Last Updated: June 24th, 2008
Crime Prevention Tip of the Month
Home Security: A Look at Ways to Secure Doors Using Strike Plates and Key Control Doors
There are many sizes, shapes and types of exterior doors. The security of any door depends on its construction.
The Hollow Core Door is the most commonly used. It is also the least secure. It consists of a wood frame covered with a thin veneer; it is supported by cardboard arranged in a honeycomb fashion, to keep the veneer from collapsing. This type of door should be used as an interior door only.
The Solid Wood Door provides good security. It is constructed entirely of heavy wood. Some doors have decorative wooden panel inserts that greatly reduce its security.
The Solid Core Door provides good security. It is constructed much the same way as the hollow core door; however, the center is filled with compressed particle-type material that provides strength.
The Metal Door is becoming a favorite exterior door and it provides good security. It consists of a frame covered in a 16 to 20 gauge steel covering. The center of the door is filled with compressed hard foam.
Strike Plates
The weakest area of many doors and locking devices is the strike plate. High security strike plates mounted with three-inch screws will strengthen the doorframe where the throw of the dead bolt meets. The three-inch screws will extend through the doorframe and secure into the stud or existing frame structure of the home. With shorter screws, the strike plate is only secured into the doorframe, which is usually constructed of soft wood that splinters easily.
Deadbolt Locks
The Spring Latch, key in the knob lockset, offers zero security. Known as the "credit card" or "ten second" model, is found on many homes. On exterior doors, this lock set should be an addition to the deadbolt lock. Doors leading into the home from an attached garage or from the basement should be considered an exterior door.
A Single Cylinder Deadbolt lock functions with a key from the outside and thumb turn from the inside. Single cylinder deadbolts are intended to be used on solid doors with no glass within 40 inches of the lock.
A Double Cylinder Deadbolt lock functions with a key from the outside and inside. It is intended for use on doors with glass within 40 inches of the lock. The use of a double cylinder deadbolt lock presents a life safety hazard due to the need to have a key for exit. The 1997 Uniform Building Code states; Regardless of the occupant load served, exit doors shall be open-able from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.