Your front door isn’t just an entrance—it’s your home’s first line of defense. A secure door can deter intruders, protect against forced entry, and give you peace of mind. Here in Arizona, there were over 20,000 reported burglaries in 2022. The most common point of entry is the front door.
Fortunately, you can protect your home and keep your family safe by ensuring a strong, sturdy, and durable front door. But with so many designs and materials on the market, how do you pick the right one? Below are the essential security features you should keep in mind when choosing a new front door.
Solid and Durable Door Construction
The material you choose for your exterior door makes all the difference. Steel is renowned for its strength and cost-effectiveness. Solid steel doors are very difficult to break or kick in. Fiberglass is another material that offers durability, and high-end models can be reinforced with composite materials for added security. Plus, these doors are beautiful, low in maintenance, and mimic the look of real wood.
Solid-core wood doors are another option, though they do require constant maintenance to stay in top shape. No matter what material you choose, a door with a reinforced core (often foam-filled or composite) can vastly improve its resilience against impact or forced entry.
High-Quality Locks and Hardware
- Deadbolt: A good deadbolt is the cornerstone of front-door security. Look for a Grade 1 rating (meets the highest standards for durability) and at least a 1-inch throw length, making it harder to tamper with.
- Multi-Point Locking Systems: Instead of a single deadbolt, these systems secure the door at multiple points (top, center, and bottom). This distributes force more evenly and can be a deterrent against break-ins. Milgard’s patio doors include multi-point locking systems, as well as quality locks and hardware.
- Reinforced Strike Plates: The strike plate is where your deadbolt enters the door frame. Upgrading to a reinforced or heavy-duty strike plate, secured with 3-inch screws, adds a critical layer of security.
Security Glass Options
If your front door includes glass panels or sidelights, choose laminated or tempered glass. They’re more resistant to shattering than standard glass. Also consider double or triple glazing, which refers to multiple layers of glass separated by insulating material. This provides both energy efficiency and added strength, making it harder for intruders to break though. Decorative grilles or bars can also add an extra barrier to forced entry while maintaining curb appeal.
Smart Technology
Keyless entry systems let you lock and unlock your door via smartphone, eliminating the need for spare keys under the doormat. Many models also offer remote monitoring and temporary access codes, which are great for letting guests or service providers in without handing them a physical key. Other smart technology that can help secure your home includes video doorbells, door sensors, and contact alarms.
Wrapping Up
A secure front door is a blend of strong materials, reliable hardware, and proper installation. By prioritizing reinforced cores, high-quality locks, sturdy frames, and modern smart tech, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of a break-in. Plus, you’ll get the added benefit of peace of mind each time you lock up.
Ready for a safer home? Contact Greco Roman Construction and Design at 480-504-5400 to learn more about the front doors we carry and how they can make your home a safer, more comfortable place to be!
