Residential Security Door Suggestions?

[McKnife]

I'm getting tired of seeing all the break-ins and home invasions in Houston, so I am looking to replace my residential doors and frames with something more secure and reinforced.

Not worried about windows... they're already sufficiently hardened.

Suggestions in models, brands, and/or companies to use???

[strogg]

I can't speak to the type of door per se (other than to use steel), but what I can tell you is that you need to make sure you're using long screws to get the door hinges deep into the 2x4s. You'll want to do the same with the strike plates. As for the lock, I personally use Mul-T-Lock. Their Hercular deadbolt has ball bearings on the bolt that keeps it inside the strike plate unless the bolt is retracted by the thumbturn or key. The bolt is fully hardened, so there's no easy way to get through that. The strike plate is also fully hardened. My favorite part is the key. It has this mini springy thing on it that prevents anyone from copying or making an impression without having a factory blank. That will keep all but the most determined of thieves out. And if you do attract those determined of thieves... well... you may have made some wrong choices in life.

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of other locks that are hardened like the Mul-T-Lock. I recommend you go to a high quality locksmith. They'll be able to help you out. I also recommend you stay away from smart locks. They're shiny and full of gizmo features, but they're not as secure as manufacturers make them out to be.

[PriestTheRunner]

Go for a solid wooden door or steel door with 10-gauge interior channels, foam filled.

Standard pivot hinges and hardware is fine, just reinforce your door jambs and hinges with this kit:


I know typically we should post links, but it seems relevant to your questions. I have bought these myself and I highly recommend them. The screws included are 4"+ in length. Square tip bit is included (to help with driving that darn thing in the wall). You'll want a bit driver or really good drill, preferably with a hammer setting.

Fantastic product. If you don't want to change your current door, just adding these should do quite well. It also has multiple spots in case you have triple locks instead of the standard deadbolt and knob.

[warnmar10]

...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E9ZGWNQ
...

[Teamless]

Copied from Lowe’s App, not sure how it will paste (link or not)
This is what we have used for a long time


Secure Elegance White Full-View Aluminum Storm Door (Common: 36-in 81-in; Actual: 35.75-in x 79.75-in) https://www.lowes.com/pd/Secure-Eleganc ... )/50374916

[carlson1]

I installed these on my outside doors and my bedroom door. Was pretty simple to install. Of course no one has tried to kick the doors, but it makes me feel better.

https://doordevil.com

[PBratton]

Armor Concepts. Look at their website. Lowe’s carries them as well.

[mrvmax]

Buy front doors that open outward, this prevents them being kicked in. Also use non removal hinge pins so the pins can’t be pulled from the outside unless the door is open. Use long screws to secure the door.

[bbhack]

Buy front doors that open outward, this prevents them being kicked in. Also use non removal hinge pins so the pins can’t be pulled from the outside unless the door is open. Use long screws to secure the door.

Or install glass or wrought iron "screen" doors, if the architecture and aesthetics allow.

[WTR]

Buy front doors that open outward, this prevents them being kicked in. Also use non removal hinge pins so the pins can’t be pulled from the outside unless the door is open. Use long screws to secure the door.

You can get hinge pins which have a set screw on the inside. One of the simplistic ideas is to use one of the poles which go from the door knob to the flooor at an angle .....surpriseingly effective.....don’t kid your self though, doing a lot of demo work has shown me I can get through most entrance very quickly if I want to, don’t care about noise and have the proper hand tools.

[Jago668]

Wish I could get a door with 1/4" plate steel on the front face. That'd be amusing.

[WTR]

Wish I could get a door with 1/4" plate steel on the front face. That'd be amusing.

You can purchase a bulletin resistant door. I’ve installed them on variorum Fed. Agency Offices. You will also need 4 pair of ball bearing butts and a stout frame. By the way, they are heavy as heck, you will need some help.

[Jago668]

Wish I could get a door with 1/4" plate steel on the front face. That'd be amusing.

You can purchase a bulletin resistant door. I’ve installed them on variorum Fed. Agency Offices. You will also need 4 pair of ball bearing butts and a stout frame. By the way, they are heavy as heck, you will need some help.

I know. Was just imagining someone trying to sledge hammer a giant steel plate down.

[WTR]

Wish I could get a door with 1/4" plate steel on the front face. That'd be amusing.

You can purchase a bulletin resistant door. I’ve installed them on variorum Fed. Agency Offices. You will also need 4 pair of ball bearing butts and a stout frame. By the way, they are heavy as heck, you will need some help.

I know. Was just imagining someone trying to sledge hammer a giant steel plate down.

You should worry more about points of attachment to the frame than the make up of the door.

[mrvmax]

Buy front doors that open outward, this prevents them being kicked in. Also use non removal hinge pins so the pins can’t be pulled from the outside unless the door is open. Use long screws to secure the door.

You can get hinge pins which have a set screw on the inside. One of the simplistic ideas is to use one of the poles which go from the door knob to the flooor at an angle .....surpriseingly effective.....don’t kid your self though, doing a lot of demo work has shown me I can get through most entrance very quickly if I want to, don’t care about noise and have the proper hand tools.

All I need is something to slow them down, by the time they’re in I’ll be ready. Even with power tools it will give me time to get prepared.