If you live in an apartment, you know that your door is an easy target for thieves. The standard door locks that come with most apartment doors are simple and easily picked.
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to improve your apartment door security. These solutions are affordable, simple, and effective.
1. Lock it down
If you’re renting an apartment, it is important to take preventative measures to secure your door. In fact, it’s the first step in preventing burglary and theft.
One of the most effective ways to secure your apartment door is to upgrade it with a high-quality deadbolt lock. These locks are much more difficult to break than spring bolts because the locking bolt cannot be turned into an open position without rotating the cylinder.
A deadbolt lock should be a Grade 1 or higher according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The lock should also have a jimmy-proof strike plate, which is the part of the lock assembly that locks into the door frame.
To reinforce the strike plate, you can use long anchor screws and replace the existing ones with durable ones. You can also upgrade the strike plate by replacing it with a more secure model, such as a so-called strike-box (it’s a steel cup that the bolt locks into).
In addition, you should install hinge bolts on your apartment door. These bolts help keep the door shut, even when you are outside the building.
Another easy way to increase your apartment door security is to install a security bar. These bars are adjustable and they can protect your door against force attacks, kick-ins and more. They are available in both portable and permanent versions, so you can choose the best one for your needs.
2. Take the keys with you
If you leave your apartment door unlocked, you’re putting yourself and your belongings at risk. Fortunately, there are several ways to secure your apartment door when you’re not home.
Besides locking your door when you’re away, one of the most important things you can do is take your keys with you. That way, you’ll never be locked out of your home by a forgotten key or stolen lock.
This is a simple step that can make all the difference in your peace of mind when you are not at home. Keep your keys in a zipper-secured pocket or pouch in your purse, backpack, or other item that you’re not likely to forget them in.
Another great idea is to place your spare keys in a spot that’s not readily visible from outside your home. This could be in a hidden spot behind your door knocker or even on wind chimes or other decor.
You can also attach your keys to a keychain or carabiner, which is a lot safer and easier than leaving them loose in your bag or purse. Finally, consider giving a friend or neighbor a spare key to your apartment so they can help you out if you lose yours.
Taking the time to ensure your apartment is secure should be one of your top priorities when you move into a new place. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make in your security and overall well-being.
3. Lock the interior thumb latch
When you leave your apartment for the day or a night on the town, it’s important to know how to secure your door. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help you avoid having your home invaded.
The first step is to lock your door from the inside. This may seem counterintuitive, but it will prevent anyone from entering your apartment without you knowing it. To lock the door from the inside, insert a small key into the lock and turn it slowly.
If your apartment door is made of glass or other plexiglass material, consider putting a shim underneath the glass to prevent it from sliding open. This will also help you avoid having to replace your windows in the future.
Another way to lock your apartment doors is to install a security bar. These are great for securing doors that are too wide to be secured using other techniques. You can find security bars in a variety of materials and styles, including steel and stainless steel. The best part is that they will last for years to come, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them every few months. The best security bars are made of heavy duty metals that won’t rust or corrode easily.
4. Install a security bar
One of the most basic yet effective ways to secure your apartment door is by installing a security bar. This device can be installed in seconds and is very easy to remove in the event that you need to move the door.
These bars work by fitting snuggly under the door handle and preventing the door from sliding open. This prevents burglars from easily breaking into your home and gaining access to your belongings.
Another great thing about these devices is that they can be used on all types of doors, including hinged, sliding, and patio doors. This means that you won’t have to worry about having to buy separate bars for each type of door.
You’ll just need to make sure that the bar is tight enough under the handle when you want to use it, and then adjust it once in place as needed. Then, when it’s time to remove it, you just need to slide it out.
Unlike most other security measures, these bars don’t require any alteration of your door or the surrounding entryway. This is why they’re so effective.
Besides helping to keep your apartment safe from break-ins, these bars also protect you in the event of a fire. Some models even have quick release mechanisms that can be opened in the event of an emergency, so you can escape before firefighters arrive to assist.
5. Install hinge bolts
Installing hinge bolts is an effective way to strengthen your door and make it resistant to kick-ins. They are very inexpensive and simple to install, and can significantly enhance the security of your apartment door.
The first step is to determine the proper location for hinge bolts. You should place them above and below the hinges on both sides of your door. Ideally, you should install at least two hinge bolts above and one below each lower and upper door hinge.
Using a pencil, mark the position of each hinge bolt. This will help you in removing and replacing the screws after you’ve finished the job.
Next, drill a hole into the door frame, just above the strike plate. Use a drill bit that matches the diameter of your hinge bolts.
Once the hole is drilled, place the hinge bolts on the door frame and secure them with the screws. This will keep burglars from being able to remove the hinge bolts.
To further secure your apartment door, you can also install a strike plate with long anchor screws and a deep so-called strike-box. These are more durable than the ones that come with the deadbolt and can make a huge difference in the strength of your door.
The last method is to install a portable door barricade (also known as a door jammer). These devices are very easy to use, and they can be installed on the inside or the outside of your apartment door.
6. Install a door barricade
If you want to make your apartment more secure, you can install a door barricade on the entrance door. These devices are easy to install and can be a great way to protect your property.
These devices are made from steel and can withstand up to 1,100 pounds of force, making them an excellent option for apartments with outward opening doors. In addition, they offer a quick and easy solution to keeping out intruders while you’re away.
There are many different options available for securing your apartment door, so be sure to shop around. You can find a barricade that’s specifically designed for outward swinging doors, or you can choose one that attaches to the floor to help strengthen your door frame.
Choosing the right barricade for your apartment will depend on a number of factors, including the type of door you have and how much clearance it has. In addition, your floor may need to be able to handle the weight of the device.
This emergency barricade from Era is designed for use on internal double doors up to 50mm thick. It has a hard wearing steel construction and a powder coated black finish. It provides quick and easy protection to a room and its occupants from outside forced entry, and it’s supplied with fixings for wall mounting. It has been tested to PAS24 impact resistance standards and it comes with a one year manufacturer’s guarantee.