How To Make Sure Your New Front Doors Offer Maximum Security?

Aside from style, security is a major aspect to consider when picking the perfect doors to be installed in our homes. The front door is undoubtedly a crucial element, serving as the main entry point for both visitors and intruders, so you have to make sure you are getting the most secure.

This article covers everything you need to know to pick the right entry doors with the highest security for your renovation project. So do ensure you read till the end.

Do You Need A Full Entry Doors Replacement?

Before getting new front doors, homeowners must consider why they want to replace the current units. How old are your doors? Do they lack security features? What is the frame material? How good is energy efficiency? 

These are some questions that can help in deciding if you really need to install new doors. If your current front doors are still durable, look good, and do not compromise on energy efficiency, then you can just work on improving the overall security features of your doors:

• Keep the locks working properly by regularly oiling or greasing them; 
• Opt for installing a strike plate on the door frame to provide extra security; If the door doesn’t have a peephole, consider installing one;
• Consult with Canadian door experts whether you can add some modern features such as smart locks to your doors;

However, if your exterior doors are drafty, the security is low, and the energy bills are skyrocketing, then installing new doors is a wiser and safer option. 

Modern or Traditional Entry Doors – How To Choose The Ideal Style

Now that you have fully decided to install a new front door, what should you go for, the traditional or modern door style? In the end, this depends on your personal preference. Both door types can be equipped with many safety features, but modern configurations allow extra security options, while traditional doors are more about aesthetics. So let’s compare modern vs. traditional doors from different perspectives: 

• Traditional doors are usually made from natural materials like wood, so they can be pretty heavy and sturdy, making these models good for front entry, but their security features are pretty simple. The most common options are: a strike plate, a latch lock, and perhaps security bars. While this might be enough for most Canadian homeowners, if you really want advanced safety options, this configuration might not be enough for your project.
• Modern doors come with more features to raise your house’s security level. The frame material is usually galvanized steel, which is several times more durable than wood. Moreover, if you are not a big fan of basic panel designs, you can go with glass entry doors that won’t compromise security much. Triple-pane glazing, smart locks and mini blinds are a perfect combo of privacy and security for your house.

What Exact Security Features Should You Look Out For In Your New Front Doors  

Despite the choice of modern or traditional doors, it would be better to consult your local experts before opting for any specific unit. That’s because, in most cases, you will be offered many custom features for any door configuration, and choosing the most advanced and reliable ones will only enhance your exterior door security and bring peace of mind to your family. Here are a few features to pay attention to when deciding on the right door:

• Multi-point locking systems: Check the door for a multiple-point locking system installed. It uses multiple hooks, bolts and rollers that engage with the door frame at different points, elevating the overall security to the next level. 
• Reinforced strike plate & deadbolt lock: This feature is basically a door lock with a deadbolt inserted into a strike plate when your doors are closed. The fibreglass or steel exterior doors that are hard to enter by force usually have this feature equipped.
• Night Latch: This is a lock type that is located on the exterior of your door. It is often used as a secondary lock and contains a spring-loaded bolt. This bolt extends to the back of the door when closed. 
• Heavy-Duty Hinges: These hinges are installed to provide support and stability for heavy doors. Having them installed elevates security and makes it harder to enter the door by force.
• Security Cameras: This is usually an add-on you can ask your door company to install. These tiny cameras help monitor the door and any possible activity that might be happening around it. So, make sure you choose the best security camera for your front door. If you’re looking for a temporary solution, put a good-quality dummy camera on your front door, it will do the work.
• Peephole: The peephole would help you see who is on the other side of the door without needing to open it. Usually installed for solid panel door configurations. 
• Smart Lock: With this feature, you can remotely control, lock, and unlock your front doors using any mobile device.

Glass Entry Doors – Are They Secure?

Glass entry doors have long become a trend among North American homeowners. These units bring much aesthetics, make your front entry stand out and enhance the natural light coming to your space. But are they secure enough compared to basic solid doors? The answer to this question depends on the type of glass your door is equipped with. 

Laminated or tempered glass is tough to break, especially when compared to regular glass, so they are definitely secure. You can also improve the overall security of your glass door by installing certain features, like a security film or extra locks. 

To further improve the security features of a glass door, you can make it a triple-glazed glass door. Not only will this enhance your overall energy efficiency, but the possibility of glass shattering by extreme weather conditions is reduced by 30% compared to regular double glazing. Make sure you have installed some heavy-duty glass door handle to lock the door properly.

Door Frame Materials – What Offers Maximum Durability?

There are currently 3 materials that are considered the most secure materials for exterior doors. 

• Steel

Steel doors are the most secure doors you can get for your homes. Not only are they strong, durable, and can withstand a lot of pressure, but they can also resist fire damage, providing maximum security for you.

• Fibreglass

Doors made with fibreglass are also durable and strong. They provide resistance to insect damage, warping, and rotting. Moreover, the aesthetics and energy efficiency are much better compared to steel entry doors, but the price tag will be higher. 

• Engineered Wood

Doors that are made with engineered wood are very secure, especially if the wood type is mahogany or oak. They are sturdy and can even offer a good level of insulation when reinforced with metal. However, the insulation offered is not as good as that of fibreglass. This frame material is used for traditional door designs, so if you are a big fan of grand wood double doors, then you should definitely consider this option.

Takeaway 

Before installing new front doors, do a quick assessment of your old ones to ensure they need to be changed. If they do, then consider switching to a reliable door that focuses on security and comes with many variations of features you can choose from to get the best configuration for your house.