Your front door does more than welcome guests. It protects your family and belongings. The front door is the most vulnerable point for burglars, with a different study showing approximately 34% of burglars enter through a front door. For homeowners in Madison, NJ, learning how to secure front door areas is essential to stop intruders. A secure front door improves energy efficiency, boosts curb appeal, and increases your property’s long-term value.
Yet many homes still rely on outdated or low-quality doors that offer little resistance to forced entry. Hollow core doors, worn frames, and flimsy locks can all create vulnerabilities that would-be burglars can easily exploit. A weak lock, hollow-core door, or poorly fitted door frame makes it easier for them to gain entry. By understanding the weak points of your entryway and considering other locks , you can take steps to make your home safer. With strategic upgrades, your house will stay secure and comfortable year-round. Taking the right steps now helps deter criminals before they even step onto your front porch. In this guide, we’ll share practical strategies on how to secure your front door, with expert recommendations tailored to Madison Door customers in New Jersey.
Assessing the Security of Your Current Front Door
Before making upgrades, evaluate what you already have, because not all doors are created equal. A hollow-core wooden door, often used for interior spaces, offers little resistance to potential intruders. If your front door feels light or hollow, upgrade to a solid-core door or fiberglass door for better protection.
Other warning signs include gaps between the door and frame that allow a crowbar to pry it open. A weak fit makes it easy for intruders to test your entry point. You may also notice a door jamb that flexes when pressure is applied or old, low-quality door handles that can be forced with minimal effort. These issues make your front door less secure.
Top Ways to Secure the Front Door: Home Security
Strengthening your door doesn’t always require a major remodel. Some improvements are quick, low-cost security measures, while others involve professional installation for long-lasting protection.
Upgrade Your Door Locks
A simple knob lock is never enough. A door lock like a deadbolt, preferably Grade 1 ANSI certified, adds a crucial layer of extra security. Multi-point locking systems engage three points along the frame, making it nearly impossible for burglars to force the front door open.
Smart locks are another strong option, offering keyless entry you can control from your smartphone. Many integrate with a home security system or video doorbell for real-time monitoring. At Madison Door, we recommend secure door systems from trusted brands like ProVia® and Andersen®, featuring high-grade deadbolt locks and multipoint locking mechanisms for both style and strength.
Reinforce the Frame and Hinges
Even the strongest locks won’t help if your door frame is weak. Many burglars exploit this by kicking in the door jamb where the strike plate sits to gain access. Reinforcement measures include installing a metal plate or strike plate with 3-inch screws anchored into wall studs.
Add hinge bolts or security hinges to prevent removal from the outside. Use steel or nickel reinforcements to strengthen weak points. Professional installation ensures the whole door system sits inside the frame correctly, reducing gaps and improving durability.
Choose the Right Door Hardware
Your door’s hardware affects both security and style. Madison Door offers a wide range of premium hardware from trusted brands like ProVia® and Emtek®. Here’s a comparison of popular options:
| Hardware Type | Security Features | Style Options | Best For |
| Keyed Entry Sets | Includes a deadbolt lock; durable against forced entry | Satin nickel, antique brass, wrought iron | Traditional security with a classic look |
| Keyless Entry Systems | Digital keypad or smart lock eliminates spare keys risks | Modern finishes; sleek design | Convenience and advanced access control |
| Mortise Hardware | Push-button mortise locks with reinforced latch | Elegant levers and handles | High-security needs with premium design |
| Multi Point Systems | Engages at three locking points for maximum protection | Blends with any handle set | Superior strength and weather resistance |
With these options, you can match your front door’s security to your personal design preferences. This ensures a balance of style, durability, and peace of mind.
Add Visibility and Deterrents
Intruders don’t like being seen, and enhancing visibility around your entry point makes your home less appealing for break-ins. Adding features like a wide-angle peephole or door viewer allows you to check visitors before opening the door. On the other hand, a video doorbell or doorbell camera provides real-time monitoring from anywhere.
For added protection, install motion-sensor security lighting to deter criminals approaching your front yard or porch. You can also integrate glass break sensors or a full home security system. These upgrades not only improve security but also provide convenience, giving you peace of mind as you monitor packages and visitors.
Budget-Friendly Security Add-Ons
If replacing your front door isn’t in the budget, smaller upgrades can still deter criminals. Adding door chains or secondary locks gives an extra layer of protection when speaking to visitors. Security screen doors improve visibility while making it harder for intruders to gain access.
Another option is applying glass security film on sidelights or sliding glass doors to prevent shattering. Even these small reinforcements, along with a sturdy door handle, make it more difficult for would-be burglars to pry open your entry point.
The Dual Value: Security + Energy Efficiency
Most articles stop at door security, but your front door can also save you money in the long run. Energy-efficient exterior doors reduce drafts, keep warm air in during NJ winters, and help your cooling system in the summer. A well-insulated fiberglass door, steel door, or solid core door not only strengthens your entry point but also prevents unnecessary energy loss.
Energy Star-certified models may qualify for federal tax credits, lowering upfront costs while delivering long-term savings on utility bills. Many multi-point locking systems and reinforced door cores are designed to work with insulated frames and tempered glass panes, combining strength with efficiency. By upgrading to an energy-efficient front door, you enhance home security, reduce energy costs, and improve overall comfort throughout the year.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
DIY upgrades like drilling holes for extra locks or adding chains only provide so much security. Many reinforcements fail if the whole door isn’t installed correctly. Misaligned locks, uneven strike plates, or loose hinges create vulnerabilities.
Professional installers ensure that the whole door, frame, jamb, locks, and reinforcements work together seamlessly. At Madison Door, our team provides a guided, high-touch installation process, giving homeowners peace of mind that their door is both secure and energy-efficient.
How Much Does It Cost to Secure a Front Door?
The cost of securing a front door depends on whether you choose small upgrades or a full replacement. DIY fixes like door chains, longer screws, or reinforced strike plates typically range from $50–$200. Mid-level upgrades such as smart locks, reinforced strike plates, or security cameras can cost between $200–$600.
For maximum protection, a professional replacement with a new fiberglass door or steel door usually ranges from $1,000–$3,000+. While it may feel like a big investment, remember you’re not just improving door security, you’re also enhancing energy efficiency, curb appeal, and property value. It’s always better to consult a professional installer to get an exact estimate tailored to your home.
Conclusion
Securing your front door isn’t just about locks and chains. It’s about protecting your family, improving comfort, and increasing long-term property value. From installing a reinforced fibreglass door with a multi-point locking system to adding a simple door chain, wide-angle peephole, or even a video doorbell, every upgrade helps deter criminals and prevent break-ins. Choosing a solid core door or an insulated steel door also improves energy efficiency, helping you save on utility bills while keeping your door closed and your home secure.
At Madison Door, we specialize in installing ProVia and Andersen doors built for strength, durability, and energy performance. Our expert team ensures the entire door system, frame, hinges, strike plate, and door lock are properly fitted for maximum protection. Get a quote today to schedule your consultation and discover how the right entry door can transform your home’s security, efficiency, and access.
FAQs
How to secure front door from inside?
To secure the front door from inside, use a deadbolt lock, door chain, or security bar for extra protection. Reinforcing the door frame and adding a strike plate also strengthens the entry point. You can also install a wide-angle peephole or video doorbell to monitor visitors before opening.
How to make front door more secure?
To make the front door more secure, upgrade to a solid door, such as a fiberglass door or steel door. Adding a multi-point locking system with three locking points greatly improves resistance against break-ins. Reinforcing hinges and using steel or nickel reinforcements provide an extra layer of durability.
How to secure garland around front door?
To secure a garland around the front door, use removable hooks, clips, or ribbon ties designed for exterior doors. Avoid using nails or screws that could damage wood doors or fibreglass doors. Instead, choose adhesive or over-the-door hangers to keep the garland in place safely.
How to secure front door from outside?
To secure the front door from the outside, install a high-grade deadbolt lock and a multi-point locking system. Reinforce the door jamb with a metal plate and use hinge bolts or security hinges, alongside smart locks, to prevent tampering. Adding motion-sensor lights and a doorbell camera will also deter potential intruders.