How to make your front door more secure

The best way to improve your front door security is to make sure the door, frame and locking system are all working together to protect your home. 

Your front door is one of the main entry points into a property, but improving its security does not always mean replacing the entire door. The right approach depends on your door’s condition and the level of security you want to achieve. 

Why front door security is worth taking seriously

A secure front door relies on more than just a good lock. The door, frame, locking system, hinges and hardware all need to work together against forced entry. Checking these areas is a good place to start, since weaknesses in the lock, hinges or frame can make your property an easier target for potential intruders. 

Easy ways to improve your existing front door

If a new door isn’t on the cards for you right now, there are still several easy ways to add extra security to your existing door and improve home safety. 

Upgrade your door lock

If your existing lock is old, worn or no longer working properly, upgrading it can improve your home’s security. Different types of locks suit different doors, so check yours meets an appropriate British Standard. 

For timber doors, a five-lever mortice deadbolt lock meeting BS 3621 provides a recognised level of security. Modern uPVC and composite doors commonly use multi-point locking systems, securing the door at several locking points around the frame. 

If your door uses a euro cylinder, consider one with anti-snap protection and a thumb turn on the inside for easier operation. Always check that any replacement lock suits your door and that the door handle and other hardware are compatible. 

Fit a door chain and viewer

A door chain or door limiter is one of the easiest ways to add extra security, letting you speak to visitors without opening the door fully. A wide-angle door viewer helps you see who is outside before unlocking anything, giving you an extra layer of security when you’re not sure who’s calling. 

Check the strike plate, door hinges and frame

The strike plate is the metal plate set into the door jamb that receives the lock bolt, so it’s worth checking for damage or looseness. Exposed hinges can be reinforced with suitable hinge bolts or security hinges, adding protection against attempts to force the door from the hinge side. 

Even a strong lock has limited benefit if your door’s frame is damaged, loose or deteriorating, so check for movement or cracks. If the frame has deteriorated over time, replacing the complete doorset can be a more effective long-term solution. 

Look for recognised security standards

Security standards and security measures help you compare products and understand how much security a door offers, rather than relying on marketing claims. 

• Secured by Design – a police-led initiative focused on effective crime prevention measures 

• PAS 24 – a standard used to assess the security performance of doors and windows against methods of attack 

• BS 3621 – a British Standard covering thief-resistant mechanically operated locks 

Does your door material matter?

It can. A hollow core door offers less resistance to forced entry than a solid door, and older wooden doors can become vulnerable as the frame deteriorates. Solid wood can provide good strength when properly maintained. 

Composite doors, built around a solid timber core with a tough GRP outer skin, provide a strong and durable entrance. Modern uPVC doors with robust frames and multi-point locking can also provide effective security, and the same considerations apply to external doors and glass doors elsewhere on the property. 

Add a smart layer

Smart security products add an extra layer of protection around your front door. A video doorbell shows you who is outside, while a smart lock, wider smart home security system or security cameras can send alerts and help you monitor your home when you’re away. 

These features should complement, rather than replace, good physical door security, which should always come first for the safety of your home. 

When it’s time for a new front door

Sometimes upgrading individual components isn’t enough, and if your door is warped, damaged or fitted with an outdated locking system, a full replacement can be the better long-term option. Replacing your door also gives you the opportunity to address several security considerations at once, from the strength of the frame and door construction to the locking system and relevant security standards. 

Our composite doors bring several of these security considerations together, combining a solid timber core, tough GRP outer skin and resilient frame with advanced locking mechanisms. 

 Our uPVC entrance doors feature robust multi-point locking as standard, helping secure the door at several points around the frame. They can also be customised with different colours, panel designs and glazing options, so security doesn’t have to come at the expense of appearance. 

We can also help with security across other exterior doors, including French doors, bifold doors and patio doors. Whatever entry door you choose from our range of front doors, it’s backed by a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee. 

If you’re looking for a more secure front door in Kent, get a free, no-obligation quote from our team and talk to us about the options available for your home.