How to Secure Your Outward Opening Door: A Comprehensive Guide

To secure an outward opening door, use hinge bolts or heavy-duty deadbolts. Securing your outward opening door is essential for safeguarding your home against break-ins and intruders.

Most external doors open inwards, making it difficult for burglars to force the door open. However, outward-opening doors may be more vulnerable to break-ins. Fortunately, you can install additional security measures, such as hinge bolts or deadbolts, to reinforce your door’s security.

In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to secure outward opening doors and ensure that your home is safe and secure.

Assessing Your Door Security

Securing your outward opening door is essential to preventing break-ins and keeping your home or business property safe. As you assess your door security, there are certain vulnerabilities and weaknesses that you should be aware of. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to identify these weaknesses and what to look for during a door security assessment.

Identifying Weaknesses In Your Current Door Security

Before you can secure your door, you need to identify the areas where it is vulnerable. Here are some common weaknesses that may be present in your current door security:

• Weak door frame: The door frame may be weak and easily compromised, allowing a burglar to easily kick it in.
• Poor quality locks: If the locks on your door are low-quality, they may be easily picked or broken.
• Poorly or unsecured hinges: Hinges that are not secured properly or poorly installed can be easily removed, allowing a burglar to gain entry.
• Glass panels: Doors with glass panels are vulnerable to forced entry if the glass is not tempered or reinforced.

Common Door Security Vulnerabilities

In addition to the weaknesses mentioned above, there are some common vulnerabilities that are often present in outward opening doors. These include:

• Lack of a deadbolt lock: Deadbolt locks provide an additional level of security and prevent forced entry.
• Insufficient lighting: A dark exterior makes it easier for burglars to approach your door unseen.
• Lack of a peephole or security camera: Without a way to see who is at your door, you are more likely to open it to a stranger.
• Unprotected strike plates: The strike plates on many doors are not protected by a metal guard, making them easier to breach.

What To Look For In A Security Assessment

During a security assessment, there are a few key things to look for that can indicate a lack of security or vulnerabilities in your outward opening door. These include:

• Visible damage to the door, frame, or locks
• Signs of forced entry or tampering
• Loose or damaged hinges
• Poorly installed locks or strike plates
• An unobstructed view from the exterior to the interior of the building through windows or glass panels

By identifying these weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and factors to consider during a security assessment, you can assess the security of your outward opening door and take steps to make it more secure.

Reinforcing Your Door’s Frame

A door frame is an essential component of door security. A weak frame can be easily kicked in by a burglar, despite your door’s high-quality locks. Therefore, it’s crucial to reinforce it to enhance your home’s security. Here are some ways to reinforce your door’s frame:

Types Of Door Frames

Before reinforcing your door frame, you must know what type of frame you have. Door frames come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Here are some common types of door frames:

• Wood door frames: These are the most common type of door frames, but they are vulnerable to warping.
• Steel door frames: They are highly durable and resistant to attacks but can be costly.
• Fiberglass door frames: They are sturdy but more expensive than wood frames.

Reinforcing Weak Door Frames

If you have a weak door frame, it’s important to reinforce it using one of the methods below:

• Replace the strike plate with a larger, reinforced one.
• Remove molding and install metal brackets around the door frame.
• Install a door frame reinforcement kit to the door’s frame.

Materials For Door Frame Reinforcement

Here are some common materials you can use to reinforce your door frame:

• Reinforced strike plates: They are made of metal and can withstand continued force without breaking.
• Steel l-shaped brackets: They work by attaching to the door jamb and the door frame, increasing its strength.
• Door frame reinforcement kit: This kit includes metallic plates and screws to strengthen the door frame.

Securing Hinges On Outward Opening Doors

Outward opening doors are more vulnerable to attacks since they expose the hinge pin, making them easy targets for burglars. Here are ways to secure hinges on outward opening doors:

• Use hinge pins that cannot be removed when the door is closed.
• Install door hinge shields to secure the hinge by covering it.
• Use setscrews to secure the hinge pin.

By following the methods above, you can ensure that your outward opening door is secure and enhance your home’s security.

Upgrading Your Locks And Hardware

Types Of Locks For Outward Opening Doors

When it comes to securing outward opening doors, choosing the right type of lock is essential. Here are some of the most common lock options for outward opening doors:

• Mortise locks: These locks require a pocket or “mortise” to be cut into the door. They are typically more secure than other types of locks, but also more costly.
• Rim locks: These locks are mounted on the surface of the door and have a latch that extends into the door frame. While they are less secure than mortise locks, they are a more affordable option.
• Cylinder locks: These locks are commonly found on exterior doors and come in different levels of security. They use a cylinder that rotates to unlock the door.

How To Choose The Right Lock For Your Door

Choosing the right lock for your outward opening door can be daunting, but there are a few key factors to consider:

• Security needs: The level of security you need will depend on the location of the door and the value of the items you are trying to protect.
• Door material: Different lock types may work better with certain door materials, so it’s important to consider what your door is made of when choosing a lock.
• Budget: The cost of locks varies widely, so it’s important to choose a lock that meets your security needs while also fitting your budget.

Considerations For Reinforcing Hardware

To complement your lock, it’s essential to reinforce the door’s hardware to prevent break-ins. Here are some considerations when reinforcing hardware:

• Strike plate: Consider upgrading to a heavy-duty strike plate that is secured with long screws to reinforce the door jamb.
• Hinges: Install hinge screws that are long enough to penetrate the frame and reinforce the hinges.
• Door frame: The frame around the door should be reinforced by using metal brackets or a security kit.

Installing Additional Security Features

While locks and reinforced hardware can go a long way towards securing your outward opening door, adding additional security features can provide even more protection. Here are a few ideas:

• Deadbolt: Install a deadbolt lock for added security.
• Chain lock: Consider installing a chain lock on the inside of the door for added security when you are home.
• Security bar: A metal security bar can be installed on the inside of the door to prevent forced entry.

Securing an outward opening door requires a multi-faceted approach. By choosing the right type of lock, reinforcing hardware, and installing additional security features, you can help keep your home safe and secure.

Installing A Security Door

Security doors serve as a crucial barrier between homeowners and intruders, safeguarding the family and valuable possessions inside. Installing a security door is a smart step in securing your outward opening doors. Here’s what you need to know:

Types Of Security Doors

There are several types of security doors to choose from, but not all provide the same level of protection. Here are some popular options:

• Security mesh doors: These doors are made from stainless steel mesh that provides excellent visibility and airflow while keeping out bugs and intruders.
• Steel security doors: Made from heavy-duty steel, these doors offer maximum strength and durability. They come in different styles and designs, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
• Grille doors: These doors have bars or grilles that provide maximum security and protection from intruders. They come in various styles and designs to match the existing exterior of the house.

Benefits Of Security Doors

Investing in a security door comes with many benefits, such as:

• Increased security: Security doors provide extra protection to your home by making it harder for intruders to break in, keeping your family and belongings safe.
• Enhanced ventilation: Security doors with mesh allow for proper airflow, giving you fresh air and natural light. You can leave them open without compromising your safety.
• Improved aesthetics: Security doors come in different styles and designs, providing an aesthetic appeal to your house.
• Increased property value: A well-installed security door enhances the value of your property and increases its curb appeal.

Installation Process

Installing a security door is relatively straightforward and can be done in a few steps:

• Begin by measuring the entranceway to determine the size of the door.
• Remove the old door and the frame.
• Install the new frame and secure it in place.
• Attach the hinges and the door.
• Adjust the door to ensure it fits correctly and latches correctly.
• Add locks, handles, and closures as necessary.

Maintaining Your Security Door

To keep your security door functioning correctly, it’s essential to maintain it regularly. Here are some tips:

• Inspect the door and frame regularly for any damage, rust, or wear.
• Lubricate the hinges, locks, and latches regularly with a silicone-based lubricant.
• Clean the mesh or grilles with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
• Call a professional to repair any damages to the door or frame.

Installing a security door is an excellent way to protect your family and your belongings. By selecting and installing the right security door and maintaining it, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure.

Conclusion

The security of your home should never be taken for granted, and it’s important to take measures to ensure that your outward opening doors are properly secured. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can significantly increase the safety and security of your home.

Consider installing security measures such as door jammers, security hinges, and deadbolts. Regularly inspect your doors and their frames for signs of wear and tear and take prompt action if you notice any issues. Finally, stay vigilant and keep your eyes open for any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Keeping your home secure is an ongoing process, but taking the time to properly secure your outward opening doors will give you peace of mind knowing that your home and family are safe.