If you want added protection and peace of mind to secure your home, installing double doors is the perfect solution. They give you the advantage of having two entry points for convenience.
With modern technology like locks and alarms, double doors can be a formidable barrier to any potential intruder. This blog post will cover how easy it is to install a set of double doors yourself and provide invaluable tips on how to get optimal security out of them.
So if you’re ready to up your home security with double doors, read on about how to secure double doors.
5 Reasons Why You Need to Secure Double Door
1. Added Protection:
Installing double doors at the entrance of your home adds an extra layer of security. With two entry points, a potential intruder is more likely to be deterred from attempting to enter.
2. Easy Accessibility:
Double doors make it much easier for people to enter and exit your home or business conveniently. It also eliminates the need for carrying keys or codes to open single-door access.
3. Low Maintenance:
Double doors are designed to be low maintenance, with no extra components needed for operation apart from a handle and lock. This makes them cheaper to maintain long-term than other types of security systems.
4. increased Energy Efficiency:
By having two doors, you can reduce heat and cooling loss as compared to one single door. This will help with energy savings in the long run.
5. Style and Appearance:
Double doors are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional security systems like fences or gates. They can be customized to fit the style of your home or business, making them a great option for any property.
Now that you know why double doors are superior in terms of security and convenience, let’s go over how to secure them properly.
Few Steps on How to Secure Double Doors
1. Understanding the Vulnerability of Double Doors
Double doors are known for their charm and elegance, but unfortunately, they’re often perceived as being less secure than single-door entrances. This primarily comes down to their design – since they have two door panels instead of one, they include unique points of vulnerability, such as a gap in the middle where the doors meet. Savvy burglars can exploit this gap and create an entry point into your home. Therefore, understanding the weak points of these doors is crucial before you begin implementing security measures.
2. invest in High-Quality Deadbolts and Locks
When it comes to securing any door, locks, and deadbolts are your best line of defense. For double doors, choose a robust deadbolt lock system that extends far into the door frame, ensuring it cannot be easily pried open. Ideally, pick a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt, which is stronger and more resistant to tampering. Additionally, the door locks should be composed of solid materials, like steel or brass, rather than weaker materials that could be easily compromised.
3. Ensure Proper Door Alignment and Sturdiness
Proper door alignment and a solid door frame are essential for the effectiveness of your security measures. Make sure the gap between the double doors is minimal so it’s difficult for burglars to exploit this weak point. Ensure the door frame is strong and made of high-quality materials to resist forced entry. Check that the doors are properly installed and tightly secured to the frame while examining the door hinges for any signs of weakness or damage. Addressing these issues before they become problems will greatly improve your double doors’ security.
4. Strengthen the Passive Door
The passive door (also known as the inactive or fixed door) is the door panel that remains primarily closed and secured. It is often secured in place by a vertical flush bolt or a slide bolt. To enhance the security of this door, install flush bolts at both the top and bottom of the door. Opt for sturdy, heavy-duty bolts that are not likely to be forced open. Alternatively, consider installing a high-quality surface-mounted slide bolt for better resistance against forced entry. By strengthening the passive door, you lessen the risk of your double doors being the weak point in your home security.
5. Install Additional Security Features
While locks and deadbolts are crucial, several other security features can help improve the safety of your double-door entrance. Consider installing features such as strike plate reinforcements, door jammers, or security bars to provide added layers of protection. Surveillance systems, like security cameras or smart doorbells that offer video capabilities, can deter would-be intruders and give you peace of mind. Don’t forget the importance of good lighting, as it can deter criminals from attempting to break in.
6. Add a Security Window Film to The Glass to Strengthen the Doors
If you have a double-door entrance with glass panels, taking additional steps to secure them is important. A security window film will help protect the glass from shattering due to an impact or forced entry. The film also protects against prying tools, making it more difficult for burglars to break through.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing double doors and providing optimal protection for your home. With the right security measures in place, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe from intruders.
Bonus Tip:
Test Your Double Doors Regularly
It’s important to test your double doors regularly to ensure all security measures function optimally. Ensure the locks and deadbolts are working correctly, and check for any signs of tampering or damage. Ensure that the gap between the two doors is minimal and that both panels can securely close when you open one panel. Doing this regularly will keep your home secure and give you peace of mind.
Problems with Securing Double Doors
Securing double doors can be a tricky predicament. First, the doors are often heavy, making it challenging to install door locks or sturdy deadbolts to keep the door secure when closed. And once both doors are closed and locked, there is a risk of the latch getting stuck due to problems with the alignment. This can make it nearly impossible to open either door from either side.
Lastly, double doors are often wider than regular single doors, so extra measures may have to be taken to ensure that the locks attach on both sides and provide enough tension for each side of the door when opened. These problems make securing double doors a problematic task.
Precaution Steps to Maintain Your Double Doors Safe and Secure
Keeping your double doors safe and secure is necessary to avoid dangerous situations. It is essential to inspect the mechanism of both doors, such as the hinges, locks, and frames, regularly.
If a lock or hinge gets damaged due to wear and tear, take steps to repair it immediately. Also, you should place weatherstripping around the edges of both doors if necessary due to gaps in airflow.
Additionally, regular maintenance is always beneficial for your double doors and should be part of your precautionary steps as often as possible.
Finally, it is essential to keep an eye out in case there is any unauthorized access through either the door or from outside sources–being vigilant can go a long way in avoiding unfortunate scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Are the Best Locks for Double Doors?
A: The best locks for double doors are deadbolts, keypad locks, and smart locks. Deadbolts provide a secure locking mechanism that is difficult to break or pick. Keypad locks require a code to unlock, providing more security than traditional keys. Smart locks are the most technologically advanced option and can be connected to your
Q: What Additional Measures Can I Take to Protect Against Forced Entry Through My Double Doors?
A: You should also consider installing strike plates, which reinforce the door jamb, making it much harder to kick or break in. Use longer screws in the hinges and locks to secure your double doors against forced entry.
Q: How Often Should I Check that My Exterior Double Door Locks Are Working Properly?
A: You should check your locks regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. If a lock or hinge appears worn or damaged, it is best to replace it immediately. You should also inspect the door frame to ensure no signs of damage or wear that could weaken the structure and lead to forced entry.
Conclusion:
Double doors may appear less secure than their single-door counterparts, but with proper understanding and care, you can enhance their safety significantly.
You can have the best of both worlds by employing the right security measures, such as high-quality deadbolts and locks, sturdy door frames, robust doors, and additional security features – an elegant and secure double door entrance for your home.
Remember that regular maintenance and vigilance are essential to maintaining security, so be sure to periodically inspect your double doors and their surrounding structure to ensure your home remains protected. Thanks for reading our post about how to secure double doors.