Home is where you go to relax while you watch TV with snacks, unwind in a hot bath after an arduous workout, or enjoy that oh so needed family time at dinner together. You want to protect these comforts. Securing your home from invaders and outdoor elements such as extreme weather and pests is the type of comfort that gives you peace of mind. Installing security screens, doors, and lighting can make your home safer. These are some tips designed to help you make home security a reality!
Security Screens and Doors
Installing security screen doors can be your first line of defense against intruders and can offer home protection from heat in the summer, cold in the winter, damage from storms, and pests or insects. Most security doors are made from steel, aluminum, or a metal alloy such as iron. Steel is the strongest of the three materials so only requires a 2-3 inch frame. Powder coating the steel frame will prevent it from rusting for up to 10 years. To keep insects out and weather-seal the door, it’s recommended to use felt strips or foam tape to seal the door. Some others features you may want to look for to secure the door structure are closers, wind chains, or sill extensions. Ultimately consult with your installation contractor to find out which option is best for your needs and budget.
Installing security screen doors can be your first line of defense against intruders and can offer home protection from heat in the summer, cold in the winter, damage from storms, and pests or insects. Most security doors are made from steel, aluminum, or a metal alloy such as iron. Steel is the strongest of the three materials so only requires a 2-3 inch frame. Powder coating the steel frame will prevent it from rusting for up to 10 years. To keep insects out and weather-seal the door, it’s recommended to use felt strips or foam tape to seal the door. Some others features you may want to look for to secure the door structure are closers, wind chains, or sill extensions. Ultimately consult with your installation contractor to find out which option is best for your needs and budget.
Securing your main doors is the second line of defense. These should be made of solid wood or other
hard to penetrate materials and should have a deadbolt locking device that is
securely mounted to the door frame. The
door frame should also be reinforced.
Flood/Security Lighting
- Work with a licensed electrician to wire your home for security and flood lighting if the fixtures are not already in place.
- Do not use too bright of lighting as this can blind you to potential hazards or create shadows that intruders can hide in. Energy efficient incandescent bulbs are a common choice for outdoor lighting but other options such as sodium or mercury vapor lights are available.
- The optimal areas to place security lights are at entry points such as doors and garages, along walking paths, and near the keyholes of the doors.
- Motion or heat sensor lighting features that only turn on when someone moves passed its area of range are an energy-saving security option that can deter potential intruders.
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