Give this vulnerable feature of your home some extra protection
Screen door reinforcement with stainless steel or aluminum screens protects your home better than vinyl, as these materials resist cutting and tampering.
Locksmith services to reinforce your screen door locks cost $50 to $500, with most homeowners paying around $150 for strike plate installation.
You can add security by installing a doorbell camera above your screen door and placing motion-sensor lights nearby to deter intruders effectively.
Hiring a local security door professional provides reliable help with lock reinforcement and security door installation, keeping your home safe and comfortable year-round.
If you live in a hot region or simply love to let fresh air circulate through your home without inviting bugs, odds are your screen door is open a lot. While features like this provide a lot in terms of comfort, their relative vulnerability can feel like a deal breaker to many. After all, it’s hard to feel at ease when worrying about strangers just waltzing into your home.
Instead of forgoing comfort in favor of keeping your property safe and sound, a handful of extra protective measures will allow you to have your screen door open and enjoy it, too. The following tips for screen door security will allow you to let the wind rush in without fear.
When browsing screen doors, opt for those with screens made from sturdy materials. While ideal for quick DIY repairs, vinyl is much easier to break through than screens made from stainless steel or aluminum. Coated polyester and fiberglass screens will also keep unwanted visitors at bay. Potential intruders will find it harder to follow through when their attempts to cut into tougher materials are met with resistance.
Look for a screen door with a frame made from a solid material to discourage trespassers further. Stainless steel is an ideal choice for exterior door frames because it’s weather-resistant and far more difficult to damage than one made of vinyl or wood—not to mention it has a longer lifespan.
If you’re worried that a committed intruder won’t be deterred by a stronger-than-average screen door, consider installing a security door. This exterior feature is an additional door, usually made from metal, that is designed to be placed over a screen door to prevent anyone from easily reaching through without blocking out the breeze.
But first, get to know what to look for when choosing a security screen door. If you live in an area that experiences frequent tropical storms, certain models are better designed to withstand such events and give your abode yet another added layer of security. If you decide to add this feature, hire a local security door installer to do the job right.
If you already have a screen door in place and would rather find ways to make it stronger than invest in a new one, reinforcing the locks is a great first step. You can do a project like this yourself by securing strike plates behind the hinges and deadbolt. Or outsource it to a to take the work off your plate. The cost to hire a locksmith ranges from $50 to $500 but is typically just $150 for tasks like this.
Intruders are far less likely to approach your home if there’s a high risk involved, and security add-ons like a doorbell camera or extra lighting will keep them away whether your screen door is in use or not. Place the camera just above the door where it will be visible so any unwanted visitors will notice it immediately. Similarly, opt for movement-sensitive patio lights so they’ll turn on the moment someone steps onto your porch.
Bushes, shrubs, and the like are all ideal covert hiding spots for would-be intruders, especially when placed in close proximity to screen doors. Limit foliage in this area to small flowers and wall-climbing plants that could barely hide a bunny, much less a whole person.
Putting as many obstacles to entry in the path of an intruder is the secret to keeping them away. Even if you’ve already reinforced your screen door with a security door, surrounding your property with a tall, gated fence will help secure basement windows and other vulnerable spots. If you can lock the gate, that’s even better—forcing the trespasser to climb over would draw significantly more attention and deter them from trying.
If you have the budget for it, installing a burglar alarm or something like it is among the most effective ways to protect your home. When it comes to which type of home security system to pick, there are a number of options, and all offer varying benefits. While many opt for a code-protected alarm, others prefer to use things like environmental sensors and video surveillance to guarantee safety. You can even choose a system that’s monitored by a home security company 24/7 for ultimate peace of mind.
Sure, you can install a ring camera and additional lighting by yourself. However, the backbone of enhanced screen door security, such as reinforced locks and frame and screen upgrades should be carried out by a licensed contractor with a trustworthy supplier.
Improper installation can nullify the purpose of having screen door security and sometimes cause further security issues. If working on an older screen door, the pro sometimes even needs to make adjustments to the existing frames and fixings.
When looking for a pro, check their credentials, experience, and reviews. Always contact at least three different companies so you can get the best deal.
1st Choice Renew is simply the best! We hired them for a complete home renovation, and they transformed our space into something truly amazing. The team attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. They were easy to work with, very responsive, and always...
Save A DimeI had Ace Fireplace Services install custom chimney caps for my home, and the results are stunning. They fit like a glove and have added a touch of sophistication to my chimney. I can't recommend their services enough.
Ace Fireplace ServicesExquisite workmanship from Custom Paint Jobs LLC. My home has never looked better.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesWe needed windows in our home, and we couldnt believe we got our entire home done for under $14,000. We have a lot of windows, and not only was it affordable, but it got done in a timely manner! Thanks guys, I truly appreciate you all!
Window Depot USA of Central OhioWorking with Mike on our first home purchase was an absolute pleasure. Mike put us at ease and made the process of buying a home fun. Mike is knowledgeable, honest, professional, and punctual. He worked with our busy schedule and always made time for us. When a home came on the market that...
Michael Marshall - Buyer's Resource Realty Svcs.Before choosing a real estate agent, we conducted a lot of research to see who would be the best choice. Homes that Click stood out as the best Columbus has to offer: their rankings are excellent, their social media presence was strong, and I could tell they put a lot of work into their...
Homes That Click RealtorsFantastic! Top Line was early for the appointment and very knowledgeable and took time to explain everything they had found during the home inspection. The report included clearly defined issues and what they recommended to remedy the same. The report also included many pictures to help...
Top Line Home Inspections, LLCMary cleaning service does an amazing job cleaning my home. They go over and beyond the cleaning services that I have had in the past. They are very punctual and thorough with cleaning my home, I’m extremely happy with the service they provide and I highly recommend them.
We had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Screen door installation costs depend on size, type of frame material, and the number of doors. Here’s everything you need to know.
Discover the average security door installation cost, key price factors, and expert tips to help you budget for your home’s safety upgrade.
Are there holes in your screen and a squeak in your hinges? We break down how much screen door repair costs from small fixes to total replacement.
With so many types of screen doors available, do you know which is best for your home? Learn how to pick the right screen door.
What should you look for in a security screen door? Steel frame or aluminum? What kind of lock? There are many options and features for security doors for your home. Before you have a security screen door installed, here’s what you need to know.
If you’re looking to enhance the security and style of your home, a security door is a smart investment. With many options to choose from, they often look like a regular front door, but stronger. Learn the pros and cons of security doors.
