Trying to find the best option for securing the doors in your home or office can be tricky and a little bit stressful. You want to make the best choice possible. After all, the safety of your family is of the utmost importance. There are a variety of options for securing your doors and one of these is door security bars. But how effective are they really? Let’s find out.
Most burglaries occur through the front entrance door of a building. It is therefore essential to provide a security layer to protect the entry to your home or workplace. You will need to invest in a safety device that is going to be effective in stopping home invasions. Security bars are a very good option, particularly in protecting you against front door forced type entries.
So now that you’re thinking that security bars might be the way for you to go, let’s find out a bit more about what a door security bar is and why you should use one, how they work, and whether they are effective for every type of door. We’ll take a look at installation requirements and also check out a few different makes and some of the costs involved.
What Is a Door Security Bar?
A door security bar is a security bar that extends across the breadth of a door. These bars are usually made of steel, and some have built-in alarm systems as an extended security feature.
Why Should I Use One?
Perhaps you are wondering why you should use a security bar when you have installed sturdy locks on your front door already. Sadly, burglars are experts at breaking door locks of all kinds and removing sliding doors with ease. Making use of a superior quality door security bar assists in protecting you and your family, as well as your property, from these types of break-ins as they provide an extra layer of security that will deter the opportunistic burglar when attempting to enter your home.
How Does a Security Bar Work?
These bars are a much better security measure when compared with door locks and some other devices. They can be very lightweight – some weighing about one pound – and yet they can hold out against up to roughly 350 pounds of force.
The bars come in a variety of lengths to suit a variety of different door widths. They usually range between 38 and 43 inches. Most door security bars are adjustable and can therefore be used on most types of doors. They are easy to use and simple to lift and remove when they are not needed.
Door security bars can also be used on patio or sliding doors. In fact, door bars are essential for these types of doors as these are usually the most vulnerable doors in a home.
Installation
Some security bars will need to be fitted into the door casing. Don’t let this put you off. This is a very quick and easy installation and can be accomplished in a few minutes.
Other types of bars attach to the frame of the door, and these provide the most dependable protection.
When door security bars are fitted accurately, they make your entrance door essentially kick-proof. So that really does answer the question as to whether security bars are effective! A definite yes!
Types of Security Bars and Costs
There is quite a wide range of security bars out there on the market. Below are four options to give you an idea of what you can get and what the average costs are.
- Master Lock 265D Security Bar –
Amazon Price: $20.95
Master Lock’s 265D Security Bar is an excellent door jammer. Its heavy-duty steel construction promotes a reliable security performance.
It is quite a versatile product with a multi-purpose design and good durability.
- South Main Hardware Security Bar
Amazon Price: $21.99
This is one of the more stable, affordable options available. It has a robust steel construction but still comes in at a low price.
It is a good option for sliding doors. It offers this usability on sliding doors because of its removable head – something that most other bars don’t provide.
Brinks 675-83001 Home Security Bar
Amazon Price: $24.36
The Brinks 675-83001 Home Security Bar has a retractable design that makes it a good choice for the frequent traveler. It’s an essential aspect because it allows for the bar to be easily stored and transported. It can therefore be used on hotel room doors to protect your items while you are on holiday or traveling for business.
- Patio Door Security Bar with Anti-Lift Lock
Price: $23.16
This security bar is made specifically for patio doors. It is adjustable and slides easily from 25.75” to 47.5” for easy installation.
The SK110 patio door security bar and saddle are screwed directly into the door frame and profile. This provides reliable protection that won’t shake loose or fall.
The SK110 swings up and stays out of the way when it is not in use.
Related Questions
Are Door Jammers Different from Door Security Bars?
Door jammers are transportable. They also don’t require any installation. They do a similar job to security bars. They are easy to transport and can increase protection when using a public toilet or hotel room doors. The smaller ones are so compact they can be carried in a handbag or backpack. They work using a bar that is supported by the floor at one end, with the opposite end hooking underneath the door handle.
Do Door Security Bars Work on Carpet?
Unfortunately, door security bars do not work as well on carpeted floors because they use a rubber pad on the bottom and need to have good traction. A smooth and hard surface, therefore, works best.
Is There a Type of Exterior Door That Is Best For Security?
An exterior door that is practically impossible to break through is a steel door. These doors are among the best front doors in terms of security.
Are Window Security Bars Any Good?
Yes! Not only are window security bars (burglar bars) designed to withstand the most force that a burglar can throw at them, but they are also a very visible and immediate deterrent for anyone contemplating breaking into your house.