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Your front door and the surrounding exterior doors are your home’s first line of defense. They protect against intruders and weather elements and improve your home’s energy efficiency. If your exterior doors are outdated, damaged, or lack modern security features, it could be a weak point in your home’s defense.
Updating your exterior door is a smart investment in security and long-term durability. Choosing a secure, professionally installed front or exterior side door can help reduce break-in risks while improving insulation and curb appeal. Here are the top security features to consider when selecting a new front door.
Key Security Features for Exterior Doors
Modern exterior doors have advanced security features that help deter forced entry and improve overall protection. If you’re replacing your front door, choosing one with the following features is important.
Choose a Quality Door Material
The material of your front door plays a crucial role in its strength and security. Older doors are often hollow-core or made of weaker materials, making them easier to kick in or break through. When replacing your door, choosing a solid, durable material is one of the best ways to improve security.
Here are the most secure exterior door materials:
- Steel Doors – The most secure option. Steel doors are resistant to force, dents, and impact and are difficult to break or bend, making them one of the best choices for home security. High-quality steel doors often include built-in insulation, which also improves energy efficiency.
- Fiberglass Doors – Fiberglass doors are a popular alternative to steel because they offer security and durability. They are resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting. They also require minimal maintenance and provide excellent insulation. While they aren’t as impact-resistant as steel, they are far more secure than traditional wood doors.
- Vinyl Wood Doors – These doors offer strength, style, and durability. However, they must be properly maintained to prevent damage from moisture, which can lead to warping and weakening over time. A solid-core wood door with reinforced framing can provide excellent security while retaining a classic look.
Many older homes still have hollow-core doors, which are easier to break into. Upgrading to a reinforced steel, fiberglass, or solid wood door significantly improves home security. AAA Screen & Window installs high-quality exterior doors that meet modern security standards.
Multi-Point Locking Systems
A multi-point locking system is one of the most effective security upgrades for a front door. Unlike standard locks, which only secure the door at a single point, a multi-point system locks the door in multiple places along the frame.
This added security makes it much harder to pry open the door. Even if someone tries to force entry at one locking point, the additional locks keep the door securely in place. A strong deadbolt is also essential. Deadbolts extend deep into the door frame, making it difficult for an intruder to break through forcefully. While standard locks can be easily picked or forced open, a reinforced deadbolt combined with a multi-point locking system provides much stronger protection.
Strike Plates and Reinforced Door Jamb
A strong lock is only as good as the frame it’s attached to. Even a high-quality door can be compromised if the door frame is weak. The strike plate and door jamb are critical components in reinforcing the door’s security.
- A strike plate is the metal piece that the lock’s latch secures into. Many older homes have thin, weak strike plates that provide little resistance against forced entry. Upgrading to a reinforced steel strike plate significantly strengthens the door’s locking mechanism.
- The door jamb is the part of the frame where the door locks into place. A reinforced door jamb distributes force more effectively, making it much harder for an intruder to kick in the door.
Installing longer screws (at least 3 inches) in the strike plate and door jamb adds even more resistance to force. Many break-ins occur because the lock holds, but the door frame gives way. A properly reinforced door frame eliminates this weak point.
Weather-Tight Seals for Added Strength
A well-sealed door prevents drafts and helps reinforce security. Many homeowners focus on locks and materials but overlook the importance of a tight fit. A properly sealed door leaves no gaps or weak points where an intruder could insert tools to pry it open.
Some essential weather-sealing security features include:
- Compression Seals—These flexible seals around the door frame create a snug, airtight fit and block drafts and intrusion attempts.
- Durable Thresholds – A strong threshold at the base of the door ensures there is no space for tools to pry it open.
- Tight-Fitting Sweeps – High-quality door sweeps prevent airflow, moisture, and tampering at the bottom of the door.
Properly sealing a door improves energy efficiency and reduces potential weak points that could allow forced entry.
Impact-Resistant or Laminated Glass
Impact-resistant or laminated glass is a great option for doors with glass inserts.
- Laminated glass consists of multiple layers bonded together. Even if it shatters, the layers hold in place, preventing easy access.
- Impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand heavy force. It won’t break easily, even under repeated impact.
Choosing a front door with impact-resistant glass allows homeowners to enjoy natural light while keeping their home secure. We are happy to answer any questions about the glass near your front door.
Upgrade to a Secure Exterior Door Today
Your front door is one of your home’s most important security features. Choosing the right door material, locking system, reinforced frame, weather-tight seals, and impact-resistant glass can dramatically reduce the risk of break-ins while improving energy efficiency and durability.
AAA Screen & Window specializes in professional exterior door replacement with security-focused installations. Our team ensures your new door meets modern security standards while enhancing curb appeal and efficiency.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore our selection of high-quality, secure exterior doors.
FAQ About Security Features For Exterior Doors
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To improve the security of an exterior door, install a solid-core door made of steel, fiberglass, or solid wood. Upgrade to a multi-point locking system, use a reinforced strike plate and long screws, and ensure the door jamb is strong. Adding impact-resistant glass, weather-tight seals, and a peephole or security camera can further enhance protection.
For maximum security, install a reinforced deadbolt and multi-point lock, use a steel strike plate, and ensure the door frame is properly reinforced. Consider security hinges with non-removable pins and, if your door has glass, upgrade to impact-resistant or laminated glass. Installing motion-sensor lighting and a smart doorbell camera also helps deter intruders.
A secure front door should have a strong core material, multi-point locks, a reinforced strike plate and door jamb, and weather-tight seals to eliminate gaps. Doors with glass panels should use impact-resistant or laminated glass. Additional security features include peepholes, smart locks, and security cameras for extra protection.
Reinforce an exterior door by upgrading to a steel or fiberglass door, installing a reinforced strike plate with long screws, and strengthening the door jamb. Adding a high-quality deadbolt, door braces, and security hinges further prevents forced entry. For extra protection, use security bars or door barricades at night.
To increase privacy, install frosted, tinted, or one-way privacy glass on doors with windows. Use curtains, blinds, or window films for extra coverage. If your door has a sidelight, consider replacing it with impact-resistant privacy glass. Adding a solid-core door without windows is another option for enhanced privacy.
Yes, installing a secure exterior door can boost property value by improving home security and energy efficiency. Buyers often look for reinforced doors with advanced locks, impact-resistant glass, and weatherproofing. A high-quality security door can also lower home insurance premiums, making it a smart investment.
Steel security doors are one of the best investments for home security. They are highly impact-resistant, durable, and energy-efficient. Unlike wood, they won’t warp, crack, or rot over time. While steel doors cost more upfront, they last longer, require less maintenance, and provide superior protection against forced entry.