Tips for Choosing a Safe Front Door
Poor-quality door locking equipment is one of the main reasons for burglaries and thefts.
An exterior door is a pivotal element of a well-protected household. A door assembly usually consists of the door, the doorframe, hinges, locking devices, and operating contacts. Each door system provides unique advantages and safety precautions.
Please consider these features when selecting the most secure front door.
Material
Over time, doors can warp, and their deadbolt won’t fit properly. Also, a solid kick could rip out the lock. Therefore, more robust materials will provide better defense for longer.
Wooden doors remain one of the most desirable and popular designs among customers since they can be restored when damaged with no trouble. The thicker the wooden door panel, the greater the security. However, a solid wood door needs to be checked occasionally. Always check to ensure that the weather conditions have not degraded the wood or that regular use has not deteriorated the assembly.
Steel is considered one of the most economical materials for its sustenance and sturdiness. Steel doors are prominently durable and energy-efficient. However, living in a humid area might lead to rusting and requires special care.
Glass entry doors look fashionable and aesthetic. Modern glass doors are tested and inspected to provide enough safety for a typical household. However, they still may appear less secure because of their transparency and the possibility of breaking in more easily.
Manufacturers usually merge multiple materials to obtain the most secure, durable, and elegant front door system. For example, doors with steel cores and mahogany exteriors will provide an excellent blend of aesthetics and security. On the other hand, steel mesh screen doors allow for airflow while maximizing safety.
Locking mechanism
Poor-quality door locking equipment is one of the main reasons for burglaries and thefts. As a result, a multi-point locking system is the norm. In addition, deadbolts with door reinforcement plates usually offer robust protection to deter criminals.
Keyless systems can offer unique advantages against low-tech burgling attempts. But, on the other hand, they make the doors more vulnerable to other avenues of attack.
Hinges
The standard exterior door system consists of three hinges at roughly equal distances. A better front door design could have invisible hinges. They are more durable than butt hinges, and the entire system is compact. These hinges are a part of the door frame, which provides extra security to the front door system.
Swing in vs. out
After unlocking the front door, the doors open into the house. However, there are also outswing entry doors, which could save some inside space. Also, they are as safe as the open-in doors. This is done through special internal hinges.
Get an expert front door installation
Finally, employing professional installers instead of an inexperienced handyperson should ensure a functional and safe front door system. A professional locksmith can also install or design a better locking and security system around existing doors and advise on the best option.
Kwik Pick Lock and Safe offers FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need locksmith services for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home or auto, call today 623-300-1889.
