Al hablar de nuestra casa, solemos centrarnos en lo que hay dentro de ella y en aspectos como su distribución, su decoración o sus muebles. Sin embargo, hay un elemento muy importante que suele pasar desapercibido y que es fundamental para que podamos disfrutarla como nos merecemos: la puerta de entrada.

Thanks to it, we can live peacefully and feel safe. In fact, its importance is such that, according to data from InterNACHI, in more than half of all home burglaries, thieves enter through a door. Specifically, one in three (34%) enter through the main entrance, while one in five (22%) choose a secondary entrance.

Therefore, securing your home’s entrance isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic necessity for every home. That’s why we at CULMIA have put together several recommendations that you can easily follow to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

7 Tips on How to Secure Your Home’s Entrance

Choosing the Right Type of Door

The first thing we need to consider is the material and quality of the front door itself. To do this, it’s important to know that there are two different types:

• Reinforced doors: These are the least secure type, because they have a basic wooden frame that may include aluminum reinforcements on the sides. They typically have one or more latches with a single locking mechanism, as well as screw-mounted cylinders and hinges.
• Reinforced door: Its frame is made of steel, aluminum, or metal, and its trim is made of wood or PVC. Thus, its security features (such as the lock, hinges, and bolts) are integrated into the frame, resulting in a system that is much more durable than that of a reinforced door.

For all these reasons, if we’re looking for a secure option, the best choice is to install a reinforced door. These tend to be more expensive and feel heavier, but they are also sturdier and more secure against external attacks.

Choosing the lock that best suits our needs

To properly close and secure a door, we must incorporate at least one lock into its structure. A lock is a metal mechanism that, through a system of latches, can be locked and unlocked with a key.

Naturally, there are different types of locks. So, when we think about how to secure the entrance to our home, choosing the right one is also very important:

• Surface-mounted lock: The lock is installed on top of the door from the inside. Therefore, it is usually visible. It is fairly easy to operate, so it is not particularly secure.
• Mortise lock: It is installed in the door frame, in a hole cut specifically for this purpose. This allows its main components (the opening and closing mechanism) to remain hidden and protected. There are different types depending on the material from which it is made, whether it has additional security features, the type of opening/closing mechanism it uses, and so on.
• Multi-point lock: This is a system that incorporates several locking points (there may be 3, 5, or even 7), so that a single key can operate different bolts that securely lock the door to the frame. Installation is somewhat complex, but in return, you’ll have a very stable and sturdy lock.
• Digital or electronic lock: This is a modern system that does not require a key to open or close it. Instead, it features a reader (for fingerprints, electronic cards, or a keypad) or a connectivity system (such as Bluetooth, radio frequency, or Wi-Fi to use a cell phone or remote control). They are modern and easy to use, but they require power to operate, so they must be plugged in or connected to a battery or batteries.

In addition to these types of locks, there are others such as tubular locks , cylindrical locks (European profile), gorja locks , and borja locks, among others. Therefore, it is important to consult with a specialist to determine the best option in each case and the security level of each model.

Replace the lock every 10 to 15 years

Even if your lock looks fine and works without any problems, its components may be worn out and may have lost their effectiveness over time. For this reason, locksmiths recommend replacing it once every 10 or 15 years, as this will help prevent security risks that may be associated with its continued use.

In any case, if we want to maximize its lifespan, it’s also essential to maintain the lock properly. This includes always opening and closing it carefully, using only the correct keys, not leaving the key in the lock on a regular basis, and lubricating it periodically (you can use a specific oil or graphite powder for this).

Install a supplementary locking system

Even if you have a reliable and secure lock, it’s a good idea to have a secondary mechanism to protect your home’s entrance. One of the most common is the deadbolt, a system consisting of a metal bar, chain, or bolt that is installed across the inside of the door and, therefore, is opened or closed from the inside.

Another more modern and efficient option is the invisible lock, an electronic device that is also installed on the inside of the door as an overlay. It is controlled via a mobile device, allowing you to lock or unlock the door from the outside. Its main advantage is that, since it’s not visible from the outside, it’s virtually impossible for someone outside to tamper with or force it open.

Using an alarm

Among the key “rules” for protecting your home’s entrance is, without a doubt, the use of an alarm system. This system will trigger an alert (audible, visual, via a mobile phone notification, etc.) if it detects that someone is trying to force the door open or manages to open it.

There are different types of alarms, and each has its own level of security. Therefore, we can choose from simple, affordable solutions—such as magnetic alarms with audible signals— to more comprehensive and precise systems, such as professional-grade systems that include video surveillance and a connection to a monitoring center.

Pay attention to the hinges and door frame

If your front door is a few years old, check all of its components periodically. As we’ve already mentioned, both the lock and the material it’s made of are essential, but there are other areas that may also be vulnerable.

We are referring, for example, to the door frame or the hinges, since criminals may try to pry open or even remove the door if they notice that any of these components are in poor condition or broken.

Prevention Against the Most Common Theft Techniques

Finally, try to learn how to secure your home’s entrance. Keep in mind the most common techniques burglars use to break into homes, such as:

• Bumping: A master key and a method involving small taps are used to trigger the lock cylinder mechanism and open the door.
• Key imprinting: A small piece of aluminum foil is inserted into the lock cylinder to create a mold of the original key when it is inserted. This mold is then used to make a duplicate key that can be used to break in without having to force the door open.
• The slip-up: If you don’t turn the key in the lock and simply close the door, a criminal can easily open it from the outside using a credit card or a thin piece of paper, such as an X-ray.
• Lock picking: Two lock picks are inserted into the lock to push the pins and open the door. This method requires more skill than brute force.
• Drilling: A small hole is drilled in the door to gain access to the inside, making it easier to open the door with a tool (such as a wire).
• The magnet: If the homeowner leaves the keys in the lock on the inside, thieves can use a magnet to turn the key from the outside and open the door.

By learning about these and the most modern methods used by burglars, we can more easily take proactive steps to prevent break-ins. What’s more, there are locks equipped with systems specifically designed to protect the entrance to your home against these techniques, such as anti-bumping or anti-impressioning.

An effort that could end up being very profitable

Here are our 7 tips on how to secure your front door. Although, really, they all boil down to one thing: when it comes to security, it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s why investing in upgrading your door is a smart decision that will give you peace of mind and significantly reduce the risk of a break-in.

And remember, if you’re looking to implement comprehensive security measures in your home, don’t hesitate to download our free guide. In it, you’ll find recommendations for securing the entrances to your home, as well as other tips that will help you turn your property into a “fortress.”

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