Looking to upgrade doors/locks

[puncho]

Hi, I just recently bought a house and was looking to upgrade some security measures.

So from what I've read, I'm looking mostly to upgrade the locks/doors/frames. I'm not looking to spend a ton on locks as it seems the most common way is to kick the door in and without getting expensive, they don't seem unbumpable. In addition, I'm looking to install:

1) more motion sensor lights
2) siren/alarm (not connected to central system since most break and enters are fast)
3) Window security film
4) More durable doors
5) possibly security cams in the future.

Does this sound reasonable?

I took some pictures and had a few questions:

Front door -




Strike plate -



I already changed it to a two way deadbolt. I know they say I should install a stronger strike plate that should use 3" screws, as well as the hinges. However, it doesn't seem like there's enough room/frame to do that? How can I strengthen this door?

Garage door -


This door is hollow and doesn't have a deadbolt. What's the most cost effective door to replace this with? Should I get a cheapo door and then re-inforce it with something like EZArmor or just get a better door?

Thanks for any insight

[Robotnik]

As to the garage door, I'd go with a better-quality door upfront, as opposed to going downmarket and then reinforcing. Even a good-quality door could use some reinforcement though, either with Door Armor or a Don-Jo/MAG wrap.

As to your front door, with the glass upper half, that complicates things. As you've already replaced the lock with a double-cylinder deadbolt, you've solved the problem one way; personally - due to fire egress and related municipal code issues - I prefer window film. 3M makes a version, ShatterGuard, if I'm not mistaken, also TAP plastics produces some as well. This effectively reinforces the glass, prevents it from being as readily busted out. There's really no foolproof solution to securing a door like the one you have though, so use your best judgement.

Hope this helps, good luck!

[puncho]

Yep, looking to add the window film to all the glass. Do I do it on both outside and inside?

I'm not looking to make it "unbreakable", just enough so that it's not the easiest to kick in and have enough deterrents to make them think twice.

[Squelchtone]

if you absolutely don't need the panels of glass next to your front door, fill them in with wood and paint. film will help, but I'd straight up remove that from the equation but making it into a wall, unless you need them to provide daylight or some other aesthetic function.

[billdeserthills]

I would spend the $150 for a solid core front door and be sure to install a peep-hole too, I don't like all those windows
or that frame in the door, when the zombies can look into your home, well that is bad news

[cledry]

Two things regarding your alarm. Make sure you install a blue or white strobe to go along with the siren. It is much easier to find a house with the alarm going off when a light is flashing than by trying to follow a sound. Oh that's right, you don't care about that because it won't be monitored.

[jimu57]

I would say leave things as they are. Buy a Glock. If everyone is gone and a burglar wants in, he is going to. Wooden door jambs will splinter with a good kick no matter what locks you use or length of screws.

[Robotnik]

Yep, looking to add the window film to all the glass. Do I do it on both outside and inside?

I'm not looking to make it "unbreakable", just enough so that it's not the easiest to kick in and have enough deterrents to make them think twice.

Should only need a single layer of film.

Agree with Squelch and others that eliminating the issue (glass doorlites) altogether would be best, but presuming you're keeping the glass, the film's a decent option for adding a layer of complication to a break-in and slowing down an intruder.

I would say leave things as they are. Buy a Glock. If everyone is gone and a burglar wants in, he is going to. Wooden door jambs will splinter with a good kick no matter what locks you use or length of screws.

While I own firearms, and am a well-trained shooter, personally I'd still focus on stiffening up the door, windows, and other structural/procedural elements of my personal security. The reasons are twofold: one, no human can maintain a state of perpetual vigilance, and two, IMHO, security works best in layers. For me, it's relaxing to know that if one element fails or is defeated, there's another element still serving its purpose. Can you break into my house while I'm away? Sure, but you're going to have to work pretty hard at it. If I'm home? I'll ideally have time to call the cops and make a cup of coffee before I even have to think about using a gun on anyone.

[puncho]

Thanks! Yes i'm not a big fan of the big panels, would rather have just a peephole and wall it in, would have to talk to the significant other If I decided to keep them, how could I strengthen the strike plate?

The light to go with the siren is a great idea!

[kwoswalt99-]

I recall a chapter from an NRA book that dealt with home security. It suggested a strike plate made from 3/16" steel plate, bolted to the frame of the house. Personally, I would go with 1/4".

[billdeserthills]

Thanks! Yes i'm not a big fan of the big panels, would rather have just a peephole and wall it in, would have to talk to the significant other If I decided to keep them, how could I strengthen the strike plate?

The light to go with the siren is a great idea!

The 'jamb jacket' is a strip of steel with a lot of screws, it will definately strengthen your doorjamb/ strike
it is made by Major Manufacturing, but several others sell a copy

[WarrenRay]

I would suggest you to try Smart door Locks for Your Home like August Smart Lock, Kwikset Kevo & Kevo Plus or Lockitron Bolt

I think these cool high-tech locks is right for home

[billdeserthills]

I would suggest you to try Smart door Locks for Your Home like August Smart Lock, Kwikset Kevo & Kevo Plus or Lockitron Bolt

I think these cool high-tech locks is right for home

Are you kidding?
Anyone on this forum could pick one of those kwikset locks

[GWiens2001]

Not to mention the SmartKey system has a high failure rate. Wouldn't put one on my house.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

Not to mention the SmartKey system has a high failure rate. Wouldn't put one on my house.

Gordon

Last week the smart-key knob on my apartment door decided to stop working, the key went in, but felt rough and the lock cyl would not turn
I did an easy DE technique, and Surprise! It opened on the first try!