The weak link in your security setup Part 1: Doors

Do you feel safe behind doors? This question is ironical. Almost every one of us feels safe behind the doors of our home. A sense of security prevails as we close the doors and latch it. The door is considered to be the major entry and exit point into a home not just by its occupants but also by burglars. And statistics reveal that two-thirds of all illegal entries were made through doors. You might just be surprised to know that according to a national survey conducted by the Consumer Reports Magazine in the 90′s, it was revealed that most residential doors can de-laminate when pressure is applied on it. Now that isn’t a very promising statistics, is it? In simpler terms, a burglar might just kick with all his might causing your door to break in. However, not all doors are the same. There are different kinds of doors with varying strength levels.

Types of doors

There are many varieties of doors that are commonly used in new constructions. These include solid wood doors (undoubtedly the most stable of them all), panel doors (hollow as well as solid core) and lastly, metal skinned wood-edged doors. The same stands true for door frames as well. There are wooden door frames that split into two when pressure was applied on it.

So how do burglaries occur?

• It is true that the latest security advancements can very well help you to prevent a burglary. But the fact is that no amount of security gadgets can guarantee you complete safety from burglaries and thefts. Almost 87% of break-ins occur when burglars use ordinary tools like screwdrivers and crowbars and defeat ordinary locks.
• Glass frames or windows that are at a distance of around three feet from the internal locks are a great way for a burglar to break in.
• A home security set up may always have that one weak link. In most of the homes that are burglarized, the burglars gained access through that one door that was left unlocked or didn’t have a secure locking system. It might be the back door or the door of an attached garage.

Tips to secure doors

So how does one secure the doors? There are more ways than one in which you can do it.

• Use reinforcers: Reinforcers can either be installed on the door frame or it can be integrated into the deadbolt pocket. A reinforcer can increase the strength of your door tremendously. Metal plates can also be used on either side of the door to prevent delamination.
• Deadbolts: Use the best quality deadbolts that are resistant to high impact and common lock picking techniques. The deadbolt should at least extend one inch into the doorframe. However, given the time and tools, any lock can be picked. The only thing that you can do is make it more difficult for the burglar.
• Unreachable locks: The locks should be unreachable from the outside no matter how anyone tries. The pet door and the mail slot are some of the techniques that have been used by burglars with a fair amount of success.
• Landscaping: Ensure that there is no landscaping that obscures the sight of anyone standing at the door.
• Peephole/Eyehole: If you do not have a peephole on your door, then install one now.
• Internal locks: You can enhance the security of a door by using internal locks and latches.
• Use an alarm system: Using an electronic security alarm system certainly has its own advantages. A burglar cannot use a mundane tool to break into your home anymore.
• Secure all doors: If you are planning to install or have already installed an alarm system then ensure that you integrate all the doors into it. Never leave even one door unguarded. 

This is part one in a series of articles that identifies weal links in a home security set up and provides insight on ways to counter it.