder to breach.
4. Add a Door Barricade or Security Bar
For an added layer of nighttime protection, install a floor-mounted door barricade or use a portable security bar. These devices create a physical block at the base of your door that can’t be picked or unlocked from the outside. Most models are easy to install and remove as needed, making them great for renters or travel. A well-placed door barricade makes it nearly impossible to force a door open without attracting attention.
5. Improve Visibility With a Peephole or Doorbell Camera
Being able to see who’s at your door without opening it adds another layer of safety. If you don’t already have one, install a wide-angle peephole at eye level. Even better, consider a smart video doorbell that lets you see and speak to visitors through your phone. Many models also record footage and alert you when motion is detected.
Lock It Down and Rest Easy
You don’t have to spend a ton of money or hire a professional to come in and make your home more secure. There are plenty of ways to “burglar-proof” your home and strengthen your front door. Things like cameras will potentially make your home less appealing to would-be intruders. Other methods can physically strengthen your door, making it difficult for anyone to break in. Take my advice: don’t wait for a break-in to make these changes. Do what you can to prevent it! You’ll sleep safer (and sounder) once you do.
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