Steel security doors have come a long way from the burglar bar cages of a few decades ago. The new ones are attractive and enhance the looks of any home, regardless of architecture.
Steel security doors are available in many different styles and colors. Tempered glass resists breakage while keeping out rain and wind, which, along with the weather stripping, helps reduce energy bills. Heavy duty locks and hinges make it virtually impossible for a burglar to remove quality security doors or force them open.
Most steel security doors feature pneumatic closers that will automatically close the door behind you without slamming. Many models offer a screen so you can allow air flow in while keeping bugs out.
Steel security doors should be made of a heavy gauge steel for maximum security. Grill work or decorative bars that run the length of the door add additional protection and are also attractive.
When shopping for steel security doors, look for those that include a heavy duty lock, preferably a deadbolt, and hinges that cannot be reversed. Shatter resistant safety glass is fairly standard, but it never hurts to check just to be sure. Look for doors that have frames which have been sandblasted and feature a powder coating so that it will weather the elements well.
Most security doors allow the pneumatic closer to be adjusted so that the door does not close too quickly or too slowly. Test to see how easy it is to lock the door in the open position; this is usually accomplished by sliding a washer along the closer bar.
Steel security doors are available for virtually every type of external exit. Front doors, including double doors, are among the most common. However, you can also find steel security doors for sliding entrances, such as patio doors, and French doors as well.
Properly fitting security doors are critical to providing the maximum protection from forced entry as well as the maximum energy efficiency. If the frame into which your new door is to be installed is out of square, you may have to have it repaired before installing steel security doors.
You can have steel security doors custom made if you have an unusual size, and installation is normally included in the price. For standard size doors, there are steel security doors available in the form of kits from your local home improvement store that you can install yourself.
If you choose to install your new door yourself, be sure to follow all instructions carefully. An improperly hung door of any type simply will not swing as it should and will not remain in place as long as it should.
Measure carefully before purchasing your new security doors if you are buying kits to install yourself. Because a door can vary slightly, take several measurements of the height and width and if there are variances, buy steel security doors according to the largest measurement. If necessary, you can use an extender to take up any extra space.