When it comes to security, we'd all like our doors to be as safe and secure as possible. But what can you add to a security screen door to make it more protective? Here are a few ideas for making your security screen door even more effective.
Alarms are a relatively simple deterrent. A technician places one sensor on top of the door, and one the doorjamb. If the door opens, the connection between the sensors is broken. That triggers the alarm. A loud and piercing alarm is usually enough to scare off even the most dedicated intruder.
Some businesses prefer a silent alarm. When triggered, the alarm silently activates and contacts the owner or police. This occurs without the burglar's knowledge, which increases the chances of catching them in the act.
Homeowners and landlords have been using deadbolts for centuries as an additional deterrent on top of the normal door lock. Most deadbolts use a key, but newer models are electronic and use key codes for entry. Many manufacturers make special deadbolts that are resistant to lock picking, heavy impacts, or other breaching methods. Consumer Reports tested many of the locks on the market, and found a wide range of effectiveness from model to model. No matter which you choose, it's still a good idea to add deadbolt locks to every exterior door in a building.
Smart Locks are very similar to deadbolts in their operation. They contain computers and sensors which limit door access to certain people. They may use an electronic key fob (similar to keyless entry vehicles), or another near field communication device, such as a smartphone.
Smartphone controlled smart locks have become popular with landlords. They can easily enable, disable, or limit access to tenants remotely from their computer. They can also limit entry to certain times during the day. The locks can even log the times of entry. All this works without the owner physically handing out keys, or needing to change the locks.
A qualified screen door installer can strengthen and reinforce the security screen door in a few different ways:
Reinforce the Strike Plate: The strike plate is the metal plate on the doorjamb that the door bolt slides into to hold the door closed. Reinforcing this plate can help prevent prying or ramming the door out of its frame.
Door Reinforcement: Installers can add metal plating behind or under the deadbolt, and wrapped around the door edge. This helps to prevent the door from breaking around the deadbolt. They can also add heavy duty plates on either side the door to make it more secure.
Bigger Hinge Screws: For extra security, a technician can use longer or specialized pins in door hinges. These help keep an intruder from simply pulling the door out after removing the door's hinge pins. Manufacturers have even designed hinge pins to screw in from the inside while to door is open. This prevents removing the pin without first opening the door.
Secured Door Windows: There are three methods to make windows in doors more secure. You can add security grates or bars to windows. You can also add a security film, which is a special coating or covering applied to the glass to reinforce it. Finally, you can replace the glass with a different transparent material, such as plexiglass, Lexan, or another break-resistant material.
Here are a few other add-ons, ideas, and deterrent methods for your security screen door that not only increase security, they also increase your ability to see who is on the other side of the door when they knock:
Door Viewers: These are small lenses installed in the middle of a door at eye level. These usually feature a wide fish-eye lens. This allows residents to see a full view outside without opening the door.
Door Chains: These devices bolt to the inside of the door and doorjamb. The chain allows you to open the door slightly to view outside but still stay safely locked.
Added Exterior Visibility: Most crime deterrent reports recommend clearing shrubs a few feet away from nearby doorways to reduce the chance of a burglar hiding from public view.
There are many options that you can use to strengthen your entry doors. That will add both security and value to your home or office. A good security screen door installer can go through the various options and help you decide which accessories would suit your needs and your budget. No matter what approach you choose, a more secure entry will give you more peace of mind, and everyone could use a little more of that!
