You can also choose to install steel or nickel reinforcements around the hinges, screws, or locks of your doors for additional security features. With these installed, it can be nearly impossible to kick down a door, as the metal acts as armour from the interior.
The best type of door to help avoid burglary is a solid core or solid wood door, preferably one that is reinforced with metal or has a metal core. These doors are more difficult to break through compared to hollow-core doors or doors made of weaker materials.
Consider using a portable door lock, which can be installed without any tools. These locks typically work by sliding into the existing door latch and providing an additional layer of security. A door jammer or security bar can be placed at the bottom of the door to prevent it from being opened.
Installing additional hardware such as longer screws, stronger hinges, and strike plates can fortify your door against break-ins. Opt for 3-inch screws to ensure the hardware is securely anchored into the wall studs. This simple upgrade can prevent the door from being easily kicked in.
Reinforce the door frame
The best way to do this is to add a layer of steel to prevent the door frame from splitting. The steel should be placed over the door jamb, the flat surface that runs vertically up either side of the door frame and which houses the strike plate.
A solid wood or metal door is your best bet, and some are surprisingly affordable. Steel doors are a great choice for those who want to be secure but are more cost-conscious.
Tighten or Replace Loose Hinges: If the hinges are loose, the door may not be swinging correctly. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws or replace them if they're worn out. This can help prevent the door from moving too freely.
Stuff a sock into the gap between the door and the frame to create a temporary lock. Doing so creates enough friction to hold the door in place. While this method is not the most secure, it can be a quick and easy way to add some resistance to a door that needs a lock.
They can be easily kicked in, and sometimes even lifted manually.
Steel doors offer the most formidable protection against forced intrusions out of all door material options. High quality steel can endure tremendous blunt trauma impacts, hacking damage, cutting attempts or leverage force that would rip other doors apart.
We'll discuss the weak points of your door which are the hinges, lock area, door jamb (door frame), and even the prying point.
Fortify your frame.
Most door frame moldings are simply tacked to the wall, so a crowbar or a solid kick can easily separate the frame from the wall. Secure your door frames to the walls by installing several 3-inch screws along the frame and doorstop. The screws should reach the wall stud.
You can: Use a cord, belt, purse strap, cable, etc. Tie a cord, belt, strap, cable etc. to tie to heavy furniture. Or, stand to the tightly around the door hinge.
You may have seen this in the movies – and it really works! Bear in mind that this method only works if the door opens inward. Warning: If someone tries to force the door open from the outside, there is a chance that the chair will break. This is a trick, not a fail-proof security system.
Trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes make it difficult for anyone climbing over a fence or gate. Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier. Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.
Anything that's thorny or spiky is likely to make burglars think twice about attempting to access a property, with the fear of cutting themselves or tearing clothing and leaving DNA or evidence behind all too much.
A composite door is one of the safest front doors and the best front doors for security.