About one in five home break-ins involve entering the back door, as it makes criminal activity more inconspicuous. Burglary vulnerability is also higher if the door has a glass panel, which can be easily shattered if not sufficiently protected.
Read on to discover ten inexpensive tricks to secure your back door from break-ins.
Table of Contents
10 Ways to Make Your Back Door More Secure
Homeowners looking to secure their back doors and lower the risk of home break-ins should consider the following ten tips.
1. A deadbolt lock
Deadbolts offer exceptional protection against blunt force without costing homeowners a small fortune. Pick an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt lock for outstanding burglary resistance.
Homeowners could install a standard deadbolt with regular keys or opt for an electronic keyless entry lock like the Schlage BE365 CAM 609 Camelot. Obviously, the latter are more expensive.
Touchpad deadbolt locks offer many security features, including a lockout function, one-time user codes, temporary user code disabling, emergency override keys, and remote control capabilities, making them adept at higher security protocols and generally more convenient than standard deadbolts.
Replacing the standard door lock with a deadbolt system can help, or a deadbolt can be installed in addition to the existing lock. This fixture differs from a traditional doorknob in its design with a longer latch that extends deeper into the door frame. Several Reddit users recommend this approach.
2. Security window film
Like tempered glass for smartphones, a security window film offers additional protection for glass doors. Simply apply the product on the glass door panel’s inside surface.
‘Get some 3M security film, put it on the door (generally those are one big pane of glass you have to take off the molding) and the window.’
One Reddit user
Although it won’t make the glass totally shatterproof, it deters burglars by significantly extending the break-in process. Aside from that, it’s also just a great way to extend the lifespan of glass fixtures.
The BDF S4MC Window Film is an excellent choice to improve back door security if the door is primarily glass.
3. Privacy window film
Some think a privacy window film and a security window film are the same. They aren’t. Although they have a similar installation method, the purpose is different.
As the name implies, a privacy window film has an opaque or frosted coating that obscures the view inside the house.
Much like a two-way mirror, people inside the house can see outside, but people outdoors cannot see in. It’s the perfect solution for a security door with glass because burglars can’t assess the location for items to loot.
A great choice of privacy window film is the Lemon Cloud 3D Stained Window Film.
4. Laminated security glass
Homeowners can also protect their glass security door by replacing the glass panel with laminated security glass. It’s similar to tempered glass, except it doesn’t shatter into tiny pieces when broken.
This technology involves chemically bonding two glass plies with high-strength thermoplastic interlayers. Laminated security glass can crack but it remains intact, safeguarding the house and its contents.
Although it’s not a foolproof way to strengthen the back door, laminated security glass can deter burglars by delaying forced entry.
5. A security gate and screen door combination
Some of the best back doors for security feature a stainless steel screen covering the door and a steel gate guarding the exterior. It’s like having three separate doors for a single entry point.
The stainless steel door should protect the entrance against force using weapons like axes, machetes, and saws, while security gates make it impossible to break the door knob.
Reddit users have also attested to the effectiveness of these measures in protecting the back door against unlawful entry.
6. More secure and heavy-duty door replacement
Upgrading to heavy duty security doors may be worthwhile if the homeowner is especially worried about the contents of their home.
Although hardwood looks elegant, it might not be as secure and tough as fiberglass and steel. Custom-ordered heavy duty doors can still retain modern and attractive aesthetics.
A steel security door is ideal because it is far more resistant to damage. It’s also more affordable than fiberglass (unless the door in question is a bank vault-like contraption, but that would be rather unattractive).
Regardless of choice, homeowners must install a back door with a solid core to make it more challenging for burglars to break in.
7. Back door-focused security camera with alarm system
A wireless security camera gives homeowners peace of mind wherever they are. Sirens, two-way talk, and motion detection are the features to look out for.
Position the device in the back yard or through a second-floor window to observe the back door.
Enable motion detection, and it will notify connected phones when movement is detected. Users can then contact the police and sound sirens to warn the intruder off.
Security cameras don’t provide a 100% guarantee that burglars won’t strike a property—no security measure does—but it’s thought to reduce crime by at least 50%, which makes them a more than worthwhile investment.
More importantly, they help to gather invaluable evidence in the event of an attempted break in, making it easier to press charges and receive justice.
‘I got this service after a break-in. I pointed cameras at both of my only doors. I was able to record the burglar coming back and when I was at work. The footage was sent to the police. They caught him.’
One AlfredCamera user
‘Yes I used the Alfred cameras at home in the front door and back door. Very handy.’ –
One AlfredCamera user
AlfredCamera: A Free Way to Increase Home Security
Want to try out using a security camera to monitor the back door? Hold your purse—download AlfredCamera and convert an old phone into a fully functioning security camera for free.
Right off the bat, you can enjoy superior two-way talk, robust motion detection, and even a low-light mode for reduced visibility, all without spending a dime. Upgrade to Premium for additional features, like AI-based person detection, for more focussed back-door monitoring.
8. Smart lighting fixture with motion detection
Although there’s no hard proof that bright outdoor lighting deters burglaries and other crimes, smart lighting fixtures can enhance home security because it mimics an occupied house, and there’s generally an anecdotal understanding that it might help.
‘Motion-activated lighting is a good choice. But don’t make the mistake that some people do. Some people aim the lights out into the yard, only to leave the area right next to the house relatively dim. An intruder is going to be right next to the house if they are breaking in, so that’s where you want the light aimed.‘
LedToWater (Reddit user)
9. Blocking bar
Homeowners with a sliding glass back door should consider installing a back door security bar or “blocking bar.” People place this device at the bottom track to stop the sliding door from opening.
Some blocking bars wedge the doorknob against the floor, while others bridge the door frame to prevent it from opening inwards.
‘A properly installed bar across an in-swing door will stop anything short of a crew of men bearing a battering ram.’
Kv603 (Reddit user)
Got a sliding door and not sure how to keep it secure? Leave it to us—check out our article on different types of sliding door lock and find out how to properly protect it.
10. A guard dog
A guard dog doesn’t ‘strengthen’ a back door, but there’s no denying that a protective pet is one of the most reliable means of deterring burglars.
The dog’s bark alone is sufficient to awaken neighbors, alerting them to the presence of a possible intruder.
Certain breeds are widely associated with inciting fear in trespassers, like Rottweilers and German Shepherds.
Breeds that naturally make excellent guard dogs include the Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, Komondor, Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, and German Shepherd.
FAQ
How can I make my back door more secure?
Homeowners can make back doors more secure by replacing them with a solid-core or steel-reinforced fixture. They can also install a secondary security screen outside the door and an exterior steel security gate to make it much more time-consuming for burglars to break-in.
Adding a deadbolt lock can also improve back door protection, because deadbolts are far more secure than standard handle locks.
A blocking bar, privacy window films, laminated security glass, motion sensor-activated lighting, and a security camera with alarm system should make the back door as impregnable as possible.
What’s the more secure back door?
A more secure back door has different protective elements working together to create an almost impenetrable entrance. The door must have a solid core or steel reinforcement, while deadbolts, multiple locks, a security screen, a steel security gate, and a blocking bar improve overall protection. Adding motion-activated smart lighting and a security camera also helps in making the back door more secure.
Are glass back doors safe?
No, glass back doors aren’t safe, especially clear options. Burglars can see through the translucent panel and scope out what valuable items to loot. They can be broken with relative ease with enough force. Add a security film over the glass or replace it with security glass to make it a one-way panel (people inside the house can see the exterior, but looking in is impossible).
What type of exterior door is best for security?
Steel provides the best security for an exterior door. Burglars must use heavy-duty hand tools (i.e., angle grinders with metal-cutting discs or oxy-acetylene blow torches) to cut through steel. They could try banging it, but the door would only receive a dent or scratch. These breaking-in processes take a long time, and would create so much noise that the entire street would be well aware of what was happening almost immediately.
How do you secure a door from being kicked in?
Homeowners have many ways to secure a door from being kicked in. Replacing the door with a solid core or steel-reinforced unit and installing a heavy-duty deadbolt strike plate can make it challenging for burglars to kick in the back door. It’s also possible to strengthen the doorframe, install a security bar or door barricade, and add multiple locks. Consider replacing glass doors with thick tempered glass or security glass while welding solid bars to the door.
What type of door is strongest?
Steel doors are the strongest. Although hardwood doors are sturdy, they are easier to break into than steel units, which do not warp or crack. Realistically, the only damage a steel door might suffer is a dent, perhaps a few scratches. It would take an acetylene blow torch or an angle grinder with a metal-cutting disc to cut through steel, which would be highly impractical, time-consuming, expensive, and super risky for a criminal to attempt.
How do you burglar-proof a front door?
Burglar-proofing a front door requires replacing it with a more robust unit, preferably with a solid core or steel reinforcement. Strengthening the door frame by adding thick steel plates should also make the front door impenetrable even to the most cunning of burglars. Multiple security locks, deadbolts, a security gate, and other security measures can transform a front door into a Fort Knox-like entrance.
Which is more secure, steel or fiberglass door?
Steel doors are more secure than fiberglass options. This material is nearly impossible to damage or cut without specialty tools that are super expensive, super loud, and difficult to use. Although steel can get dents and scratches, these are largely aesthetic issues and easy to fix. On the other hand, fiberglass doors are excellent for homes in humid climates and harsh weather.
Conclusion
Although burglars can enter a house through any opening, securing the back door reduces the risk of break-ins. The tricks presented here aren’t only applicable to back doors. Homeowners can also observe them at other entrances. Implementing multiple techniques can boost home security against burglaries and other crimes.
Whatever back door security improvement methodology you choose, we recommend complementing them with a reliable security camera system such as AlfredCamera.
Recommended reading:
7 Signs Your House is the Next Burglary Target and What to Do About It
How To Prevent Home Invasion: 5 Essential Ways
What to Do If Someone is in Your House When Home Alone
Porch Pirates: 5 Ways to Stop It From Happening to You
How to Lock a Door Without a Lock: 10 Secure Methods