One of the most important parts of your home’s lock security is the door it’s attached to. A super-strong and secure lock connected to a weak and easy to break door doesn’t really provide you with as much security as you could otherwise have.
There are some common elements of door security and design you should be aware of as you try to create a safer environment. Here are some things to consider when picking a new front door:
Material
Of course, the first thing you’ll have to decide is what you want your door to be made of. Wood is a popular choice for aesthetic reasons and can be painted the widest variety of colors – but exposure to the elements can cause them to warp and swell, making them both less functional and less secure. Steel is a cost-effective secure option, though it can scratch, rust and dent – and when installed with a wood frame, can be vulnerable to crowbar attacks. Fiberglass is a great compromise material – with interior steel frames, they can provide most of the same support as a steel door while also looking as good as wood.
Weak Points
The weakest point of your door is not the door itself, per se. Instead, the most likely point of failure is the door jamb and the lock strike plate. These are most likely to break first when subject to battering. It’s the combination of door, jamb, strike plate and lock that provides the most effective home security.
Design
It is tempting, aesthetically, to have front doors with plenty of glass in it. It lets in natural light and can create a warmer atmosphere indoors. However, too much glass means a burglar can just smash through and unlock the door form the inside. Avoid glass in your front door or, if you must, compromise with a glass panel placed at the top rather than a larger, more ornate design.
