Back Door Security 101: Protecting the Hidden Entry Point of Your Home

Back door security is often the most overlooked safety issue in a home, making them prime targets for intruders. Unlike front doors, they will usually be less visible from the street, poorly lit and sometimes fitted with older or weaker locks. Securing your back door is essential to protect your property, family and belongings.

Simple measures such as installing a high-quality lock, reinforcing frames, adding security sensors or upgrading to laminated glass can dramatically reduce the risk of break-ins. Understanding the vulnerabilities and complexities of back door security and taking proactive steps ensures your home remains safe, secure and less appealing to opportunistic intruders by learning how you can get the best back doors for security.

What is a Back Door?

A back door refers to a doorway into your property that is not traditionally accessible from the pavement or other walkways outside. It is a far more private entryway than the front door and often opens up into the garden rather than outside the bounds of your property.

Common Types of Back Doors

There are common themes with a front door, like being a single piece featuring frosted windows with a slot for a letterbox. Back doors can have more variety, like sliding glass doors, French doors, patio doors, bi-fold and many more.

Why Back Doors Are Often Targeted by Burglars

Back doors are often targeted by burglars because they tend to be more secluded and less visible from the street or neighbouring properties. Many homeowners focus on securing their front entrances but can often overlook the rear, where older or weaker locks, glass panels or even poor lighting can make intrusion easier.

Sliding or patio doors are also common weak spots, as they can sometimes be lifted from their tracks or simply forced open, often the result of a non-professional installation. This is why it’s really important to have your doors fitted by a professional fitter.

Why Back Door Security Matters

The Role of the Back Door in Home Safety

As back doors tend to open into a garden area that is still in your property zone, they can be seen on the same lines as an internal door. While front doors get a lock, chain and more commonly now a doorbell camera, back door security can often be overlooked.

Common Vulnerabilities Found in Back Doors

Common issues found in back door security include weak locks, glass panes that can be smashed (although this is rare, due to the noise it makes), or sliding/folding doors that can be lifted out of their frames. More traditional doors can be left with weak frames or old locks, with the focus of upgrades being on the front door.

How Intruders Exploit These Weak Points

Intruders exploit back doors because they’re secluded and are more prone to having compromised safety measures. Front doors tend to be uPVC or solid wood, which is harder to smash or damage and won’t have a runner to be lifted from.

How to Secure Your Back Door: 5 Methods

1. Use a Professional Installation Service

First and foremost, if you’re looking to secure your back door, you should have it installed by a professional fitter. This will mean that your front door has been correctly installed and reduces the risk of it being susceptible to break-ins.

By opting to install a back door yourself, or someone else with limited experience, you increase the risk of having poor back door security.

2. Choosing the Right Locking Cylinder

Getting your locking cylinder right is absolutely crucial for having a secure back door. At Green Doors, we partner with the incredible Ultion Locks, who have some amazing locks on offer with a £5000 guarantee.

By choosing one of their impressive options, you put yourself in a great position to have a secure back door.

3. Installing Security Bars or Door Braces

Security bars and door braces can sometimes be seen as overkill, but that same sentiment isn’t carried over to fitting a car with a steering lock. This is a simple form of safety that will add a sturdy, added layer of security to the home.

4. Adding Smart Security Cameras and Motion Lights

Visible security cameras and motion-activated lights act as strong deterrents. Cameras allow you to monitor activity remotely, while lights illuminate dark areas around your back door, reducing opportunities for stealthy access.

5. Extra Tips for Sliding and French Doors

Sliding, double or bi-folding doors have the unique vulnerability of being lifted off their tracks. Use anti-lift devices, track lock or reinforced rods to prevent this, and consider laminated or strengthened glass to enhance security without compromising on style for the best back doors for security.

If this sound like a lot of effort, you can always bulletproof your back door security by ensuring that your back door is fitted by a professional fitter.

Speak With a Back Door Expert

When ensuring you have the best back doors for security, it’s important to speak to experts in back door security. Green Doors has everything you need to make your home as stylish and as safe as possible. Back doors, French doors, bi-fold doors and sliding doors are all in stock, ready for delivery at your convenience.

We have also made sustainability a focal point of our business, so we offer a service where, after replacing your back door, your old door can be sold or donated for repurposing. Contact our team today and reinforce your home in style.

Back Door Security: FAQs