To strengthen a back door against forced entry, you can implement several security upgrades targeting the door, its frame, and locking mechanisms.
Key Methods to Improve Back Door Security
Back doors are often targeted by burglars due to their potential visibility from the street being lower than front doors. Strengthening these entry points is crucial for overall home security.
According to security experts, several steps can significantly enhance the robustness of a back door:
- Replace the Door: Consider replacing the door with a solid core or steel-reinforced unit. These materials are far more resistant to brute force compared to hollow-core doors.
- Upgrade the Strike Plate: Install a heavy-duty deadbolt strike plate using long screws that penetrate deep into the doorframe studs. The strike plate is a critical weak point where the deadbolt latches. A strong, reinforced strike plate prevents the bolt from easily breaking free during a kick-in.
- Strengthen the Doorframe: The doorframe itself can be reinforced with metal plates or longer screws to make it more resistant to splitting or spreading under pressure.
- Add Security Bars or Barricades: Devices like door security bars placed under the doorknob or specialized door barricades that secure the door to the floor can provide an additional layer of physical resistance.
- Install Multiple Locks: Supplementing the main lock (like a deadbolt) with multiple locks, such as a secondary deadbolt or a chain lock (though chains are easily broken, they add a visual deterrent), can increase the time and effort required for forced entry.
Implementing these measures makes it challenging for burglars to kick in the back door, significantly improving your home's security posture.
Summary of Back Door Strengthening Techniques
| Method | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Door Replacement | Solid core or steel-reinforced door | High resistance to kicking and forcing |
| Heavy-Duty Strike Plate | Reinforced plate with long screws into studs | Prevents deadbolt from breaking free |
| Doorframe Reinforcement | Metal plates or long screws for the frame | Stops frame splitting and spreading |
| Security Bars/Barricades | Physical brace from door to floor or frame | Adds significant physical resistance |
| Multiple Locks | Adding secondary deadbolts or locks | Increases time and effort for forced entry |
By addressing the door material, the locking hardware, and the frame, you create multiple layers of defense that deter potential intruders.
