Door Security

References

Fortification

  • Door Composition
    • Replace any hollow-core exterior doors with metal-insulated or solid wood doors
    • replace doors with windows or large openings
  • Frame
    • Fortify frame. Intruder may gain entry by breaking or prying door frame. Installing several 3 inch screws along frame and doorstop. Screws should reach wall stud.
    • door reinforcement
      • metal sleeve that bolts around door in area of doorknob and deadbolt to give that part of door additional strength
      • replace all screws with 3 inch screws
    • strike plate with heavy-duty strike plate and 3 inch screws
    • Hinges should be on inside of door. Rehang door or secure exposed hinges with non-removable pins.
  • Door Locks
    • single-cylinder deadbolt
      • minimum of 1 inch when fully extended
      • tapered cylinder guard
      • resistant to key bumping
    • Double-Cylinder Deadbolt
      • Issue: can’t get door unlocked because there is no thumb turn and you have to now find key, put it in slot, and unlock door
  • Adjacent Openings
    • windows too close to door
    • Window Security Bars
  • Security Chain / Peepholes / Video Doorbell
    • remove security chain - false sense of security
    • install peephole or security camera or video Doorbell

Outward Opening Door

  • Replace hinges with security “stud” hinges and/or hinges with setscrews
  • Cinchlock door barricade

Additional Security