How to Reinforce a Door to Protect Your Home from Burglary

Written by Artisan Contracting on July 1, 2023

When we go inside our homes, and then shut and lock the front door, we generally feel safe. Unfortunately, this is a false security for most people, as what a lot of people are unaware of is the fact that unless the door is reinforced, it can be easily kicked down. After all, an inch or so of wood wouldn’t really offer up too much heavy-duty protection. The frame also offers a real weak point, and research shows that about 70% of home burglaries are carried out in this way.

So what can you do to ensure that you really are safe and secure in your home? Of course, there are a number of security issues that you should be thinking about, but an important one is to reinforce your door. So how is it done?

The Value of Reinforced Doors for Burglary Prevention

Reinforced doors make forced entry much harder for intruders. Solid-core materials, steel reinforcements, and high-quality locks create a barrier that resists kicking, prying, and drilling. Unlike standard doors, these are built to withstand direct impact, buying time in a break-in attempt and often discouraging criminals before they even try.

Even if your luck persists and no one attempts a break-in, a reinforced door will add value to your home if/when you put it on the market.

How To Reinforce a Door That’s New

If you want the reinforce a door before it is installed:

1. First, you need to get a heavy-duty mending plate – of 12-gauge galvanized steel.
2. Place on the back of the door casing and centre on the deadbolt. Now trace the outline of the mending plate on the wood and the dead bolt on the mending plate.
3. Cut a hole in the mending plate to give access to the deadbolt.
4. Chisel out some of the wood on the door frame so that the mending plate sits flush.
5. Attach the plate to the frame with ¼” screws – or some shot enough that they won’t go through the door frame.
6. Drill holes in the door through the holes in the mending plate.
7. Place the door in the opening and secure the inside – place wood behind the hinges and drive two 3½ “ no. 10 screws into each hinge. Now make sure that the door opens and closes properly.
8. Place a piece of wood in the crack between the house framing and the mending plate. This secures the house as it will strengthen the frame and help to protect it from twisting.
9. Drive 4” no.10 screws into the four holes.
10. Choose a heavy-duty strike plate and put it in with 3½” no. 10 screws.
11. The deadbolt goes through both plates.

How to Reinforce an Existing Door

To reinforce a door which is already in place:

1. Remove the trim to expose the door casing where the deadbolt is located.
2. Trace the outline of the mending plate on the door.
3. Chisel out some of the wood on the door frame so that the mending plate sits flush.
4. Place a piece of wood in the crack between the door casing and frame, close to the length of the reinforcement.
5. Attach the plate to the door chasing with 1½” screws and to the house’s framing with 3½” screws.
6. Seal the gap between the door casing and framing with insulating frame foam.
7. Once this is dried, put the trim back on.

Work With A Pro To Boost Your Security

Reinforcing your front door can play a major part in boosting the security of your home. It is relatively simple to do and can make the difference between someone being able to get into your house or not!

For more information about reinforcing doors, Contact Artisan Contracting today.