Reinforced door for home

[bigbearbear]

A recent spike in home invasions in the bay area has me thinking about beefing up my home security.

Right now, the community I'm in has patrols and I also have paid monitored alarm security system in place. I'm thinking of adding reinforcement to the doors so that they cannot be easily kicked in. I'm considering this because there seems to be cases where criminals do not bother with stealth and simply storm the home, sometimes with owners still inside.

I'm hoping the reinforced door will also give my wife and I crucial time to reach the bedroom and barricade ourselves.

Do you have experience with products that strengthen doors? Any recommendations?

[TheThousands]

From stuff that I have read it isn't the door that needs reinforcing but the frame.

Here is a good article, http://www.wikihow.com/Burglarproof-Your-Doors

[TurboChrisB]

I believe thats true. Longer deadbolt, reinforced deeper strike plate, beef up the frame with more nails/screws etc goes a long way to helping in addition to a strong door.

[SouperMan]

Can you put in a security door on your front door in your neighborhood? That would give you a few seconds while you get the HD gun to dispatch the attempted invaders.

I would consider getting a deadbolt that is keyed on both sides for the front door even if you do not have a window on the side of the door. Why? If they did not come through the front door and came in from the back, make it harder for them to get out and other places in the house.

[postal]

I joked with my girlfriend about how funny it would be to have a "reality show" with people beefing up the front door and have an entry team try to breach the door. Winner is whose door takes the longest to get through.

1- Security screen door with deadbolt. The wrought iron with sheet steel with holes punched in the "screen". I watched dallas swat once, and the house they needed to hit had one of these and they made secondary entry plans because of it....
Can be found at home depot.

I have one. When I'm home, I lock that screen door, and leave the front door unlocked. I can open the door to see who is trying to sell me candy bars or religion with a nice solid barrier between us. Its no trouble for my girlfriend when she gets home because she only has to undo 1 lock, and both are keyed the same. When we go to sleep, or the house is empty, both security screen and front door are locked.

2- metal 'industrial' security front door. Like the "backdoors" you see in business buildings. They're ugly- you can paint it any color but no windows or fancy trim...

3- MOST IMPORTANT. When the front door replacement goes in... the doorframe must be heavily reinforced. Most construction grade lumber is not that strong really when it comes down to it. Maple can be found in specialty wood supply houses that cater to cabinet makers, and home depot carries 'some'.... Maple is VERY STRONG. One of the stronger woods in the US- In the ?midwest? I'd look at "Osage Orange" its a wood that is local to that area, readily available and inexpensive. It's also VERY strong. There are stronger/tougher woods out there.... but these 2 rate pretty high, arent THAT expensive, and readily availble in many locals.

If I really wanted to strengthen my front door, the frame would be replaced with maple and add steel reinforcement plates to the lock and hinge areas. I would also not be stingy on very hefty screws and bolts that hold everything together. The bolt locks themselves would also be reinforced on the doors with "striker plates" also available at home depot.

For my defeat the entry team scenario.... all hinge and bolt lock areas of the door and frame would have some 1/4" steel plate hidden on the "outside" part of the door/frame...

I really wonder if the breacher with the shotgun would get injured from that bounceback....

Lastly, you need window protection. I've heard about it but never checked the cost. Google "3M window security film" It is ***HIGHLY*** recommended. It is also expensive. People cant break your window and come in. They have to break the glass enough, long enough to push it out of the window frame- like a car windshield. It is NOT SOMETHING you can buy at home depot. Only qualified installers have access to it and will install it on your windows.

I'm guessing with costs covered by someone that can afford it.... I would win the "breach this door" show...

Hope that gives you some ideas.

[mexicancolt1]

Deadbolts on all exterior doors are a must. Additionally, a short 18 inch 12 gauge will add peace of mind. For the Mrs. hide a pistol in the bedroom and add a sturdy lock to the bedroom door. She'll feel safer if you have a contingent plan. Good luck.

[Whatisthis?]

Can you put in a security door on your front door in your neighborhood? That would give you a few seconds while you get the HD gun to dispatch the attempted invaders.

... Or you could do smartest thing in that situation and carry the damn thing on you. Just my opinion, but if I am beefing up security enough to reinforce my front door, I'm sure as hell going to have my G19 with AT LEAST 2 extra preban mags on me.

[jyo]

A GOOD steel door front and rear with sturdy frame---a fenced-in yard with two large dogs inside---these may not stop them, but make them look elsewhere for a softer target. Don't forget a heavy, sturdy, bolted down safe!

[BrokerB]

Blue city sheite holes . Get a big dog. And throw a 2x4 on back of door door

[tyrist]

When you are home all you need is a door security bar. They cost about 20 dollars at home depot.

[bigbearbear]

Even as I am researching this, an incident involving a kicked door and shooting occurs in the Bay Area:

http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/No-charges-in-Oakland-intruder-shooting-3772002.php

And thanks for the replies, especially for postal who pointed out that windows can use reinforcing with the 3M product. I checked their web site and it looks really good, increasing security and can also block out heat and lowering air-conditioning bill. Will definitely look into that.

I found this product, StrikeMaster II, also carried by Home Depot on their online store (not available in stores though): http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UCKWqaPDZQA

Does anyone know if there's a contractor here in SF Bay Area who offers professional installation of it?

Thanks.

[bigbearbear]

Blue city sheite holes . Get a big dog. And throw a 2x4 on back of door door

The only problem is that wife and I love dogs and would never think of putting them in harms way.

[IEShooter]

Door Jambs

Kicking in a door is statistically one of the most common ways for a burglar to gain entry. Only takes one or two kicks and they are in.

This will all but prevent that.

http://www.asafehome.net/

Looks like Home Depot now sells them for $75 or so. I have one on my front door and it is exremely solid.

Don't neglect your sliding glass or French doors in the rear. Tossing a rock through a slider window and just walking in is also very popular.

In a smash and grab, they want to be in and out in under 2 minutes and could care less if you have a monitored alarm. They'll be long gone by the time LEO shows up.

A very loud alarm will help deter them. Make sure to include motion sensors and glass break sensors.

Spend some time on this and think through what you want your alarm to accomplish. I could care less if they break in while I'm away. I have very good insurance.

My alarm is largely to alert me if they try and break in while I'm home and asleep. Based on that, I installed a very good system where it is virtually impossible for them to gain entry without triggering an alarm that will wake me.

Security window film is also a deterrent. Think layers of security, including outdoor lighting on motion sensors, cameras if you think you need them (or just want them), etc.

[Creampuff]

Even as I am researching this, an incident involving a kicked door and shooting occurs in the Bay Area:

http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/No-charges-in-Oakland-intruder-shooting-3772002.php

And thanks for the replies, especially for postal who pointed out that windows can use reinforcing with the 3M product. I checked their web site and it looks really good, increasing security and can also block out heat and lowering air-conditioning bill. Will definitely look into that.

I found this product, StrikeMaster II, also carried by Home Depot on their online store (not available in stores though): http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UCKWqaPDZQA

Does anyone know if there's a contractor here in SF Bay Area who offers professional installation of it?

Thanks.

I have a Strikemaster II. It is a very easy install. You won't need a contractor. Two things you will need to watch out for.

The two sheets of metal that reinforce the threshold will need some clearance. If you dont' have at least about 1/8th of clearance pre-existing between your door and the threshold, then you are going to struggle with clearance. Especially when the rainy season starts and everything swells with moisture.

Also if you have an alarm system. Make sure you aren't covering up the sensor magnets with the Strikemaster plates.

It seems a point of failure after installing products like StrikeMaster or EZ Armour is the hinges or the area around the lock itself.

I installed these around the hinges:

http://www.armorconcepts.com/Universal-Combo-Set-2-3-8-Backset_17

and this to re-enforce the lock area:

http://www.asafehome.net/door-edge-pro.php

If the Strikemaster Pro doesn't come with the door-edge pro set, then you will need to order for it seperately. I forget how they work out their packaging of their products.

You mentioned the Bay Area, try calling some of your local Ace hardware stores. I have seen some of them locally carry the Strikemaster II's (without the door edge). This will make the return process easier if you don't get a good fit.

For all I know I have fallen for marketing gimmick, ehhh..it does provide for a little peace of mind knowing I just bought myself a few extra seconds, to get my Gatling properly mounted on the tripod.

[Montu]

anyone know a good installer in the bay area for the 3m window film? I've been wanting to get some for my larger windows..they are alarmed but a few are big enough to climb through with out setting off the alarm contact.

good info in this thread..my doors would all be pretty damn easy to kick in unfortunately and will probably need to be replaced entirely (along with at least one frame)

Also consider adding to your alarm if you still have room to expand always use the chime function if you don't already..besides letting you know something just opened it lets those fake Jehovah's know you've actually got an alarm.