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I have to replace my front double doors. I decided to change things up a bit to deter having my front doors kicked in. Right now my doors open in and could probably be kicked in by a 7 year old. I decided to have the doors open out, a recommendation by someone on one of the gun forums, honestly I never would have thought of that. I also went with a door with no windows, but peep holes. Not that this would prevent a motivated thug, but it will be much harder than it is right now to kick in my front doors. I will talk with the installer and be sure he uses the longest screws when installing the new door frame. Anyone have any additional ideas?

Yes, remember that doors that open out have their latches and bolts accessible to the outside.

Instead consider something stronger with better support both around the sides and at the center. I work at Home Depot and we were just shown a new door product that HD is going to be carrying. Very pricey, like $3000, but super secure no matter which way they swing. I don't recall the name, but they are steel in a four sided steel frame which is super strong.

Doors that open outward have hinges on the outside. A hammer, nail, and 30 seconds would give the invader all he needs to gain access, quietly. Where I work (federal building), all secured access areas are required to use inward openning doors.

In class 2 commercial buildings all exterior doors, even secure doors, are required to open out per fire codes. For these installations they make a special hinge called NRP hinges ( Non removeable pin). It has a set screw that locks the pin in place and is accessible only when the door is open. ResidentiaI doors are not required to swing out, but I highly reccomend you use these hinges if you do swing your doors out. Ask for 4 1/2 " x 4 1/2" Heavy Duty NRP Butt hinges. You may have to go to a commercial supplier to get good quality hinges, though. The BGs can still cut them with a reciprocal saw, but they will take quite some time, and make a lot of noise. If you swing them inward, you should heavily reenforce the door frame as well. I've repaired many doors after break ins. It's always the frame that gives way. I like to cut a snug fitting shim at least a foot or two long and glue it between the frame and the 2x4 stud at the latch and a foot long one at each hinge, and use at least 3" screws to attach all hardware. Double doors are a bit harder to secure because the weakest point is where the two doors meet. Use heavy duty surface mount slide bolts attatched with thru bolts, top and bottom on the inactive door. Along with good deadbolts you should also use a good quality lock set that has an anti jimmy device on the keeper when you have out swinging doors. I hope this helps.

I'm sure making the door change will make you feel better, but.....
I'm a locksmith, and I've met many people who call me out after a break in, or attempted break in who want their locks changed. It's always funny, because the attempt was 99/100 times a window break in.

When my homeowners ask "Can a burglar pick this lock?"........ I just respond "They're probably just gonna break the window." It kinda freaks 'em out, but it's the fastest way into a home. Picking a lock takes skill. It's not as easy as TV makes it look. Burglars are either going to run through the door (which makes A LOT of noise), or break a window (which make a lot of noise).

My best solution is, just put a keyless deadbolt on your bedroom door (can't be picked), and use it while you're asleep (only if you don't have other family members in other rooms). This way, if an intruder breaks in via your front door (noise), they won't be able to get to you unless they break another door down (more noise). If you sleep through that, you're on your own.

mrvmax wrote:I have to replace my front double doors. I decided to change things up a bit to deter having my front doors kicked in. Right now my doors open in and could probably be kicked in by a 7 year old.

I just want to find a way to spring-load the front door on automotive coil springs in case the SWAT team gets the wrong address.

*WHAM* *BOINNNG*

A door that swings out can also be BLOCKED from the outside, preventing you from getting out.

HighVelocity wrote:A door that swings out can also be BLOCKED from the outside, preventing you from getting out.

Likewise, a door that swings in can be blocked from the inside, preventing somebody from getting in (which seems to be the whole point).

Thanks for the replies, I am trying to prevent the home invasions that are becoming more common in our area - kicking in the front doors. I am sure it can happen, but I haven't read any stories locally about thieves cutting the hinges during the home invasions. All I have read were forced open or kicked in. I am also not concerned about windows, it is not practical to prevent all access to thieves, there will always be entry points for the determined. I will look for the NRP hinges, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the feedback.

bubba1876 wrote:"They're probably just gonna break the window." It kinda freaks 'em out,

Tell 'em if they're worried about them getting in by breaking a wiondow,
they could always get bullet proof windows or use Security Laminates
like they sell at http://www.usace.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Lodge2004 wrote:

HighVelocity wrote:A door that swings out can also be BLOCKED from the outside, preventing you from getting out.

Likewise, a door that swings in can be blocked from the inside, preventing somebody from getting in (which seems to be the whole point).

That is what shotgun breaching loads were made for...

go to Lowes or academy & get a $15 door brace. It is what I am using and it works. It butts up under the door knob.

Rockrz wrote:

bubba1876 wrote:"They're probably just gonna break the window." It kinda freaks 'em out,

Tell 'em if they're worried about them getting in by breaking a wiondow,
they could always get bullet proof windows or use Security Laminates
like they sell at http://www.usace.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

looks good. thanks.

bubba1876,

Your observation regarding doors and windows in residential houses is one I've often considered as the weak link in house security or insecurity as it were...

Frankly, without monstrous expense to security/retrofit all house openings, I'm at a loss if anything truly significant can really be done to prevent a determined criminal from coming into your house. I have many windows at floor level that could be crashed in allowing entry and I suspect most peoples homes are pretty much the same.

Many years ago I was burglarized at another house. The burglars simply knocked out one window pane to unlock the window and voila' they were in.

Do whatever you can within reason to slow them down, but I wouldn't go to any extraordinary measures unless it includes the entire house.

I have lockable storm doors, deadbolt locks and allow no bushes to block a burglar from being seen from the outside coming in or hiding. Our neighbors keep an eye on things too as we do for them. We also have plenty of security lighting and a few other measures..., but nothing hideously expensive.

Make certain you have replacement insurance too.