Timber Door Security: Easy and Affordable Hardware Upgrades for a Safer Home

16 December 2024

During winter the shorter days and colder weather can present new challenges for homeowners. It’s more important than ever to secure your home’s entry points—particularly your doors, which serve as the first line of defence.

If you’re unsure whether your exterior timber doors are properly secure, it’s a good idea to have a professional locksmith inspect your locks to ensure they meet the latest British Standards (BS3621). While some high-security features are built directly into doors, upgrading these can be difficult and expensive and will often require an entire replacement door. Fortunately, there are several cost-effective hardware upgrades that can significantly improve your existing timber door's security.

1. Upgrade Your Door Cylinders

If your door has a Euro Cylinder, upgrading to a higher-security version is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve home security. Euro Cylinders are relatively simple to replace, and quality models are designed to resist common break-in techniques, such as picking, bumping, snapping, and drilling.

For top tier security, look for a 3-star cylinder lock, which is the highest-rated type available. These cylinders meet rigorous standards such as PAS 24, TS007. They are BSI Kitemarked, meaning they’ve passed extensive durability and security tests, including those under EN 1303: 2015. Installing a 3-star cylinder lock offers robust protection against modern break-in tactics. We have a handy blog which provides a step by step guide for changing a Euro Door Cylinder.

2. Add a Security Door Chain

A security door chain is a simple yet effective addition to your door security. It allows you to partially open the door while preventing anyone from fully entering. This is especially useful when you want to verify a visitor’s identity before letting them inside.

While not foolproof, a door chain can delay a potential intruder, giving you valuable time to respond, alert the authorities, or take other precautions. Installation is quick and affordable, making it a great option for homeowners who want extra security without making significant changes to their doors. The chain doesn’t interfere with the normal operation of the door, allowing for small openings for ventilation or a quick chat while maintaining security. They can be easily installed with screws on a timber door.

3. Install a Door Viewer (Spyhole)

A door viewer (or spyhole) is another low-cost, simple upgrade that enhances security. Modern versions often feature wide-angle lenses, giving you a clearer and broader view of anyone standing outside your door.

Door viewers improve personal safety by letting you see who’s at the door without opening it. This is especially reassuring if you're home alone or want to avoid opening the door to strangers. Additionally, a well-placed door viewer lets you see not just the person, but also the surrounding area, helping you assess whether there might be others nearby. This extra level of awareness can help you feel more in control of who enters your home.

4. Consider Barrel Door Bolts

Barrel bolts are another cost-effective way to reinforce your door security. They add an extra layer of protection against forced entry and are easy to install. You can place multiple bolts at different heights for added security, and they also prevent door rattling or tampering.

While barrel bolts are most effective when combined with more advanced locking mechanisms, they serve as a simple and reliable backup. These bolts are especially useful for preventing unauthorised access from the outside, enhancing the overall security of your door.

Summary: Simple and Affordable Door Security Upgrades

Upgrading your door security doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few simple additions, you can significantly improve the safety of your home. Whether you choose to upgrade your door cylinder, add a security chain, install a door viewer, or use barrel bolts, each of these options offers an affordable and effective way to protect your home from intruders. Plus, most of these upgrades are easy to install and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills.

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