The door is a resident’s way in – but it should also be a barrier to keep unwanted visitors out. The easiest way for someone to break into your home is through one of the many entry doors, and it’s often easier to do than you think. From rekeying locks to reinforcing materials, there are a few ways you can keep your entry door secure. 

3 Tips for Securing Your Entry Door

1. Change Your Locks 

It doesn’t always take a lot of force for someone to break into your house. Even if the previous tenant returned their keys, there is still a chance that other copies were made. If anyone lived in the house before you, rekeying locks is advised. You will need the help of a locksmith for this process, but you can ensure that only people living in the house and others authorized to be there has a working key.

2. Install a Wide-Angle Peephole 

A common tactic used in break-ins is for someone to stand outside your door, avoid the peephole, and enter the house once you have opened the door. Standard peepholes give you a limited range of vision and often only show you what’s immediately in front of your door. A wide-angle peephole provides a broader range of view and usually allows you to see the entirety of a front porch, front walk, or sidewalk area. If the area is too large for a peephole to be sufficient, consider installing security cameras that you can check from your phone or computer.

3. Reinforce the Door & Locks

Simply rekeying your doors might not solve the security issues that cause. Most doors are made of hollow or weak material that would be easy to break down with a few well placed blows. Check your current door; if you knock on the door and hear an echo, then the door is made of flimsy material. Consider upgrading your entry to one made of solid materials like real wood, fiberglass, or metal. Reinforce your door further with more complex locks, like deadbolts and strike plates. These are installed deep inside the door and will absorb blunt impacts and prevent the door from coming down.  

When you’re ready to make security a top priority, choose Cohen’s Key Shop in New Haven County, CT. For over a century, they’ve specialized in installing, repairing, and rekeying locks. If you’re a landlord, real estate agent, or a homeowner looking for a lock expert dedicated to customer service, call (203) 397-3528.