Securing the front door (or any entry door) to your home

[J Galt]

I'm looking for some ideas on how to better secure the entry door(s) to my home.

The criteria are:

• It has to integrate into the existing door and not require any additional manipulation to engage it.
• It can't be an obvious addition that takes away from the aesthetics. No bar across the door.

I've seen the following ideas I like.

Longer screws for the strike plates.



Taller strike plate.





I've kicked around the idea of replacing the trim piece the strike plates screw into with PVC or a hardwood like Oak. This is in conjunction with the 2 ideas above.





Has anyone else seen other ideas that look sound?

Thanks.

 

[Rookie]

Amazon product ASIN B00E9ZGWNQ

 

[Cameramonkey]

3" screws at a minimum. Door Devil or other products could also help. But frankly from what Ive seen, the 3" screws are enough for all but the most determined. (e.g. SWAT battering rams)

 

[Cameramonkey]

IF you have glass on your front door where they could break it and reach in and unlock, have this installed.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00016717/

 

[PRasko]

 

[Cameramonkey]

View attachment 228813

No they dont, Erie. They just keep somebody from popping the pin out and removing the door from the hinge side. You still need screws that go past the flimsy frame to do any good.

 

[dprimm]

I am about to put new doors in. Thinking of putting an extra 2x4 around the frame for the screws to go into. That way the pressure is spread over more area

The hingemate- would that make a difference on doors that open in? The website talks about for doors that open out.

 

[Cameramonkey]

I am about to put new doors in. Thinking of putting an extra 2x4 around the frame for the screws to go into. That way the pressure is spread over more area

The hingemate- would that make a difference on doors that open in? The website talks about for doors that open out.

see my last post.

 

[dprimm]

see my last post.

Yep. You posted while I typed. Thanks

 

[J Galt]

I am about to put new doors in. Thinking of putting an extra 2x4 around the frame for the screws to go into. That way the pressure is spread over more area

The hingemate- would that make a difference on doors that open in? The website talks about for doors that open out.

This may be the solution you are looking for:





This is for new door installs. You can cut the metal yourself and save on some of the cost. I would think aluminum would be nearly as effective and 100% rustproof.

Who are you using to install the door? Would you send me their info if you're happy with their work?

I'm looking for something to retrofit to an existing door right now.

 

[eric001]

These would seem to fit your theme, and whether or not they live up to the claims, they couldn't hurt:
Door Reinforcement

 

[J Galt]

These would seem to fit your theme, and whether or not they live up to the claims, they couldn't hurt:
Door Reinforcement

View attachment 228855

Thanks for the suggestion but......it is the exact opposite of what I'm looking for.

From the OP:

• It has to integrate into the existing door and not require any additional manipulation to engage it.
• It can't be an obvious addition that takes away from the aesthetics. No bar across the door.

Otherwise it would probably help increase security. If nothing else, delay a break in and make more noise.

 

[eric001]

Thanks for the suggestion but......it is the exact opposite of what I'm looking for.

From the OP:


Otherwise it would probably help increase security. If nothing else, delay a break in and make more noise.

Well, dang. Sorry 'bout that! And I'm thinking it would enhance the noise factor substantially, might end up taking longer to break through.

Got distracted by "obvious" like a bar across the door--that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

 

[J Galt]

Well, dang. Sorry 'bout that! And I'm thinking it would enhance the noise factor substantially, might end up taking longer to break through.

Got distracted by "obvious" like a bar across the door--that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

No problem at all. I appreciate the suggestion and it might help someone else reading this.

 

[lrdudley]

Take a look at this: https://www.menards.com/main/hardwa...273017-c-7581.htm?searchTermToProduct=2210401
I have this on my front door. Also have the 3M film on the glass doors.

 

[Lpherr]

If the structure around the door isn't reinforced, a simple hydraulic ram will open the door in seconds.
A few pumps of the handle will spread the jams apart plenty to bypass a standard dead bolt.
If someone wants in, they will get in.

 

[J Galt]

If the structure around the door isn't reinforced, a simple hydraulic ram will open the door in seconds.
A few pumps of the handle will spread the jams apart plenty to bypass a standard dead bolt.
If someone wants in, they will get in.

Good point. I'll just leave my door open from now on. There are a lot of criminals that carry around hydraulic tools.

 

[Lpherr]

Good point. I'll just leave my door open from now on. There are a lot of criminals that carry around hydraulic tools.

You would be surprised. It's compact and light.

 

[J Galt]

You would be surprised. It's compact and light.

No. I would not be surprised. I think you're conflating movies and TV with the real world. But hey, you do you.

 

[Lpherr]

No. I would not be surprised. I think you're conflating movies and TV with the real world. But hey, you do you.

I've seen it done. So, you try longer screws, and aluminum plate. That will stop them.