Are Your Doors Burglarproof?

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May 16, 2017

When it comes to home safety – it’s better to be safe than sorry.  Truly, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

You may not know it, but some estimates say that as many as 70% of home invaders enter through a door.  This includes back doors, front doors, garage doors, and patio doors.  I’m sure you’d agree this is an alarming statistic, especially when you consider that doors are more sturdy than glass.  Yet burglars still choose breaking in through doors over fragile windows.

Builder Supply Outlet sells some of the most gorgeous and secure doors anywhere.  We also can customize for any size. Click here to learn more and then stop in.

With this in mind, let’s discuss some methods to burglarproof your doors as best as you can.

USE SOLID CONSTRUCTION

Each of your exterior doors needs to be solid and kick-proof.

We recommend a solid wood door or at the very least install a door with a solid-wood core.  Some other options include fiberglass or metal.

If you opt for a metal door, get one with an interior reinforcement and a lock block, to prevent a burglar from bending it open with a car jack.

Reinforced steel doors are your best option.  Just keep in mind that you need to maintain them well so they don’t rust out.

GO WINDOWLESS

There’s no doubt that door windows are attractive and light the entryway to your home.

Just note that they’re a home security risk.  If the window is located within 12-18″ of your lock, a burglar can easily smash the window and unlock your door from the inside.  We recommend that you install a new windowless door, a door where the window and lock are far apart, or that you take some extra security measures.

Some extra security measures you can take include adding decorative bars, using reinforced glass, or adding metal reinforcement.  You can also install a secondary door lock at floor level – far away from a burglar’s reach, as long as it doesn’t break a fire code.

FORGO SHRUBS

While landscaping is attractive, it’s not helpful from a security standpoint.

Do not add/plant any type of shrubbery near your door or windows.

Never plant bushes, trees, or shrubs to obscure your doors.  Doing so makes it easy for a burglar to lie in and hide while they break in.

INSTALL A DEADBOLT

Even the strongest reinforced steel door can be broken into with one strong kick if your lock doesn’t extend deep enough into the doorframe.  Install a super strong deadbolt.

When choosing a deadbolt, go with Callan or Delaney.  Builder Supply Outlet carries both lines in-store.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

We highly recommend going one step further and installing a secondary, one-sided deadbolt.  These deadbolts don’t contain keyed access to the outside.  They can only be used when you’re home.

The good news is that they’re darn near impossible for a burglar to bypass.  These deadbolt locks can save you from a dangerous home invasion while you’re sleeping or simply spending time with your family and guests.

When choosing a deadbolt, go with Callan or Delaney.  Builder Supply Outlet carries both lines in-store.

REINFORCE FRAME & DOORJAMB

Make sure you never overlook the doorjamb and frame.

These two elements are essential to door security.  One good kick to a weak doorjamb or frame and your door cracks open instantly.  Make sure to install a deeper box strike (a type of steel pocket that houses the bolt section of the deadbolt).  Affix 3″ screws that burrow deep into the wall studs, instead of just the doorjamb.

Also, make sure to reinforce your doorjamb with galvanized steel to withstand shoulders, kicks, and other attempts to break your door in.

SLIDING DOOR SECURITY

A sliding glass door is the equivalent to an invitation for a burglar to rob your home.

There are some things you must do to secure these decorative entry points.  First and foremost, make sure your sliding doors are made from reinforced glass or plastic (like polycarbonate); not thin glass.

Always keep glass doors locked.  Place a wooden or metal dowel in the track.  The rod should measure no more than 1/4″ less than the track length.  This will prevent the door from being opened by force.  Make sure your alarm company has installed motion sensors or vibration sensors to sound the alarm in case the glass is broken.  Also, consider installing curtains on the inside.  This way, a burglars can’t see into your home.

Hopefully you learned quite a bit about burglarproofing your doors.

Builder Supply Outlet sells some of the most gorgeous and secure doors anywhere.  We also can customize for any size. Click here to learn more and then stop in.

Feel free to stop into Builder Supply Outlet or the Edge Showroom with any home improvement questions you may have regarding doors, vanity tops, remodeling, sinks, tile, backsplash, cleaning, sealing, grout, windows, kitchen cabinets, construction, contractors, designing/installing a new kitchen or bathroom — or anything else.  We can help you through the entire design and installation process from A-Z.  Or call us anytime in Broadview, IL at 1-708-343-3900. You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our Edge Kitchen and Bathroom designers at no charge by clicking here.