Your front door is your first line of defence, so securing it should be a top priority. But after a few years many doors, especially uPVC, tend to get frail and floppy, and just a little less secure than they once were. There are a number of different elements involved in creating and securing a door, many of which you can upgrade. Changing just a few simple things on your door can take it from being a standard, possibly flimsy barrier, to a solid protection for your home.
Here are five reliable accessories that can elevate your home security game and keep intruders at bay.
Door Locks
A basic, but an important one. Door locks and cylinders are the most critical elements to create an effective security system, and they’re the key to making sure that your front door can protect you from any method a determined burglar might employ. And since the tactics they use to break in are always evolving, security providers need to regularly adapt their products to provide enough protection. That’s why we recommend upgrading your door locks every few years, using hardware from a trusted brand name. We also recommend looking for a door lock that meets the ‘3-star’ level of protection, which is the highest available. You can read more about that here.
Door Handles
Next up – handles! This is the external hardware of the door, and depending on the type of door you have, it might need replacing more often. uPVC doors are particularly vulnerable, as after years of wear and tear they are prone to becoming less effective. And a ‘floppy’ door handle is a common sight. A new handle can be just the thing to keep your door secure, make sure the lock is working properly, and give it a refresh at the same time. As with the locks, opt for a product that provides heightened security, so that it matches your lock security.
Door Guards
Another really simple and easy way to update your door security in the winter months is by installing a door guard. This is a way to avoid distraction burglaries, where a burglar knocks at the door and pretends to be someone they’re not to gain access to the property. Door guards stop this completely, and are especially useful for older or infirm people. It’s essentially a solid latch that goes across the door, allowing the resident to open the door and speak to someone without giving them the opportunity to barge in. Opting for a high security door guard effectively restricts the opening of doors, and provides additional security on the front door, helping to protect against attempted forced entry.
Letterbox Restrictors
Believe it or not, the letterbox is a very common access point for burglars. They know that people often leave their keys, wallets or other valuables on a bench, console table or a hook near the front door, so they will poke a coat hanger or long wire through the letterbox to try and hook them out, then walk straight through the front door, or worse open your car and drive off with it! A letterbox restrictor works by stopping the letterbox opening all the way so that even the craftiest of criminals can’t push their hands through the space. You can also get letterbox cages, which literally put a cage around the inside of your letterbox so that letters can get in, but no wires or hands can make it through.
Sash Blockers
Finally, we have sash blockers. These seem to have fallen out of fashion a little, but they’re a really great addition to any front door if you’re looking to improve security. They’re attached near the door frame and pivot over the door to secure it in place. They work on pretty much any kind of door, and provide another layer of security for your home. It’s another boundary for a burglar to force through, and is often the difference between them succeeding and failing. They can also be used on windows to stop them opening the full way, which is good for both safety and security.
Upgrading these elements on your front door doesn’t just add security; it can also improve your peace of mind. Start with these easy-to-install accessories and enjoy a safer home without stress. If you’re still not sure, or you want a professional to look over your home security, just get in touch with our team today, and we’d be happy to help.