Have you ever considered the actual security of your front door? Do you make sure that your front door is always locked, especially when you’re not home? Do you rely on that door to keep the bad guys out? I bet you answered yes to these questions, or at least you should have. Unfortunately, many of our front doors appear more inviting than they actually are secure.

We all recognize the significance of the front door. Many people invest time and money to ensure their home’s main entryway is as inviting as possible. After all, they want their guests to admire the beauty of their homes and the ongoing efforts they make to maintain it.

Take a moment to consider the features of your front door. Does it swing inward or outward? Are the hinges located on the inside or outside? Is there glass in the door? Is there glass within 40 inches of the door locks? What type of locks are installed on the door? What kind of door viewer (peephole) is installed, if any? Is the door hollow core or solid? The number of questions can be overwhelming.

However, we have some simple and cost-effective suggestions for improving the security of your front door. Please remember that these are merely suggestions and are not meant to be absolute or perfect. They should not be considered comprehensive of all security risks, nor are they listed in any particular order of importance.

Tips to consider:

1. Exterior doors should have a solid core construction.
2. Ensure that the throw of your deadbolt extends at least 1 inch from the edge of your door and includes a hardened steel pin within the throw bolt.
3. Consider installing a wide-angle viewer (peephole).
4. For doors that swing out, consider pinning the hinges or the door itself to prevent it from opening in reverse.
5. Consider installing a security strike plate.

Remember that these are only a few inexpensive ways to enhance your front door’s security immediately.