In today’s context, where home security is a growing concern, many people are asking themselves the question: is it necessary to completely replace your door to benefit from optimal protection? Or can you simply reinforce an existing door? If you have ever thought about calling a locksmith to reinforce your security, this article is for you.
1. Door reinforcement: what is it?
Before getting into the heart of the matter, it is crucial to understand what exactly “door reinforcement” means. Reinforcement is a technique that consists of reinforcing an existing door by adding steel plates and reinforced locksmith systems. Unlike an armoured door, which is designed from the outset to resist break-in attempts, reinforcement aims to improve the resistance of an existing door.
2. The advantages of reinforcement
- Preservation of aesthetics: One of the main advantages of reinforcing an existing door is being able to preserve its external appearance. This is particularly appreciated in old buildings or condominiums where changing the appearance may be subject to restrictions.
- Cost: In general, reinforcing an existing door can be less expensive than replacing it entirely with an armoured door. Of course, this depends on the quality of the armour chosen and the locksmith you use.
- Speed of installation: A competent locksmith can carry out the armouring in a few hours, which means less inconvenience for the occupants of the house or apartment.
3. The limits of armouring
Despite its advantages, door armouring has its limits:
- Security level: Even if armouring can considerably improve the resistance of a door, a factory armoured door is generally more resistant to break-in attempts.
- Insulation: Armored factory doors are often better insulated, both thermally and sound-wise.
- Sustainability: Over time, the original structure of the door can weaken, making the shielding less effective.
4. Choosing the right locksmith
As with any security-related project, choosing the right locksmith is crucial. To ensure the quality of the installation:
- References and reviews: Before hiring a locksmith, find out about its credentials and check online reviews. A good reputation is generally a guarantee of quality.
- Certifications: Some locksmiths have certifications attesting to their competence in the field of door armoring. Don’t hesitate to ask them.
- Detailed quote: A locksmith professional should always provide you with a detailed estimate before commencing work, allowing you to understand the cost of each item.
5. Conclusion
Armoring an existing door is a viable solution for those who want to increase the security of their home without completely replacing their door. However, this option has its limits and cannot compete with the level of protection offered by a factory armored door. Whatever the solution chosen, the intervention of a locksmith qualified is essential to guarantee quality work.