Metal Or Steel Doors
A well constructed steel door is probably the homeowner’s best protection against forced entry; however, all steel doors are not constructed the same. Some are constructed with a heavier gauge sheet metal, while others are thinner and can be peeled apart like a tin can. It is recommended that the sheet metal used in the construction of a metal door be no thinner than 18 gauge. Normally, steel doors are filled with foam or some type of insulation material. Horizontal and vertical stiffeners within the door add strength to the door. The steel door should be reinforced at the lock and door knob assembly. This usually is accomplished with heavier metal plates within the door.
Solid-Core Doors
Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4″ inches thick) or metal wrapped. Your door should fit it’s frame tightly, with no more than 1/8″ inch clearance between the door and the door frame. If the gap is too big, replace the door or bolt with a sturdy metal strip to the door edge. You will boost your protection, and save energy too.
Hollow-Core Doors
Most hollow core doors can be easily broken through. These types of doors should not be used as exterior doors on houses. If the door is flimsy or weak, or doesn’t fit securely into the frame, it offers little protection, no matter what locks you use.
Glass Vision Panels Or Glass In The Doors
Doors with decorative glass panels or windows are easy marks. It takes only seconds to break the glass and unlock the door. If you do not want to replace such doors, install a break-resistant plastic panel, such as Lexan, or decorative grille over the glass. Attach the grill with special non-removable screws.
French Or Double Doors
The glass in French doors can be treated in the same manner as glass in doors discussed previously. There are additional measures to be taken with French doors or any double door. To secure the double doors, one of the doors must be made stationary by properly installed concealed flush mounted header and threshold bolts. The active door is secured to the inactive door by using a single-cylinder deadbolt lock.
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