6 Guaranteed Ways To Improve Your Home’s Security

Most people think burglaries won’t happen to them, but they’re more common than you might think. In fact, thousands of homes fall prey to burglaries each year, and such incidents could’ve been prevented with simple measures. For example, you can opt for high-security locks or hire a professional locksmith to help you determine the best possible security systems for your home.

To protect your property and family effectively, there are guaranteed ways to improve your home’s security and minimize the risk of thefts or break-ins. These may include the following:

Secure Your Doors

Never let burglars just stroll in through your front door! Inspect all exterior doors to ensure your door frames are strong, and the hinges are well-protected. If you need to change your door hinges, choose high-quality products you can find at Keeler Hardware and other shops like it. Steel door frames are much more secure than doors framed in a wooden jam

If you think your locks are weak, consider purchasing a replacement. Although replacing your locks entirely can be expensive, it’s worth the money as long as you choose the best locks on the market.

Other reinforcements to secure your entryways include:

• Opt for smart locks
• Install deadbolts
• Use video doorbells
• Add strike plates and other reinforcements to wooden door jambs 

By keeping these tips in mind, you can secure your home’s doors and improve its security in the long run. But aside from your main entryways, it’s also essential to secure your garage doors since they’re also a common entry point for burglars. Garage doors are often left unlocked, and they can be easy to break into with a crowbar or other tools. 

Moreover, a secure garage door can help protect your family. If you have children or pets, you want to ensure they’re safe from harm. The right system can prevent them from accidentally opening the door and wandering off. Therefore, consult a reliable garage door company to determine if you need to install a more secure one for your home.

Strengthen Door Frames

You can have the strongest door lock in the world, but if that lock engages with a typical wood frame, it’s still very easy to break the door open. Steel reinforcements can be added to door frames, or a steel door with steel frame can be installed. This approach means that no one can break open the door, no matter how many times they run into it with their shoulder.

Use Window Locks

Like doors, windows can be a point of entry. While many security systems offer window sensors that set off when there’s an intruder, you can upgrade your window’s security by using locks. Window locks are affordable and highly effective. Typically, you can use them for your first-floor windows and basement windows to keep burglars from getting into your house.

If you decide to use window locks, it’s important to choose the right one. There are several different types of window locks available on the market. These include:

• Latch locks: These are the most basic type of window lock which are typically found on single and double hung windows. They consist of a simple mechanism that connects the two sashes of the window and prevents either from moving.
• Keyed locks: These are locks which need a key to open and close the windows from the inside. They can be installed on various window types, including single and double hung, sliding, and casement windows.
• Sliding window locks: These locks are specifically designed for sliding windows by preventing them from sliding open more than a certain amount. They can be installed in the track of the window or on the side of the frame.

There are indeed many different options available, so you should be able to find a window lock that meets your needs.

Invest In A Comprehensive Security System

Another way to improve your home’s security is to invest in a comprehensive security system, which may include the following:

• Motion detectors
• Doorstop alarms
• Door sensors
• Glass break alarms

The good thing about installing a comprehensive security system is that it isn’t as expensive as many people think. If you have a tight budget, you can start by securing your property’s most vulnerable areas, such as the garage, windows, and main entrances. Add more alarms in the future until you reach your goals.

Keep Your Home Well-Lit

Criminals prefer to commit crimes under cover of darkness. By keeping your home well-lit, you can eliminate many of the dark spaces and shadows from your yard, and this will remove spots where burglars can hide and gain access to your house. When placing lights in your home, consider thinking like a burglar. Search for dark access points and try covering the back and front of your house. If you have doors or windows at the side, try adding some light in those areas.

You may also invest in various motion-activated lights, which are perfect for keeping burglars out of your home. Often, a spotlight is enough to convince burglars to give up on their break-in attempts.

Keep Track Of Your Keys

It isn’t uncommon for family members to have a copy of the door keys. For this reason, ensure that your family members know the importance of keeping their keys secure. When keys are misplaced or lost, replace them immediately to keep your home secure from malicious people who might use your old keys to enter your property.

Install Or Add More Security Cameras

A security camera is one of the most effective ways to protect your house. In case of a break-in, the footage recorded by a security camera provides a higher chance of getting your belongings back and identifying the burglars, which can be helpful in the investigation. Even a fake camera can help keep you safe if they’re located in an obvious place.

With security cameras, it’s also possible to track criminals’ movement after or before the event. In addition, cameras enable you to keep an eye on your family or home in real-time. Whether you’re at your workplace or anywhere in the world, you can access or view activities live from your mobile devices and computers. Cameras can deliver real peace of mind.

To make the most out of security cameras, install them in these areas:

• Side or back doors
• Front door
• Garage entrance

Depending on budget and preferences, you can choose security cameras with multi-functional features, such as 24/7 live monitoring. With the increasing demand for security cameras, you can find quality models available for reasonable prices.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many ways to improve your home’s security. While some won’t cost you a dime, others may require a significant investment, especially if you want to equip your home with a comprehensive security system. However, you can be sure that it’s not a waste of your hard-earned money because you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your home is more secure and safe. Even the ability to conveniently check periodically when you’re away delivers a lot of peace and assurance.