Doors protect your home from unwanted intrusion. They’ve evolved a lot over the years, getting new security features due to advancements in tech and materials. Upgrading your entry door to a new modern door raises the question, does my old door put my home at risk? Are older doors less secure? This guide has the answer to explaining modern door security and the advancements that make new doors safe to help you determine if your home needs an entry door upgrade.
Are Modern Doors More Secure?
In most cases, yes. Modern doors are more secure than older ones because of newer advancements in construction, materials, and features that help prevent forced entry. Today’s doors are made with more solid door cores, improved locking systems, and tamper resistant door frames. Of course, security does not solely depend on how old a door is. It also depends on how a door is constructed, how good its locking features are, and how it is installed.
There are old doors which have been around for a long time serving their purpose as a door, but security have standards that have changed. The good thing about having a brand new door is that it will be able to protect you from break ins.
Why Do These Things Make Doors Secure?
- A solid core door offers more resistance to forced entry than a hollow core, which can be easily damaged. Hutter doors have a hollow wood core, but new doors have reinforced steel or composite which offer a lot more strength than the old doors.
- The next thing which is a strong door and its a high-quality locking system which is difficult to manipulate and withstand physical force. New doors come with multi-point locking systems which makes it tougher for intruders to break into their doors.
- Secure Frame and Hinges: Door frames are the most crucial aspect for security. A security door is only as strong as its frame. Strong door frames do a better job at resisting forced entry attacks. Newer door frames are built to endure more stress when compared to old frames.
- Proper Installation: Even the sturdiest door will not do much if it is not properly installed. A strong security door should be installed to ensure that it fits properly into the frame and that the lock is aligned with the strike plate. If the lock does not work correctly, a burglar will be able to exploit the system to gain entry.
Common Security Weaknesses in Older Doors
While older doors can be very dependable, they do not offer the best security that is available in today’s market. Below are some weaknesses doors built in previous decades commonly suffer from:
Hollow or Weak Door Cores
Older doors commonly have less security due to having weak or hollow cores. Weak cores can be easily force open with modern tools, and provide a low barrier to unwanted entry. While older doors might have provided basic protection, they do not offer the robust resistance needed to prevent modern break-in techniques.
Outdated Locking Systems
A door locking system has to be up to date to function properly. However, steel doors, even with an updated locking system, may not function properly due to their age.
Old Frames and Old Hardware
Old doors with old frames can be much more vulnerable to break in with age. Old doors and their frames may warp and weaken with age. Old hinges may even be replaced with new hinges that function even less than the old hinges did. Without meeting modern standards, they can be much more vulnerable to break ins than older doors can.
Modern Security in Doors
Modern doors come with more than just new looks, they also come with more security features. With a steel reinforce frames and composite materials, modern frames are much harder to break down than old frames with a hollow core.
Multi-Point Locking Systems
Multi-point lock systems lock shut the door at various points along the frame, offering much more security than a single-point deadbolt, which can only lock at one point. With a multi-point locking system, it is much more difficult to pry a door open, or to manipulate the lock.
Stronger Frames and Hinges
Modern doors are built with frames and hinges that can endure much more stress. Steel Reinforced frames and heavy-duty hinges are a commonality to today’s modern doors. They offer a higher resistance to entry methods such as prying or kicking.
Security Standards Explained
When it comes to modern doors, the difference in security can be noticed and understood with the standards set in place by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), as they declare the door’s security level based on the amount of force can be withstood.
- Grade 1 is the highest, ensuring that with enough force the lock will not be manipulated.
- Grade 2 offers a security level that is made for homes.
- Grade 3 is the lowest and only has the simplest of security features.
Modern locks and doors are often built to current ANSI standards that show higher levels of forced entry resistance. Doors that are older may have locks that do not meet current security standards.
Older Doors vs Modern Doors — Feature Comparison
| Feature | Older Doors | Modern Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Core Strength | Weak or hollow | Reinforced (steel/composite) |
| Locking System | Single-point | Multi-point |
| Frame Integrity | Often worn | Strengthened |
| Forced Entry Resistance | Low | High |
| Security Standards | Outdated | Current ANSI grades |
Does Replacing a Door Actually Reduce Break-Ins?
Installing a modern, secure door can help reduce the risk of a break-in. However, no door can offer total protection. A strong door and a good locking system can help a lot. Most intruders go for the most easy access points. Doors that are weak, or not secure, can be upgraded to make your home a less attractive target for burglars.
Crime Prevention Framing
The presence of strong solid doors can deter potential burglars from entering a house. Many burglars target houses that seem easy to break into. Having a solid door and secure door frame tells burglars that your house is secure, and that breaking and entering i s a hard job.
Why Would You Upgrade Your Door
Updating your door is smart if you notice any of these problems:
- Hollow doors: These can easily be damaged.
- Weak door frames: These can be forced open, causing a break-and-enter to your house.
- Locking problems: If your locking system is not secure, or the door itself is not closing, then your upgrade is overdue.
- Increasing crime: If your neighborhood is seeing an increase in crime, then it is a good idea to consider an upgrade for your door.
Why Would You Not Upgrade Your Door
Not all houses require an upgrade to the door. If any of the requirements are met, then it is likely that your doors do not require an upgrade:
- Your doors are new and well taken care of.
- Your locks are new and good quality.
- Your door closes properly and is protected with a good solid frame.
Summary of how Modern Doors Improve Home Security
Due to advances in locking systems, reinforced cores, and the overall frame construction, modern doors are more secure and provide more peace of mind than older models. Even with the age of a door being a factor, as long as the locking system, door core, and the installation are of high quality, these elements come together to help secure your home. Upgrading your door can significantly improve your home’s protection.
Conclusion: Make a Smart Security Decision
Some factors come into play when considering upgrading your door, specifically the condition it’s current state and the security features it possesses. Don’t judge the door by its appearance—focus on the core, locking, and the frame. Modern doors can secure your family and home, providing peace of mind, making it a worthy investment to serious home security and worth considering.
