Here’s a brief guide from the lock installation and residential security experts here at Nonstop Locksmith and Security Solutions on how to improve the security of your home entranceway.
Front Door Security Hardware
Make sure that your front door hardware is strong and durable. Make sure your hinges, door handles, doorknobs, and don’t have any loose, old, or damaged parts. Consider installing brand new front doors if they aren’t intact. Fiberglass is a great door choice due to its energy efficiency, durability, and elemental resistance. Steel doors are popular due to their affordability, strength, durability, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. Solid wood core doors are sturdy and resistant to break-downs, however they require more maintenance due to their vulnerability to moisture.
Strike Plates
Strike plates protect the jamb from bolt friction – especially jambs made of wood. Most locks come with short, .75 inch wooden screws attaching the strike plates to the jamb. Short screws make your door vulnerable because people can gain access by kicking the door in. Make sure to replace these wooden screws with longer 3 inch metal screws.
Deadbolt Locks
Make sure to have high quality, grade 1 deadbolt locks installed at your property. Consider upgrading your standard deadbolt lock to a smart electronic lock which carry the benefits of keyless entry, remote entry, remote alerts, and key customization – as well as time-sensitive key programming.
Visibility
Make sure to have your front door as visible from the street as possible. Don’t obscure it with bushes, fencing, trees – or any darkness.
Security Cameras and Intercoms
Security cameras operate as a fantastic crime deterrent. Thieves will likely skip your home and move on once they notice CCTV security cameras and/or other monitoring devices like smart doorbells. Intercoms allow homeowners to speak directly to visitors from outside as well, making them a boon when it comes to both convenience and security.