Are you looking for a secure outward-opening door? Most doors have an inward opening mechanism that gives people numerous strategies to improve security. However, some doors open outward when unlocked, like French or patio doors.
To secure outward-opening doors, you need to install a latch guard and a door barricade designed for these doors. These products will provide the door security you need to feel safe in your home.
This article will cover some of the best ways you can boost security for your outward-opening doors.
Install a Latch Guard
When burglars look for a home to enter, they typically check for gaps between the door and the frame. If there is a big enough gap, the criminal can bypass the locking system with a credit card or other thin object.
A door latch guard will secure the gap in the door and make it impossible for someone to access the latch. These products are inexpensive and require a few screws to install on your home’s exterior swinging door.
The strong metal frame will cover the gap in the door and allow only those with a key to enter the door. These guards come in a wide range of colors and styles, helping to create a stylish accent for your home.
You can use a latch guard on any door type, from inward-opening doors to outward-opening patio doors. By taking a trip to your local hardware store, you can find all the tools you need for proper installation.
Reinforce the Door Hinges
One of the main weaknesses of an outdoor swinging door is the hinges. Depending on the model, the door hinge pin can be exposed on the property’s exterior. For proper security, you need to secure the hinges to prevent a burglar from removing the door.
If a criminal has access to pliers, they can remove the pin of a standard door within seconds. While your door’s locking may be secure, it won’t matter if someone can easily remove the door hinge bolts.
Fortunately, improving the security of an outward swinging door’s hinges is simple. You can replace the door hinges with specialized security options that make it difficult to remove for burglars.
These door hinges include the following safety features:
- Continuous Hinges: These door hinges run the entire door length and are typically used for exterior or heavy-duty interior doors.
- Security Studs: When the door is locked, the hinges lock each other, making it difficult for someone to pry them off.
- Non-Removeable Pins: The door hinge’s pin can’t be removed from the product. A criminal would have to cut off the hinge.
If there is one security upgrade you should make to an outward swinging door, it’s to replace the door hinges. The security hinges will make it difficult for someone to remove the door to enter your property.
Add an Outswing Door Security Bar
While most security bars are for inward swinging doors, some effective options for outswing door security are still available. These security bars aren’t a subtle option, stretching horizontally across the door’s surface.
However, these products can withstand immense forces if someone tries to pull a door open from the outside. The installation is tricky, so you must follow the product’s installation directions.
You will need to anchor the base of the outswing door security bar to the door’s surface and ensure its level. When the security bar is placed within the base, the product will prevent the door from opening because the bar hits the door frame.
Purchase a Specialized Double Door Lock
Purchase the Patlock Security Lock for French Doors Here
If you have French doors, the security isn’t as strong as a single entry door. Fortunately, there are unique lock options that help to reinforce French doors. These lock options offer simple installation and effective protection for outswing door security.
One of the best options on the market is the “Patlock” security lock. This product holds the interior handles of the double doors, so someone cannot turn the handle. You don’t need keys or combinations to use this lock for a secure outward-opening door.
You don’t need to screw on any base to install this product, and you can quickly remove it when you want access to the doors. However, this product won’t work if you have a french door with curved handles.
If you have French doors, you can boost security with these improvements:
- Securing The Hinges: Protect your French door hinges with specialized security hinges that prevent tampering from an intruder.
- Add Security Film to Windows: A French door’s glass is a common weakness you can reinforce with security film.
- Install a Door Barricade: Install a barricade that prevents the door from opening when engaged.
Use a Barricade for a Secure Outward Opening Door
Purchase The Barracuda Door Defense System Here
Door barricades are a common locking product used for inward-opening doors, but they also have models for outward-swinging doors. This product is a more permanent solution, as you need to install the anchor to the floor.
These barricades offer excellent protection against intruders trying to enter your home. The barricade will put up a strong resistance when set at the base of the product that’s in the flooring.
For an outward swinging door barricade, the product consists of three components:
- Door Plate: The door plate is attached to the door by two screws at the bottom of the door.
- Floor Plate: When the door is closed, the door plate should align with the floor plate installed on the property.
- Locking Handle: The locking handle sits firmly in the door plate and floor plate, which creates a dependable lock.
Installation can be challenging for some homeowners, so getting help is important if you aren’t familiar with DIY projects. The floor plate of the barricade is around ⅜” thick, and it will need to go under the door when it opens.
When installing the product, the door should have a gap big enough not to touch the floor plate. If the door scratches the surface, you may need to shave the door down and make the gap bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to barricade an outward door opening, you can install a specialized door barricade. The barricade will secure the door to the floor and provide superior security for those looking for improved safety. If someone pulls on the door, the barricade will stop the door from moving outward.
Outward-opening doors have become more popular as they protect against intruders trying to kick in the door. However, the door hinges can be a weakness that needs to be addressed. Inward and outward-opening doors have weaknesses, and you must make the necessary upgrades to fix them.
Are you worried about the safety of your outswing doors? Outswing doors are a safe option that is effective in protecting against harsh weather conditions and security threats like burglars. To improve outswing door security, you can upgrade the door locks and add a door barricade.
Conclusion
Now that you know the steps to secure an outward swinging door, you don’t have to worry about these doors being a weakness. When you make the upgrades in this article, a potential intruder won’t be able to access your home.
If you want a secure outward-opening door, we recommend you make the following changes:
- Install Security Hinges
- Add a Door Latch Guard
- Use a Door Barricade
These additions to your door will block the common vulnerabilities of outward swinging doors. You can choose one of the door upgrades or combine them for the most reliable protection option.