You’re replacing your front door and yes the aesthetics are important - after all we’ve heard countless times haven’t we about how first impressions count? And yes they do but so does security, especially when it comes to the entrance into your home. So as well as aesthetic value, warmth, insulation and curb appeal, it should also have functionality. 

This functionality comes in the form of security, durability and longevity. Those final two will definitely come from doors you purchase from us for sure. However, what about security? Naturally, it goes without saying how important this actually is after all over 50% of burglaries are through the front or back door - scary right? If your doors are easy to access, then they’re not just easy for you, they’re easy for your burglars too. 

Good news is all our exterior doors come with security, although as we see in this week’s post, there are some things you can do yourself. It just takes some time and dedication to check the condition of your door to see whether it requires repair, the adding of locks and lights, or simply replacing altogether. 

Your door needs to be strong enough to withstand someone trying to break in, so a weak door that could be forced open is a big no-no. You naturally want peace of mind for both you and your family, and ensuring all front doors are a barrier to those intent on trying to break in will give you that.

Upgrading your door to a better quality one is one way of ensuring that it meets the security requirements, and your door retailer will be able to advise you on the kind of door you should be thinking about. Your current door may have years of damage both within its core and on the exterior. A poor fit door frame can also cause significant problems, so making sure both door and frame are in tip top condition is important. 

Once you’ve got a more secure door and frame in place, what other measures can you take to ensure that your home is safe from intruders?

Door Locks

make sure you have a door lock that’s free from age, damage and rust, if yours looks like it's seen better days, replace it. Ask for advice on the options for new locks - some may really work well on some doors, but may not necessarily work on yours.

There are many different types of door locks available, here are a list of just some of them -

Five lever mortice lock - approved by insurance companies, it’s harder to break in the more there are on your door.

Multi-point locking system - a lock with 3 points which sits on the inside of your door. Handle and key operation gives the user the most security.

NIght latches - Only to be really used in tandem with other door locks.

Deadbolt lock - a thumb turn or a key will open this lock and is impenetrable to an attempted breakin using either a card or knife. 

Any door locks you do use should meet British Standards. Reinforce your door with chains where you can so you have double protection. They’ll also give you evidence of an attempted break in which is useful for police. 

Change where your letterbox is and it’s design, preferably replacing it with a more secure one that allows the post to be safely received on the other side of the door, but doesn’t act as an open invitation to intruders to force their hand in and reach the lock.

Installing a peephole gives you added security because if you are in and you’re unsure about letting someone in through the door, seeing exactly who’s on the other side is helpful. If you’re afraid and you suspect this person is up to no good, then you can call the police. 

Lighting

make sure your door is well-lit with automatic lighting that switches on when it detects movement, this will deter anyone from hiding until they suspect the owners aren’t in and will also give you full view from inside the property of that person. Finally, add CCTV if you’re really worried and you live in an area where break-ins are common, it will act as a deterrent to anyone planning a burglary. 

Speak to the Experts

If you think you may need a new front door, then get in touch with us here at The Replacement Door Company and we'll be more than happy to help you choose a new suitable one. We can also help you choose any back exterior doors as well so you’ve covered all bases. Give us a call today, and take a look around our website where you’ll find an impressive range of both front doors and interior doors.