Home Security Doors

Did you know that an estimated 70% of home invaders enter through a door (as opposed to a window), which includes front doors, patio doors, and even garage doors?

Homeowners can program everything with home security systems. Gates can prevent thieves from even getting to the door. Doors themselves can prevent intruders from getting inside. That is correct: technology in home security is so advanced that even doors can be “smart.”

Doors do not have to be high-tech. There are some simple tricks to make the front and back doors of a house much safer. Whatever you do to better secure your doors, having more secure doors adds peace of mind. Brinks Home™ has three things you should know about increased door safety:

• Smart doors can stop intruders

• Smart doors can help withstand storms and harsh weather

• There are many ways to make doors burglar-proof

Smart doors can stop intruders

There are two main types of doors: an openwork steel door and a door that looks like a regular wood or fiberglass door on the outside, but the inside is steel with reinforced side-fixing. Smart doors include other features like keyless locks, hinge screws, and peepholes. If you get steel doors, you have to take good care of the doors to prevent them from rusting. You can purchase security doors from places like The Home Depot and Amazon.

Smart doors can help withstand storms and harsh weather

Aside from keeping out burglars, smart doors can also tolerate bad weather. Steel is a strong material and can withstand the wind, but it is not immune to rust and corrosion. Steel doors will require plenty of care and maintenance to keep them in tip-top condition. Luckily, there are also fiberglass and wooden door options. Whichever you choose, a smart door will survive even the worst of storms.

There are many ways to make doors burglar-proof

Even if you cannot afford a smart door, there are a few alternative options. Safety.com offers seven tips to help make any door safer:

• Make it solid. The harder the door’s material, the more likely you are to be safe. If you go with metal doors, make sure they have interior reinforcement and lock blocks.

• Go windowless. Windows give people the chance to see inside and make it easier to gain access to your home. Choose doors without windows, though a peep hole is a good idea so you can see who is at the door.

• Get rid of shrubbery. Bushes may look nice in the yard, but they can also provide a good hiding spot for burglars. Do not plant high shrubbery by doors and windows.

• Install extra protection. It never hurts to have extra security, and a deadbolt is a smart idea for exit and entry doors. Deadbolts are inexpensive and easy to find in stores or online. A one-sided deadbolt does not have keyed access to the outside, so you can only use the lock while at home.

• Don’t forget the frame. All parts of the door must be secure. The frame and door jamb are no exception. One swift kick to a weak jamb or frame, and the door cracks open. Reinforce the door jamb and frame as soon as possible.

• Consider sliding doors. Sliding doors are actually tougher to gain entry into. Just make sure the door has reinforced glass or plastic, like polycarbonate, and consider curtains to block a potential intruder’s view. Always keep these sliding doors locked, and place a wooden or metal dowel in the track for additional security.

Find out more about securing your doors and your home with smart technology from Brinks Home. Browse our offerings or contact one of our Senior Security Consultants.

Allison Clark is a senior writer for Brinks Home. She enjoys educating others on the benefits of smart home security and using technology to simplify everyday life.