3 Ways to Make Your Front Door More Secure
Are you worried about your house being broken into? Given that there are 200,000 burglaries in Australia every year, this fear is not unfounded. If you're looking to increase your home security, don't spend all your money on security cameras -- as simple as it sounds, securing your front door is also crucial in preventing a burglary. One company in the United States found that the majority of burglars entered their victims' homes through the front door. Here are 3 ways to prevent such brazen thieves from getting into your property.
Upgrade to Solid Wood
The first thing you'll want to think about is your door itself. Do you have a hollow core door? While these doors do have positive points (for example, helping to keep a house cool), they offer very little protection against intruders. Being hollow inside, these doors can be easily kicked down by a strong burglar. Upgrading to a solid timber door will give you far more security. The thickness and sturdiness of these doors make them very difficult for thieves to knock down. If you live in a well-populated area with many neighbours, the prolonged kicking required will also increase the chances of someone noticing the intruders and calling the police.
Get New Hinges Fitted
The hinges that attach your door to the wall can be just as important as the door itself. If your hinges are in any way loose or damaged, getting new ones fitted is essential. Even if they're in good shape, there may still be a better hinge option out there. The most secure hinges are the ones that burglars will struggle to remove or tamper with. For example, a security stud hinge will lock together when the door is closed, and an intruder would have to pry the door and the frame apart to remove it. Continuous hinges that run from the top of the door to the bottom are also a nuisance to thieves, as more time is needed to cut the full length of the hinge.
Swap Your Glazing for a Spy Hole
"Windows" (also known as glazing) in front doors look pretty, but they're an obvious security risk. Glass is not as strong as thick, solid wood. Even toughened or laminated glass will not be able to withstand the same impact. When you replace your door, consider forgoing the glazing. If you still want to be able to see who is outside (which is a security essential in itself), you can have a spy hole fitted. Spy holes allow you to see out without letting potential burglars get a good view of the inside of your house, and they protect the structural integrity of the door.