Installing a security entryway door can help to keep your home safe and secure from potential intruders, and some security doors even have a fire safety rating, so that they help to stop a home fire before it can spread. If you're considering a security door for your home, note a few questions you might have about this choice and the various types available, and this can help you decide on the right option for your home and its overall security.
Which is best, wood or steel?
Both wood and steel security doors are very strong and secure, so there is no "best" choice that will be right for your home. In all cases, it typically comes down to the price of the doors and your budget, and the appearance of the door as well. For example, wood is often more expensive than steel, but you might prefer the look of a wood door for your home's front entryway. You can then choose a more affordable steel door for the back of the home, where the door isn't so visible. If you do opt for wood, choose a solid wood or a wood skin over a steel core. Avoid composites, which are wood mixed with plastic, as this material may not be as strong as solid wood or wood wrapped around steel.
Will reinforcing the doorjamb be sufficient?
When a door is kicked in, it's usually the doorjamb or frame that comes away from the home's framework; a reinforced doorjamb can help protect against this happening, and this may be cheaper than an actual security door. However, a reinforced doorjamb doesn't stop someone from picking the locks of the door, or from using a tool to slide the hinges off the door. A security door with multiple, heavy-duty deadbolts and hidden hinges can then be more secure than just a reinforced doorjamb.
Is a security door a good substitute for an alarm?
A security door can do quite a bit to keep intruders out of your home, and discourage anyone who may be trying to kick in the door or pick the lock. That being said, you might still consider how to reinforce the home's windows, a patio door wall, and other such entry points, along with installing a security door. If you're uncomfortable with an alarm system, consider upgraded window locks and a deadbolt for the patio door, as well as motion detectors attached to floodlights, to alert you to an intruder.
Share