<p></p> <img src="http://live-diamond-certified-wp.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2.jpg" alt="As" style="height: ;width: "/> <p>As a home’s first line of defense against break-ins, it’s critical for exterior doors to be sufficiently reinforced. Photo: Metro Locksmiths, Inc. (2016)</p> <p>Your home may have a high-end alarm system, but if your doors are second-rate, you’re running an unnecessary security risk. <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/expert-video-testing-deadbolt-lock/" target="_self">Exteriors doors are a home’s first line of defense</a>, which is why a weak one represents a major point of vulnerability. Use the following checklist to make sure your doors have what it takes.</p> <p><strong>Door</strong><br>Door hardening starts with the door itself. While interior doors are typically 1 3/8-inch thick, exterior doors should be 1 3/4 inches of solid wood.</p> <p><strong>Door edge</strong><br>When a deadbolt is installed in a door, it creates a 1-inch bore through the outer edge, leaving the actual wood around the deadbolt only 3/8 of an inch thick. To address this vulnerability, install a door edge stiffener, which sandwiches the weak spot with two pieces of metal fastened with two binder bolts.</p> <p><strong>Deadbolt strike plate</strong><br>The deadbolt strike plates on many doors are only 2 inches long, fastened by 1/2-inch screws, which provide little resistance against kick-ins. To provide maximum reinforcement, upgrade to an 18-inch door strike plate that’s fastened by 3 1/2-inch #9 deck screws.</p> <p><strong>Hinges</strong><br>To provide adequate reinforcement, exterior doors should have three hinges, each with a four-screw hole pattern. Replace any 3/4-inch screws with 3 1/2-inch #9 deck screws.</p> <p><strong>Locks</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/5-benefits-digital-lock-system/" target="_self">Door locks</a> come in three different grades, with Grade 1 being the strongest and Grade 3 being the weakest. Any exterior door lock should be a minimum of Grade 2 (a UL 437 high-security lock is a good choice). Deadbolts should have a 1-inch steel bolt that extends into the door frame and be UL Listed for pick and drill resistance.</p> <p><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a></p> <p><strong>Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-locksmith/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Locksmiths</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-locksmith/" target="_self">San Mateo County Locksmiths</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-contractors-remodel-additions/" target="_self">Sonoma County Remodeling Contractors</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-contractors-remodel-additions/" target="_self">Alameda County Remodeling Contractors</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contractor-remodeling-additions/ca/monterey-county/" target="_self">Monterey County Remodeling Contractors</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Related Articles</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Home-Safety-Security/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Home Safety &amp; Security</a> <br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;</p>