Making your apartment door more secure is an important step in keeping your home and belongings safe. There are many simple and inexpensive ways to reinforce your existing door or install new devices to deter intruders. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss why apartment door security is important, provide an overview of common vulnerabilities in standard apartment doors, and give recommendations on the best ways to reinforce or upgrade your door. We will cover adding extra locks, reinforcing the frame, getting a security door, smart locks, video doorbells, and other helpful tips. With some planning and basic tools, you can significantly improve your apartment door security in just a few hours.
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Why is apartment door security so important?
Apartment complexes can present unique security challenges compared to single-family homes. Often there are multiple entry points, shared hallways, and a high resident turnover. While apartment managers make efforts to ensure building safety, residents are responsible for securing their individual unit. An intruder can force open a standard interior apartment door within seconds. Once inside your home, the intruder has access to steal valuables, compromise personal information, or even pose a threat to your physical safety. Reinforcing your door is the first line of defense to prevent unauthorized entry. Investing in improved apartment door security provides these benefits:
- Deters potential intruders by making your door more difficult to force open
- Gives you extra reaction time if someone tries to gain entry
- Provides peace of mind knowing your home is safer
- Allows time to activate other security systems or contact police if an intruder persists
- Helps lower your renters insurance rates with discounts in some cases
Don’t overlook the importance of securing your apartment door. The relatively minor investment in improved locks and reinforcements pays dividends in enhanced safety and security.
Overview of Vulnerabilities in Standard Apartment Doors
Before getting into solutions, it helps to understand the vulnerabilities in typical apartment doors that make them easy targets:
Hollow core construction – Most apartment doors use light weight hollow core wood or pressed cardboard inside a wood veneer. This is easy for an intruder to kick or force open by applying weight on the lock side. Solid wood or steel doors provide much more strength.
Weak framing – The door frame in apartments often lacks adequate reinforcement to resist force. Spreading the frame or breaking the jamb is quick with minimal tools. Upgrades to the jambs, strike plate, and hinges are key.
Standard locks – The simple pin and tumbler locks provided with apartment doors can be picked or bumped open in seconds. High security locks with extra features are recommended.
Gap beneath door – A gap between the door and floor is necessary for operation but provides a way to break in by slipping a card or tool to open the lock or chain. Threshold bars and door sweeps can close this gap.
No additional barriers – Without extra locks or other impediments, an intruder encounters only a single locked door which can be quickly defeated. Adding multiple points of reinforcement complicates entry.
Vulnerable windows – While not part of the door itself, unsecured windows provide another easy path of entry that avoids the door entirely. Ensure windows have working locks and cannot be spread open.
Now that you know where apartment doors are most vulnerable, let’s discuss the best ways to address these weaknesses.
Recommended Ways to Improve Apartment Door Security
The following methods represent the most effective options to reinforce your apartment door and deter potential break-ins:
Add Extra Locks
Adding additional high-quality locks provides more points of strength to resist and slow forced entry. Recommended options include:
Security deadbolts – Install a heavy-duty, grade 1 or 2 deadbolt with a 1-inch throw bolt that extends deep into the door frame. Choose a pick-resistant keyway design. Apply a reinforcing strike plate with 3-4 inch screws.
Double cylinder deadbolt – If you do not require keyed entry from exterior (just a thumb turn), a double cylinder deadbolt is even more secure.
Security chains/bars – Install two chains or slider bars positioned at different heights to prevent spreading the door open wide enough to slip through.
Auxiliary latches – Add a pair of secondary security latches or surface bolts at the top and bottom of door. Side bolts can also help.
When installing additional locks, be sure to only use types permitted by your apartment complex. Never block fire exits in violation of codes. Check that the locks allow self-egress from interior in case of emergency.
Reinforce the Door Frame
A strong door is only as effective as its frame. Three important steps to bolster the door jamb:
Replace short screws – Longer 4-6″ screws that extend deep into framing will keep strike plate securely attached.
Install strike plate braces – Attach steel strike reinforcers or wood blocking behind strike plate to add strength.
Door jamb bracing – Install metal L-brackets and long screws into framing around the jamb to prevent spreading.
Install a Security Door
For maximum door reinforcement, install a security door as an additional barrier. Security doors come in two main types:
Grille door – This heavy duty metal screen installs over your existing door to deter intruders. Allows ventilation and visibility.
Steel door – A steel security door replaces your whole door for the highest level of protection. Fire rated options available.
Security doors require professional installation and may need approval from your landlord. Get accurate frame measurements to size it properly. These specialty doors provide immense strength but do impact aesthetics.
Smart Locks
Smart locks allow you to control your door remotely via smartphone to let in guests or deliveries. Features include:
Remote lock/unlock – Check door status and lock/unlock from anywhere.
Activity notifications – Get instant alerts when your door is accessed.
Keyless entry – Share digital keys to allow one-time or recurring access.
Auto-lock – Door locks automatically after set duration if left ajar.
Look for brands like August, Lockly, Schlage, and Yale that allow easy DIY installation. Using a smart lock in conjunction with a physical deadbolt provides both high-tech and robust security.
Video Doorbell Camera
A video doorbell adds the ability to see who is at your door directly on your phone and record video clips. Features include:
Video call functionality – Speak to visitors at your door from anywhere.
Remote viewing – Check the door area live or view recordings.
Motion alerts – Get notifications when activity is detected.
AI detection – Advanced models can recognize faces or suspicious activity.
Popular options like Ring, Nest, and Arlo can install over your existing doorbell. Monitor deliveries, deter crimes, and avoid opening the door to strangers.
Other Helpful Tips
Here are some additional techniques to boost apartment door security:
– Install a wide angle peephole or security camera to see outside.
– Apply tamper evident seals to detect break-in attempts.
– Never hide a key outside your home. Leave a spare with a trusted neighbor instead.
– Make sure exterior lighting is working properly around doors.
– Keep landscaping trimmed away from doors so it doesn’t provide cover.
– Use a dowel in the sliding door track to prevent lifting or forced entry.
– Keep the door perimeter and locking points lubricated for smooth operation.
– Test locks frequently to ensure they are functioning as intended.
– Provide police or landlord serial numbers of expensive locks and security bars.
– Consider noise making devices that alert when the door is opened unexpectedly.
Following the security best practices detailed above will effectively armor your apartment door against intruders. Start with affordable basic solutions like extra locks and work your way up to advanced systems for optimal protection. With common sense precautions, you can drastically minimize risks to your home and belongings. Stay alert and don’t become complacent about apartment security. Taking proactive measures gives you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Enhancing apartment door security is a wise investment that pays dividends through increased safety. Standard apartment doors are vulnerable to intrusion by forced entry. Reinforcing the door frame, adding locks, and installing security doors effectively deters crime and buys precious reaction time in an emergency. Advanced options like smart locks and video doorbells provide high tech visibility and control. Following the recommendations in this guide tailors multiple layers of protection for your specific needs and budget. Securing your front door helps you sleep better at night knowing you’ve done all you reasonably can to protect your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action to properly secure your apartment door today.