7 Ways to Improve Front Door Security

There are several simple steps you can take to ensure extra security for your front door. Visible barriers from the outside coupled with robust defenses inside work to deter and prevent break-ins. Improved security ranges from reinforcing the front door to increasing home security technology outside and inside the home.

Whether your house is empty or inhabited, you can protect and control your property with smart thinking and smart technology. This guide will discuss seven easy ways to improve your front door security and protect your home and family members.

1. Upgrade to smart locks on your front door

A strong security door lock is vital to front door security as it can deter potential intruders. It is the most obvious indicator that you have a secure, multi-layered security system. Upgrading to a smart lock offers increased security and homeowner control.

Smart locks secure your door using a deadbolt lock. Deadbolt locks extend deeply into the doorframe, making forced entry more difficult. Deadbolt locks have a complicated locking mechanism that can only be activated electronically or with a key, as opposed to spring-latched knobs that are vulnerable to lock picking.

The advantage of smart locks is that they don’t require a key, relying instead on keypads, fingerprints, voice commands, or smartphone control. This improves your door security by eliminating the threat of misplaced, stolen, or previously circulated keys getting into the wrong hands. It also protects you from forgetting your key and locking yourself out.

Smart locks can also integrate with existing home security systems and smart home appliances via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to control your locks using devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Vivint smart locks let you lock exterior doors remotely and even create schedules to ensure your doors are locked at critical times. You can also customize up to 30 unique codes for anyone needing temporary access to your house, like builders, cleaners, dog walkers, or guests. This provides real-time data on who is entering and exiting your property.

The emergence of smart door locks has improved front door security and allowed homeowners to enjoy a keyless existence.

2. Reinforce door frames and hinges

FBI statistics show that the majority of home break-ins are caused by door kick-ins. To protect against kick-ins, add reinforcements to wooden door frames and hinges.

To reinforce the door frame, you can install a layer of steel over the door jamb. You can purchase kits to do this, but be sure to use long screws to penetrate to the wall studs. You can further reinforce your front door by upgrading your hinges and screws.

For maximum front door durability, consider installing a steel door or steel door frame.

3. Consider a doorbell camera

You used to have to peek through a window or squint into a peephole to see who was at your door — now you can use a doorbell camera. Doorbell cameras are easy to install and wirelessly connect to smart home devices and mobile apps. Doorbell cameras detect movement, record video, and feature two-way audio, so you can interact with whoever’s at your door without having to open it.

Doorbell cameras are visual deterrents to potential intruders; they also allow you to monitor visitors and deliveries on your smartphone. Should a break-in occur, doorbell cameras offer invaluable video footage local authorities may be able to use to identify offenders.

The Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro works with existing Vivint security and offers a wide 180-degree view. It also has an advanced sensor to prevent package theft; a pre-set alarm will go off when anyone approaches the porch within a set motion zone.

4. Install security cameras around your home

Installing security cameras near the entrance of your home can further protect your front door from intruders. Like doorbell cameras, security cameras act as deterrents to would-be thieves, allow you to monitor your home and property, and record video footage in case of a home invasion.

Vivint’s Outdoor Camera Pro features extra detection sensors and enhanced night vision that can highlight objects using infrared LEDs. It also uses Vivint’s Smart Sentry AI to focus on possible threats and suspicious loiterers near your home.

Indoor cameras also increase your home’s security. Indoor cameras can monitor entry points while also watching over the inside of your home and are great for keeping an eye on family members, pets, and belongings when you’re away. Should a burglary occur, indoor security cameras can capture every moment of the crime and increase the chances of apprehending offenders.

Vivint’s Indoor Camera is motion-activated, automatically recording and alerting your phone when triggered. It also offers two-way audio, so you can communicate with whoever is in your home, be it family members, pets, or unwanted criminals.

Vivint offers free professional installation with every security camera purchase. Our technicians will determine the locations to install your cameras for maximum security. Vivint installers will also connect your cameras to existing security systems and smart devices, teach you how to use camera features, and troubleshoot any installation issues.

5. Install exterior lighting for safety

Motion sensor lights can strengthen your home’s security, turning on when intruders come near and startling them away from your property. Motion sensor lights can also light up pathways to help you walk safely around your home at night.

Vivint’s Spotlight Pro lights up your home’s exterior and works with the Outdoor Camera Pro to accurately identify threats on your property. Both products are equipped with Smart Deter technology, using microelectronic devices to identify people and track their movements within predefined motion zones.

6. Consider security door sensors

Door and window sensors alert you when someone opens a door or window. They can be connected to home security systems and programmed to trigger an alarm. They offer increased security for all entry points in your home, not just the front door.

You can also increase your home’s security by installing glass break sensors. These sensors pick up the frequency of shattered glass and trigger an alarm when they detect the sound. They are excellent for patio door security and have a range of 20 to 25 feet, so you only need one in every room.

7. Add a door security bar

Heavy-duty security bars add a layer of door reinforcement and protection to your home. If an intruder breaks through your door lock, these stainless steel bars will act as a door barricade to stop your door from opening.

Door security bars come in fixed or adjustable models. Fixed models are permanently installed on doors and can be engaged or disengaged as needed. Adjustable door security bars are braced between the floor and door handle or the side of the door jamb. They are not permanently installed on the door and can be used on many door types. Adjustable door braces are often used on sliding glass doors.

Get a safer front door with Vivint

Your home’s front door is intended to welcome family and friends, not intruders. A high-security door, reinforced and supported by other security devices, can protect your home and give you peace of mind. From smart locks and security cameras to door sensors and motion detection lighting, Vivint offers advanced security technologies to protect your home.

Vivint’s security experts can help you design a security plan that best suits your space. With top-of-the-line security products and free professional installation, we can help you feel safe and secure in your home. Give us a call at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.