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Secure Your Front Door: Our Top Tips for Home Security

Secure Your Front Door: Our Top Tips for Home Security

Published by: David Massey

Your front door is the first line of defence for your home, and upgrading to a composite door is a great way to enhance your security. But even if you already have a composite door, there are additional steps you can take to improve its protection. 

From upgrading your door frame and lock to installing security cameras, here are some key ways to boost your home’s security:

Upgrade your door frame and hinges

Even the sturdiest door won’t be fully secure if it’s attached to a weak or outdated frame. Over time, wooden frames can warp or weaken, making them easier to tamper with. Upgrading to a reinforced frame designed for composite doors will provide greater resistance against forced entry. 

As you can see below, they look great too!

red composite door with oak lodge arched frame

Along with the frame, consider upgrading your door hinges to heavy-duty or reinforced ones that are tamper-resistant. This extra layer of protection ensures your door remains securely attached, making it much harder for intruders to break in.

Upgrade your lock 

Upgrading your door lock is one of the most effective ways to enhance the security of your home, and probably one of the first things that comes to mind. 

composite door lock

Composite doors can accommodate advanced locking mechanisms that provide greater protection against forced entry – here are some key upgrades to consider:

Strike Plates

The strike plate is a crucial part of your door’s locking system. Standard strike plates can be a weak point, often failing under force. Upgrading to a reinforced strike plate strengthens the connection between the door and frame, reducing the likelihood of a break-in. 

Reinforced plates use longer screws and thicker metal, making it much harder for intruders to kick in the door.

Auto-Slam Shut Locks

For added convenience and security, consider installing an auto-slam shut lock. These locks automatically engage when the door is closed, eliminating the risk of forgetting to lock the door manually. 

Auto-slam locks not only save time but also provide continuous protection, as they instantly secure the door without any additional action required from you.

Multi-Point Locking Systems

Multi-point locking systems secure the door at multiple points along the frame, typically at the top, middle, and bottom. This offers far greater resistance to forced entry compared to a single locking point. 

Many composite doors are designed with multi-point locking systems as a standard feature, but if yours doesn’t have one, upgrading to this type of lock significantly improves both security and energy efficiency by ensuring a tighter seal.

Add a peephole and chain

For extra security, adding a peephole and chain can help you verify who’s at your door before opening it. A wide-angle peephole allows you to see visitors clearly, while a security chain provides an added layer of safety by preventing the door from opening fully until you’re ready.

Security chains can often be low quality and easy to break, so ensure to invest in one that’s durable. The best material for a security chain in terms of durability is hardened steel. Hardened steel is treated to increase its strength, making it resistant to cutting, sawing, or forced breakage. 

Look for chains that are also heat-treated or tempered, which further enhance the material’s toughness. It’s also important to ensure that they are attached to the wall correctly and securely.

Install a security light

A well-lit exterior is one of the best deterrents for burglars. Installing a motion-activated security light above or near your front door will make your home less attractive to intruders. The sudden flood of light when someone approaches your door can often be enough to discourage an attempt. 

green door with a security light

This simple addition complements the strength of your composite door by making your home a more secure environment overall.

Install a security camera 

Consider installing a security camera or a video doorbell to monitor activity around your front door. These systems allow you to see who is approaching your home in real-time, providing an additional layer of protection. Many cameras can also record footage, giving you valuable evidence in case of suspicious activity. 

Video camera doorbells also offer convenience, as you can use them to speak to whoever is at your door when you aren’t at home, or just to see who it is before you answer. For example if you’re out you can speak to a delivery driver and ask them to leave a parcel somewhere. Or if there’s an unwanted visitor at your door you can choose not to answer.

Replace your door

If your current door is outdated, damaged, or simply not providing the security you need, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new composite door. Composite doors are built with advanced materials that make them highly durable, weather-resistant, and secure. 

They often come equipped with the latest locking technology and can be customised with features like anti-snap locks and reinforced frames. Upgrading to a composite door is one of the most effective ways to protect your home.

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