Do you ever get the feeling that your front door isn’t quite as secure as it ought to be? If your door is quite old or there have been break-ins in your local area, it can play on your mind. But there are plenty of ways to boost your front door security, from new locks to smart technology. Here’s 14 improvements to consider.
Replace the door
Is your uPVC door more than ten years old? Is it suffering from warping? Then it might be time to consider a new one to boost your security. The same is true if you have a softwood or rotten timber door, as neither are particularly strong. Composite doors are built with a solid wood core, reinforced plastic and laminated glass, so they’re one of the strongest and most secure options to consider.
Secure the framework
If you’re replacing your door, it’s likely the frame will be replaced too. In fact, composite doors usually include a reinforced frame. But if you’re not replacing your door, it’s a good idea to check the framework is in good condition. Otherwise, it’s going to be easy to force your door open, no matter how solid it seems.
Upgrade the locks
One of the top ways to boost the security of an existing front door is to upgrade the locks. Most uPVC and composite doors have a multipoint locking system to prevent them being kicked in but you should also make sure you have a secure cylinder lock. Look for an anti-snap cylinder lock with a Sold Secure SS312 Diamond or TS 007 3-star rating. For timber doors, a five-lever mortice deadlock that conforms to BS3621 is best. To make sure it’s doing its job properly, a replacement door lock should be fitted by an MLA-approved locksmith.
Reinforce glazing
Should you want to keep a period front door with stained glass, arrange to get the glazing encapsulated. This process involves sandwiching the original pane between two sheets of clear glass. Not only does this improve security but it also boosts your door’s energy efficiency, so your hallway stays warmer.
Fit a peephole
If your door isn’t glazed, you might have a different security problem. It can be hard to see who’s at the door before you open it. When you’re living alone, this is a particular worry. So, fitting a peephole can be an easy solution.
Get a smart doorbell
Another way to see who’s at your door is to get a smart doorbell. The beauty of a smart doorbell is that you don’t need to be in to see or speak to whoever’s at the door. You can remotely monitor and manage deliveries and thanks to motion detection, spot suspicious activity near your front door.
Hook up security cameras
You could go one step further than a smart doorbell and hook up security cameras. Smart versions can be linked to your other security devices and give you a range of nifty features including night vision and customisable detection zones to keep your home’s exterior covered. There are subscription and subscription-free options available that can be powered by mains, battery or solar power.
Or a burglar alarm
A burglar alarm is another option for beefing up your front door security. Typically, you can protect all of your entry points with a burglar alarm and as with security cameras, modern systems can be integrated with other smart features such as lights and doorbells.
Install security lights
Burglars use the cover of darkness to operate without being spotted. So, bright outdoor lights with motion-sensors are a good way to deter intruders from your front door, driveway and garden. They’re a bit easier to set up than a burglar alarm but are no less effective.
Gravel your front path
If you’re looking for a more low-tech deterrent, gravel is surprisingly good. It’s very hard to walk over it without making a loud crunching sound. So, people find it difficult to go unnoticed when they’re approaching your front door.
Open up the front garden
Gravel isn’t the only landscaping trick you can use to bolster security. Clearing the view to your front door will ensure intruders are more exposed from the street. So, removing fences and thick shrubs can sometimes be advantageous.
Hide keys out of sight
Don’t leave door and car keys or purses near your front door. Valuables like these are attractive to opportunist thieves. If you want to leave them handy, keep them out of sight. Storage books, photo frame key cabinets and lidded pots are good ways to keep them hidden from view.
Guard your letterbox
Letterbox fishing is one obvious way that thieves can get hold of your car keys. That’s why it’s good to keep them out of sight. But your post can also be targeted by identity thieves. Letterboxes with draught-excluding flaps and brushes are harder to fish through but a guard or sash jammer can easily be fitted as an alternative.
Add a metal grill
If you’re away from home a lot, a metal security grille could be worth considering. Strong and lockable, it adds an extra layer of security to your front door and gives you peace of mind. They’re not always the most attractive addition though and are best left unlocked when you’re inside, so you can get out quickly in an emergency.
