Do you worry about the safety of your family and home when leaving your house? Many homeowners take steps to protect their property, but what can be done to secure an outward opening door? While security systems are one way to keep intruders away, they don’t always offer total protection.
With this in mind, it is important for homeowners to understand how to properly secure an outward opening door. In this blog post, we’ll cover the proven methods for how to secure an outward opening door. Read on as we discuss tips and techniques you can use yourself!
Importance of Securing an Outward Opening Door
Securing an outward-opening door is incredibly important for any residential or commercial space. Outward-opening doors can provide easy access to a home or business, which makes them more vulnerable than inward-opening doors. An unsecured outward-opening door can make it easier for intruders to gain access and pose a safety risk to those inside the building.
Outward-opening doors should always be properly secured with strong locks and deadbolts, as well as reinforced door frames. CCTV cameras can also be added to the outside of the door to monitor who is coming and going, providing additional security. Additionally, installing a peephole in the door will enable occupants to see who is attempting to gain access before opening the door.
It is essential that outward-opening doors are regularly checked and maintained to ensure they are in good working order. This includes checking the locks, hinges, and door frames for any signs of wear or damage. If there are any issues with the security of an outward-opening door, it should be addressed immediately to prevent potential intruders from entering the premises.
Risks Associated with an Unsecured Outward Opening Door
Outward opening doors present a unique security risk, as they are the least secure type of door. This is because they can easily be forced open from outside by someone who is trying to gain access to a building. This makes it important that they are properly secured with appropriate locks and other security measures.
An unsecured outward opening door can leave your property vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or, even worse, intruders. It is essential that you take the necessary steps to secure your door in order to protect yourself and your property. Here are some of the most common risks associated with an unsecured outward-opening door:
Burglary:
An unsecured outward-opening door makes it easy for burglars to gain access to a property without much effort.
Vandalism:
Unsecured doors also make it easier for vandals to cause damage and destruction to your property.
Intruders:
An unsecured outward opening door can also make it easier for intruders to gain access to a building, which could put people or valuables at risk.
It is important that you take the necessary steps to secure an outward-opening door in order to protect yourself and your property from these risks. By installing appropriate locks and other security measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of having an unsecured outward-opening door become a target for criminals.
Additionally, by understanding the potential risks associated with this type of door, you can ensure that you are better prepared should an incident occur. Taking these precautions will help keep your property safe and secure in the long run.
10 Methods on How to Secure an Outward Opening Door
Method 1: Reinforce the Door Frame
Start by reinforcing the door frame to make it more resistant to forced entry. Install a door frame reinforcement kit, which typically consists of metal plates and longer screws. These components strengthen the frame and make it harder for intruders to kick in or pry open the door.
Although it won’t completely prevent someone from breaking in, it will make the task much more difficult. Though you may be able to do this yourself, it’s recommended that you seek help from a professional if possible.
Method 2: Upgrade the Door Lock
Ensure that you have a high-quality deadbolt lock installed on the door. Choose a deadbolt lock that extends at least one inch into the door frame when fully engaged. Consider using a grade 1 or 2 deadbolt lock, which offers the highest level of security.
Reinforce the strike plate with longer screws to enhance its strength. Make sure the screws are at least three inches long to get maximum protection. Additionally, you should use a security plate on the door frame to reduce the risk of forced entry. Lastly, you can install a jamb guard or door bar for extra reinforcement against outwardly opening doors.
Method 3: Install a Door Security Bar
Use a door security bar to provide an additional layer of security. These bars are adjustable and can be easily positioned to prevent the door from being opened. They are typically placed at the bottom of the door and extend to the floor or an adjacent wall, making it difficult to force the door open.
Door security bars are an affordable and effective way to add extra protection to an outward-opening door. Be sure to choose a bar that is the correct size for your door and is designed to withstand a significant amount of force.
Method 4: Use Door Reinforcement Plates
Install door reinforcement plates, also known as door wraps or jamb reinforcement plates, to strengthen the area around the lock and hinges. These plates are typically made of metal and provide added resistance against forced entry.
Ensure that the plates are securely attached to the door and frame. If necessary, use two plates for added protection. Additionally, consider installing security strike plates and screws into the door jamb to further secure the area around the door lock.
Method 5: Add Security Pins or Hinge Bolts
Consider adding security pins or hinge bolts to reinforce the hinges of the door. These pins or bolts prevent the door from being removed by securing the hinge side of the door to the frame. Choose pins or bolts that are made of sturdy materials and are difficult to remove without the proper tools.
Additionally, make sure that the pins or bolts are installed securely, as any loose connections could allow a burglar to simply remove the door by forcing it off the hinges. Installing security pins or hinge bolts is a great way to ensure that an outward-opening door will remain secure.
Method 6: Install a Door Viewer or Peephole
Enhance your security by installing a door viewer or peephole. This allows you to identify individuals before opening the door, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Choose a wide-angle viewer or peephole that provides a clear view of the outside without compromising your privacy.
Method 7: Use Security Film on Glass Panels
If your outward opening door has glass panels, apply security film to reinforce them. This film adds strength to the glass, making it more resistant to break-ins. Choose security film that is specifically designed for windows and glass doors, providing protection against forced entry.
It is applied directly to the glass and uses an adhesive that forms a secure bond. Make sure you select film with high enough thickness (measured in mils) to provide adequate protection from intruders. Install the film in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, or contact a professional for proper installation.
Method 8: Install Outdoor Lighting
Proper outdoor lighting can deter potential intruders and increase the visibility around your door. Install motion-activated lights or strategically place floodlights near the door. Well-lit areas discourage unauthorized access by reducing hiding spots and increasing the risk of detection.
Make sure your door is well-lit so that you and others can easily see who is approaching. Pay attention to shadows or dark spots, as they can conceal someone who is trying to gain access to your property.
Method 9: Consider a Security System
Invest in a comprehensive home security system that includes door sensors, alarms, and surveillance cameras. Door sensors will trigger an alarm if the door is opened without authorization, while cameras provide visual evidence of any suspicious activity. Choose a security system that suits your specific needs and budget.
Method 10: Secure Sliding Doors
If your outward opening door is a sliding glass door, take additional steps to secure it. Install a door brace or bar to prevent the door from sliding open. Ensure that the sliding door is equipped with a high-quality lock, and reinforce the glass with security film or laminates.
Conclusion
Securing an outward-opening door is no easy feat, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right materials and a sound strategy, you can easily increase your protection against intruders. Installing extra locks, replacing existing locks with deadbolts, and adding reinforcing bars are all great ways to ensure your home’s safety and peace of mind.
It’s important to remember that the best way to protect your entryways is through consistent maintenance and regular inspections of all components. Any serious signs of wear should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage or security vulnerabilities. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to secure an outward opening door!