Reinforcing Your Existing Door
How to secure bedroom door from outside – While a sturdy door is a good start, there are several ways to further reinforce it and make it even more difficult for intruders to gain access. Let’s talk about some simple and effective measures you can take.
Installing a Door Chain
A door chain is a simple but effective security device that can significantly deter intruders. It’s a small metal chain that attaches to the inside of your door and allows you to open the door a small amount, just enough to see who is outside. This prevents the intruder from pushing the door open completely.
Here’s how to install a door chain:
- Locate the spot on your door where you want to install the chain. It should be high enough that an intruder can’t easily reach over it.
- Mark the spot on the door with a pencil.
- Drill a pilot hole at the marked spot. The hole should be slightly smaller than the screw that comes with the door chain.
- Secure the door chain to the door using the screw.
- Test the door chain to make sure it works properly. You should be able to open the door a small amount but not completely.
Adding a Doorjamb Reinforcement Plate
A doorjamb reinforcement plate is a metal plate that is attached to the doorjamb to make it more difficult to kick in the door. It adds extra strength and rigidity to the doorjamb, making it more resistant to force.
Here’s how to install a doorjamb reinforcement plate:
- Measure the width of your doorjamb and purchase a reinforcement plate that is the same size.
- Remove the existing strike plate from the doorjamb.
- Align the reinforcement plate with the doorjamb and mark the screw holes.
- Drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
- Secure the reinforcement plate to the doorjamb using the screws provided.
- Reinstall the strike plate.
Installing a Strike Plate
The strike plate is the metal plate that the deadbolt latch engages with. It’s important to have a strong strike plate to prevent the door from being kicked in. Here’s how to install a strike plate:
- Choose a strike plate that is the same size as your deadbolt latch. You can find strike plates in different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is compatible with your deadbolt.
- Remove the existing strike plate from the doorjamb.
- Align the new strike plate with the doorjamb and mark the screw holes.
- Drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
- Secure the strike plate to the doorjamb using the screws provided.
Installing a Deadbolt Lock, How to secure bedroom door from outside
A deadbolt lock is a crucial security feature for any door. It provides a much stronger lock than a standard doorknob and can deter intruders. Here’s how to install a deadbolt lock:
- Choose a high-quality deadbolt lock that is certified by an independent testing laboratory. Look for a lock that has a strong deadbolt and a sturdy latch.
- Determine the correct placement for the deadbolt lock. It should be installed at a height that is comfortable for you to reach.
- Mark the spot on the door where you want to install the deadbolt lock.
- Drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
- Secure the deadbolt lock to the door using the screws provided.
- Install the strike plate on the doorjamb.
- Test the deadbolt lock to make sure it works properly.
Adding Additional Security Measures: How To Secure Bedroom Door From Outside
Adding security measures to your bedroom door can enhance its protection and provide peace of mind. By incorporating these measures, you create a more secure environment and deter potential intruders.
Door Alarms, Motion Sensors, and Peepholes
These devices provide an extra layer of security by alerting you to potential threats and offering a visual confirmation of who is at your door.
- Door Alarms: These devices sound an alarm when the door is opened or tampered with. They can be installed on the door frame or directly on the door itself, and some models offer wireless connectivity for remote monitoring. Door alarms are effective deterrents as they create noise that can alert neighbors or scare away intruders.
- Motion Sensors: Motion sensors detect movement within a specified area and trigger an alarm. They can be placed near the door to detect anyone approaching or attempting to break in. Some models offer adjustable sensitivity settings to prevent false alarms from pets or other minor movements. Motion sensors can be integrated into a home security system for enhanced protection.
- Peepholes: Peepholes are small, circular lenses installed in doors that allow you to see who is on the other side. They provide a visual confirmation of who is at your door before you open it, preventing potential confrontations with strangers or suspicious individuals. Modern peepholes can offer wide-angle views or even digital displays with video recording capabilities.
Window Security Film
Window security film is a transparent, adhesive film applied to windows to enhance their strength and deter break-ins. It works by holding shattered glass together, making it more difficult for intruders to gain entry through broken windows.
- Benefits of Window Security Film: Window security film offers several benefits, including:
- Increased Resistance: The film strengthens the glass, making it more resistant to impact and preventing it from shattering easily.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: By holding the glass together, it reduces the risk of injury from flying shards of glass.
- Enhanced Security: It deters intruders by making it more difficult to break through windows, providing an extra layer of security.
- Installation: Window security film is typically installed by a professional. They measure the windows, cut the film to size, and apply it using a special adhesive. The film is then activated with heat to create a strong bond with the glass.
Security Camera Systems
Security camera systems are effective deterrents against intruders and can provide valuable evidence in case of a break-in.
- Benefits of Security Camera Systems: Security camera systems offer several benefits, including:
- Deterrent: The presence of cameras can deter intruders from attempting to break in.
- Evidence: In case of a break-in, the cameras can provide valuable evidence to law enforcement.
- Remote Monitoring: Many systems allow you to monitor your home remotely through a smartphone app.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is being monitored can provide peace of mind.
- Types of Security Camera Systems: Security camera systems come in various forms, including:
- Wired Systems: Wired systems are connected to a central recording device through cables.
- Wireless Systems: Wireless systems use Wi-Fi or cellular networks to transmit data to a recording device.
- Cloud-Based Systems: Cloud-based systems store recordings in the cloud, allowing you to access them from anywhere.
- Choosing a Security Camera System: When choosing a security camera system, consider factors such as:
- Resolution: Higher resolution cameras provide clearer images.
- Field of View: The field of view determines how much area the camera can capture.
- Night Vision: Night vision cameras allow you to monitor your home in low-light conditions.
- Storage: Choose a system with enough storage capacity for your needs.
Door Wedge
A door wedge is a simple but effective device that can prevent a door from being forced open.
- How Door Wedges Work: Door wedges are placed at the bottom of the door, creating a gap between the door and the floor. This gap makes it difficult for intruders to force the door open.
- Types of Door Wedges: Door wedges come in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Some models have features like adjustable height or a built-in alarm.
- Using a Door Wedge: To use a door wedge, simply insert it between the door and the floor. The wedge should be placed as close to the door hinge as possible to maximize its effectiveness.
Preventing Entry from the Outside
It’s essential to make your bedroom as secure as possible, especially when you’re not home. While reinforcing your door and adding security measures can help, it’s equally important to prevent entry from the outside. This involves securing your windows, using outdoor lighting, and creating natural barriers in your yard.
Securing Your Windows
Windows are often a vulnerable point of entry for intruders. Here are some ways to secure your windows and make them less appealing to potential thieves:
- Install locks: Even if your windows already have basic locks, consider upgrading to more secure options like double-cylinder deadbolt locks or multi-point locking systems. These locks are more difficult to break and provide a higher level of security.
- Use security bars: Security bars are sturdy metal bars that are placed on the inside of your windows to prevent them from being forced open. They are a highly effective deterrent and can be customized to fit your windows.
- Apply window film: Window film is a thin, transparent film that is applied to your windows and helps to prevent them from breaking. It’s not as strong as security bars, but it can deter opportunistic thieves and buy you some time if someone tries to break in.
Utilizing Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in deterring intruders and improving visibility around your home.
- Motion-activated lights: These lights are triggered by movement and can effectively deter intruders by illuminating them unexpectedly. They are particularly useful in areas like your driveway, porch, and back yard.
- Well-lit pathways: Ensure that the walkways leading to your front and back doors are well-lit. This makes it harder for intruders to approach your home unnoticed and provides a sense of security for you and your family.
- Consider floodlights: Floodlights can be installed on the sides of your home to illuminate the surrounding area and deter intruders. Make sure the lights are positioned in a way that doesn’t create blind spots or make it easy for intruders to hide.
Landscaping for Security
Landscaping can be a great way to create natural barriers and discourage intruders.
- Trim overgrown shrubs: Overgrown shrubs can provide hiding places for intruders. Regularly trim them to maintain clear lines of sight around your home and eliminate potential hiding spots.
- Plant thorny bushes: Thorny bushes like roses or barberry can act as a natural deterrent and make it more difficult for intruders to approach your home. Plant them around your perimeter or near windows and doors.
- Use gravel or mulch: Gravel or mulch can be used around your home to create noise when someone walks on it, making it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed.
