How to Make your Apartment Door More Secure from the Inside and Outside

As an MLA approved locksmith in Barnet IKS Locksmiths provides a comprehensive range of property security solutions for apartments, houses and commercial premises. From high security locks installation to security grilles and door reinforcement we can advise you on how to make your apartment door more secure and protect your home or business effectively. In this post, we offer detailed advice on how to secure an apartment door from the outside and inside.

The 3 Most Effective Ways to Secure Your Apartment Door from Outside

When thinking about how to secure an apartment door from outside, the first thing to consider is whether your external apartment door security will deter or attract intruders. From a professional burglar’s perspective, it will be clear whether you take your security seriously or if security is low on your list of priorities. Intruders look for easy access, and if they see that you have excellent physical security, they are unlikely to attempt a break in. The primary means of security are locks to meet British Standard as a minimum, ideally high security locks, which are key when looking to secure the front door of flats.

1) Upgrade your Door Locks for the Highest Security

If you are not meeting basic lock requirements, your property will stand out as a target for intruders.

a) Choose a Certified Experienced Locksmith

To meet security and insurance standards, door locks must be fitted to meet British Standards. Always choose a professional, reliable locksmith for lock fitting to make your apartment door more secure.

A professional, reliable locksmith will provide:

• The best lock options (only high quality products)
• High quality lock fitting to British Standards

b) Meet Basic Lock Requirements as a Minimum

As a minimum, it is essential to have:

A British Standard Mortice lock on a Wooden Door (assuming it is suitable) 

Anti snap Locks on a UPVC door (ideally 3 star diamond rated)

This is essential for both security and insurance purposes.

c) Choose High Security Locks for the Highest Level of Security

If you want to significantly reduce your risk of burglary, upgrading to high-security locks is a worthwhile investment. This step is a must when considering how to make an apartment door from the outside.

d) Avoid Cheap Basic Locks Like the Plague

Choosing cheap basic locks is a mistake. It is common practice for rogue locksmiths to sell cheap basic locks for high prices. This is something to be aware of. Always choose a certified approved locksmith with good reviews to ensure you are genuinely improving your apartment door.

e) Think Carefully Before Jumping on the Smart Lock Trend

Is it smart to choose smart locks? Not always. Learn more about the pros and cons of installing smart locks here.

Installing The Best Locks for Security

In summary, choose British Standard locks as a minimum, and if you can afford it, upgrade to high-security locks.

2) Install a Lock Guard to Prevent Forced Entry

When people mention installing a kick device or a security strike plate on a door, they are often referring to a lock guard. The way a lock guard works is that the metal plate is fitted to protect the lock from forced entry by reinforcing the timber round the lock to strengthen it. Essentially, a lock guard prevents the timber from splitting and leaving the lock inside the door vulnerable. This makes it an ideal security solution for the front doors of flats. Think about installing one!

3) Security Grille Installation

Security Grilles are a highly effective means of physical security and an excellent deterrent. Note: security grilles and gates should never be installed on a flat or apartment door unless there is no communal door and the front door opens directly onto the street. However, security grilles or bars can be installed on windows to maximise security.

The 5 Most Effective Ways to Secure Your Apartment Door from Inside

Understanding how to secure an apartment door from inside is just as important as outside measures.

1) Install Door Reinforcement Bars to Strengthen the Door

There are 2 types of door reinforcement bars. Both strengthen and protect a wooden door against forced entry.

London Bar Installation

A London bar runs along the lock side of the door to reinforce the door frame and protect the lock from forced entry.

Birmingham Bar Installation

A Birmingham bar runs along the hinge side of the door to provide strength and reinforce the door frame against forced entry.

2) Fit Hinge Bolts to Prevent a Door from Being Lifted off Its Hinges

Intruders can lift some doors off the hinges, and if your door is susceptible to this, then hinge bolts are a must. Hinge bolts prevent the door from being physically lifted off its hinges, improving apartment door security from the inside.

3) Fit Mesh Grilles to Glass in the Door

Mesh grilles installed internally on glass in a door will prevent someone from smashing the glass to reach the lock and unlock the door from the inside.

4) Install a Peephole or Smart Doorbell Camera

Being able to see who’s at the door before opening is a significant advantage for those living alone. Installing a door viewer (peephole) will enhance apartment door security from the inside.

5) Install a Chain Lock or Swing Bar Lock

A swing bar lock is a solid piece of metal that flips over to secure the door. It is probably stronger than a chain lock; however, it’s important to be aware that neither of these locks effectively prevents forced entry. Which is why these are lowest on the list when it comes to effective means of security.

Additional Tips on How to Maximise Apartment Door Security

Improve Visibility with Lighting

Good lighting at your front door will mean that intruders are less likely to go unnoticed. A porch light with a sensor can be a good deterrent.

Change Door Locks when Moving Into a New Home

Change your locks as soon as you move into a new property. You never know who has a set of keys to your new home.

Read about why it’s so important to change locks when moving into a new house​ here. Whether you live in an apartment or a house this is a non negotiable security requirement because there are so may risks associated with not changing your locks.

Secure Sliding Doors and Back Doors

Consult a security specialist for advice on the best security for all the doors in your apartment. Sliding doors can be especially vulnerable.

For more front door security tips read this post.

IKS: Making Your Apartment More Secure from Inside and Outside

Whether you need to simply change a door lock or have a full security survey of your home with recommendations, we can help. We are specialists in locks, door reinforcement, security grilles and safes and can advise you on how to secure your apartment door from the outside and inside effectively.

• Call, Text or WhatsApp us on 0203 284 1045 or 07947426981 or
• Email us on info@ikslocksmiths.co.uk 

Contact us for bespoke security advice.