Front Door Style in Austin (violent crime, Home Depot, buy)

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by RooCeleste

We also had super long screws and bigger kickplates installed...it's supposed to make the door more secure.

How dumb would a BG have to be to kick in YOUR door?!?

[RooCeleste]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

How dumb would a BG have to be to kick in YOUR door?!?

That is VERY true, Rick....

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by RooCeleste

And if you do have sidelights or glass in your door, have a keyed deadbolt put in. That prevents burglars from smashing the glass and reaching in to unlock the door.

You are right about the safety issue here, but we had a house like this (actually, it had a 1/2 window that ended just above the keyed deadbolt), and I hated it. For a while, I would lock the keyed deadbolt with the key at night, but put the key on the floor by the door, just in case of fire. Then I decided not to deadbolt it at night at all, since it would make an escape impossible. But that defeated the reason for having a deadbolt (although we used it when we left the house.) We finally replaced the door with one that had a small window at the top. It was an elegant, craftsman style, and I loved it. So that removed all the dead bolt problems. We could have one with a turn-lock. The house we are in now has a completely solid door - with a turn style dead bolt - but has a clerstory window over the top for light. I had a peephole put in so that I could see who is out there. It is a good compromise, but if I were going to replace that door, I would go back to the system I described above: A small top window, no side lights, but with a clerstory window, if possible.

[llkltk]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

Just remember not to lock the double-keyed deadbolt while you are inside, especially if you have kids. Exiting the house in a fire would be made much more difficult.

That doesn't make sense. If you leave it unlocked then a burglar could just walk in. The key would be available and everyone knows how to use it.

[RooCeleste]

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

You are right about the safety issue here, but we had a house like this (actually, it had a 1/2 window that ended just above the keyed deadbolt), and I hated it. For a while, I would lock the keyed deadbolt with the key at night, but put the key on the floor by the door, just in case of fire. Then I decided not to deadbolt it at night at all, since it would make an escape impossible. But that defeated the reason for having a deadbolt (although we used it when we left the house.) We finally replaced the door with one that had a small window at the top. It was an elegant, craftsman style, and I loved it. So that removed all the dead bolt problems. We could have one with a turn-lock. The house we are in now has a completely solid door - with a turn style dead bolt - but has a clerstory window over the top for light. I had a peephole put in so that I could see who is out there. It is a good compromise, but if I were going to replace that door, I would go back to the system I described above: A small top window, no side lights, but with a clerstory window, if possible.

We have both -- a turn lock and a keyed deadbolt. If we're in the house and are going in and out, we use the turn lock. At night or when we're gone, both are always locked but the key is always in the same location and very accessible (for us, but hidden) for both the front and the back doors. And we have a big loud dog...and an alarm system...and other forms of personal/home protection...

[Trainwreck20]

That doesn't make sense. If you leave it unlocked then a burglar could just walk in. The key would be available and everyone knows how to use it.

You have both a traditional and a double-key. You would normally only use the double-key lock when you are out of the house.

We have two young kids, and I would rather they are able to get out quickly, if necessary, than fumbling with a key. Ofc, if you live in a very dangerous area for crime, you might do otherwise, but the smash-n-grab in most 'upscale' areas is a day-time thing.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by llkltk

Thanks for the deadbolt suggestion. I had not thought of that!

keep in mind they are a fire hazard. If you cant find the key if there is a fire you can get trapped.

[iloveflowers]

I have what G Grasshopper described, and love it. It is a painted fiberglass door, and much easier to maintain than a wood door. I think the wood doors with the glass look the best, but wouldn't want to worry about sidelites and burglers, or having to re-stain my wood door so much. They do make stained fiberglass doors that look like real wood, which I might look into someday.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Austin97

keep in mind they are a fire hazard. If you cant find the key if there is a fire you can get trapped.

I believe they are also a building code violation, for this very reason. A person could be trapped and unable to exit in an emergency.

[JT-3]

We have a mid century style front door that we like and intend to keep. I did just have it re-hung and adjusted by a pro, glad I didn't take that job on.