What is a door reinforcement plate?

A door reinforcement plate, sometimes called a door security plate, is a metal plate that is installed on the inside of an exterior door to provide additional strength and security. Reinforcement plates help prevent forced entry by reinforcing the door jamb against kicking or ramming attacks. They are commonly used in both residential and commercial applications to improve door security.

What Does a Door Reinforcement Plate Do?

A door reinforcement plate serves several important functions:

• It reinforces the door frame and jamb where the lock and bolt meet the frame, preventing the frame from splitting apart under force
• It helps transfer the energy from a kick or ram attack away from the lock area to more durable parts of the door frame
• It acts as a barrier to prevent someone from gaining access to the lock and bolt from the outside
• It provides additional strength and impact resistance to the entire lock side of the door

By installing a reinforcement plate, the door frame is much less likely to be broken, split, or damaged during a break-in attempt. Even if the lock itself fails, the plate will prevent the door from swinging open, buying time for the occupants to react or call for help. It makes the door significantly more resistant to brute force attacks.

Types of Door Reinforcement Plates

There are several different types of door reinforcement plates designed for specific purposes:

Flush Reinforcement Plates

Flush plates sit evenly within the door frame, providing internal reinforcement without being visible. They come in various widths to fit standard door jambs and are installed around the strike plate area.

Surface Mounted Reinforcement Plates

Surface mounted plates attach to the exterior surface of the door frame, completely covering the lock and strike area. They are highly visible and act as an additional barrier to protect the lock.

Box Reinforcement Plates

Box reinforcements are wrapped around the lockset and bolt assembly, forming a closed box. They provide the most reinforcement but require modifying the door frame.

Hinge Reinforcement Plates

Hinge plates attach to the surface of the frame along the hinge side of the door. They prevent the door from being forcefully detached from the hinges.

Security Astragals

Astragals are metal strips attached along the meeting point of double doors. They prevent spreading the doors far enough apart to bypass the lock.

Materials Used for Reinforcement Plates

Door reinforcement plates are commonly constructed from steel due to its strength, but they may also be made from other metals:

• Steel – Most common, provides the best strength and impact resistance. Typically 20 to 14 gauge thickness.
• Aluminum – Lighter but lower strength than steel. Used for visual deterrence.
• Stainless Steel – Very strong and corrosion resistant, often used in coastal areas.
• Iron – Durable but very heavy and prone to rusting. Wrought iron is a popular decorative option.
• Brass – Used for antique and period-style doors, not optimal for security.

Where Should Door Reinforcement Plates Be Installed?

Reinforcement plates should be installed in the following high-risk locations:

• On exterior doors near locks and strike plates
• On apartment and condo doors
• Around door frames that lead from garages into the home
• On doors with glass panes, sidelights, or pet doors
• On double doors to reinforce the astragal

They can be installed on nearly any type of door material, including wood, steel, fiberglass, and metal.

How to Install a Door Reinforcement Plate

Installing a door reinforcement plate is a relatively simple DIY project using basic tools:

1. Measure and mark the position on the door frame to mount the plate.
2. Cut away any molding or trim obstructing the installation area.
3. Use a chisel or router to recess the plate slightly into the door jamb.
4. Pre-drill holes for the mounting screws, usually 4-8 depending on plate size.
5. Use wood screws or long bolts to securely fasten the plate to the frame.
6. Reinstall any trim or molding removed during installation.

For maximum security, long 3-4″ screws should be used to reinforce deeply into the wall studs or door framing. The plate should fit tightly within its recessed pocket in the jamb.

Benefits of Installing a Reinforcement Plate

Door reinforcement plates provide many important benefits:

• Significantly improve door security against forced entry
• Protect doors from damage during break-in attempts
• Deter potential intruders by increasing perceived security
• Relatively low cost but high value protective upgrade
• Easy DIY installation with basic tools and skills
• Applicable for both residential and commercial buildings
• Help meet insurance and building code security requirements

By spending less than $50 and about an hour installing reinforcement plates, you can gain immense peace of mind knowing your doors will resist unauthorized entry much more effectively.

Disadvantages of Reinforcement Plates

Potential downsides to keep in mind include:

• Visible exterior plates can detract from aesthetics
• May require drilling holes in door frame for installation
• Flushing mounting provides less visible deterrence
• Not helpful if intruder breaks through walls or windows instead
• Locks and windows also need upgrades for complete security
• Can make doors slightly harder to open and close

However, these disadvantages are generally minor compared to the security benefit gained. Strategic installation focused on vulnerable doors can mitigate most downsides.

Security Recommendations

To maximize home security, experts recommend:

• Install steel reinforcement plates on all exterior doors
• Use at least four long (3-4″) screws into the studs per plate
• Apply plates vertically on both sides of strike plate area
• Combine with high-security strike plates, longer door bolts, and sturdy locks
• Consider monitored alarm system to detect intrusion attempts
• Properly illuminate exterior doors and reinforce with steel frames
• Utilize high-quality steel doors or steel door skins

Layered security measures combining door reinforcement, robust locks, alarm systems, and proper lighting provides optimal protection against forced entry. Consulting a security professional for an evaluation is also advised.

Reinforcing Door Frames

In addition to installing reinforcement plates, consider upgrading the door frames themselves for maximum strength:

• Replace hollow wood frames with solid hardwood or steel
• Install longer strike plate screws reaching deep into frame and studs
• Apply wood glue and extra screws to reinforce mitered joints
• Anchor tracks and double door astragals for stability
• Wrap high-strength composite materials around frame corners

Stronger door frames minimize twisting, bowing, and splitting during intrusion attempts. They complement reinforcement plates for holistic security.

Specialized Reinforcement Products

Beyond basic plates, many specialized reinforcement products exist:

Lock Guard

A box reinforcement that completely encapsulates the lockset and deadbolt mechanism.

Door Devil

A patented concealed reinforcement system installed between the door stop and jamb.

Hinge Reinforcer

A triangular plate securing hinge side of door into the frame.

StrikeMaster

A reinforced strike box system for maximum strength.

Security Astragals

Heavy-duty astragals prevent spreading double doors at the lock jamb.

Lock Blocking Plates

Thick plates that prevent access to the locking mechanism from outside.

Consulting with a security professional can help identify optimal solutions for your specific needs and doors.

Conclusion

Installing door reinforcement plates is an easy, affordable way to significantly improve security. They strengthen vulnerable door frames against forced entry attempts. While not impenetrable, they meaningfully slow down and deter potential intruders. Reinforcement plates give you valuable extra time to react to threats. As part of a layered home security strategy, they provide peace of mind knowing your doors will resist unauthorized access.