Home Security for Doors

Burglars are always looking for their next available target, and they could very well be watching houses in your neighborhood at this very moment.

How prepared are you in case someone tries to kick in or pry open your door? There are several things that can be done to decrease the chances that this will ever happen to you by increasing the strength and resistance ability of all of the exterior doors in your house.

The first thing to consider is the types of doors themselves. If you list safety, strength, and durability among your top priorities, a steel door will probably be the best choice. They can be dented, but will not come apart, crack, or warp. Looks are not an issue as the different models offer everything from a heavy-gauge galvanized steel finish to a real wood veneer lamination.

Replace each door's hinges with some that use nonremovable pins, or install hinge enforcers to the hinge and the door frame. Take off the stop molding wooden strips, and reapply them using nails and wood glue. Install door reinforcers like a high-security strike box, and always ask for appropriate identification and information,

Take the time to secure all sliding glass doors. The best way to do this is to install keyed locks at the top and bottom. You can also make or buy a Charlie bar that swings downward from the door frame to the middle of the door thereby preventing the door from sliding. At a very minimum, place a wooden rod in the door's bottom track to keep it from being opened. Consider reinforcing the glass with something along the lines of polycarbonate panels.

A mortise lock's main advantage is that it's near impossible to be forced away from the door, so unless you're dealing with a highly skilled lock picking burglar a mortise lock is a showstopper for them. They come with different lock levers and if you want one that's also hard to pick, you should go for a mortise lock that has a minimum of 5-6 lock levers. Some of the most advanced mortise locks use cylinder locks which are virtually impossible to pick.

The majority of deadbolts secure the door when you turn the lever with your key and extend the bolt into the jamb. For additional security, why not consider installing a lock that only operates on both sides with a key? That way the intruder cannot get inside even if they have already removed all of the rest of the doors restrictions.

While deadlocks are not a new concept at all to home security any longer, the more modern models are some of the most sought-after today. They can be locked from both the inside and outside, and are practically impossible to open without a key.

Rimlocks are not comparable to deadbolts, deadlocks, or mortise in terms of home security, but they are much cheaper and easier to install. The majority of modern rimlocks utilize double cylinder entrance technology which makes them extremely difficult for anyone to pick their lock, but they can be forced out from the door frame rather easily.

One final thing to consider is the possible installation of a wireless home security system that is monitored on a 24/7 basis by a professional alarm monitoring service like ADT Wireless or Protect America. One small monthly payment is a small price to pay for a feeling of total safety and security where your family and most prized possessions are concerned.

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