Keeping a home secure does not always mean changing every lock on every door. In many cases, small and thoughtful steps can dramatically strengthen your security while saving time and money. As locksmiths, we see how a few adjustments, better habits, and simple maintenance often prevent break-ins just as effectively as full lock replacement.

Understanding how to make your existing locks and entry points more secure begins with knowing where weaknesses tend to appear and how to fix them properly.

Start With A Security Check

Before doing anything else, we always recommend inspecting your home as if you were a stranger trying to find an easy way in. Walk around the exterior and note what you see. Are there spare keys hidden under mats or flowerpots? Are there doors with loose frames or locks that feel wobbly when turned?

Many homeowners discover that the weakest point is not the lock itself but the surrounding structure. A strong deadbolt cannot protect a door with a cracked frame or stripped screws. Strengthening the strike plate with longer screws, usually at least three inches, anchors it firmly into the wall stud instead of just the door frame. This simple change can resist forced entry far better than a surface-level upgrade.

If you are unsure where to start or what to look for, consulting a professional can help. For example, a locksmith in Ottawa can assess your doors and locks, point out weak areas, and recommend practical improvements suited to your home’s layout and budget.

Reinforce Doors And Frames

Most break-ins happen through doors that were forced open. The strength of the lock means little if the frame cannot hold it. Reinforcing door frames and hinges is an inexpensive yet powerful way to improve home security.

Check the screws on your hinges and strike plates. Many are only half an inch long and sit shallowly in the soft wood of the frame. Replacing them with longer screws that reach the wall stud makes a surprising difference. If your door feels slightly loose in the frame, tighten or replace the hinge screws, especially the top hinge.

You can also install metal door reinforcement plates around the lock area to prevent splitting if someone tries to kick the door in. These plates fit over existing locks and often take less than half an hour to install. For even greater protection, consider adding a security bar or door brace for nights or vacations.

Maintain Locks Regularly

Locks age like any other mechanical part. Over time, dirt, dust, and moisture can cause internal wear that makes them stick or turn roughly. A well-maintained lock not only lasts longer but also provides more consistent protection.

Lubricate the lock cylinder once or twice a year using graphite or a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based products, which attract dust and gum up the mechanism. While cleaning, check for rust, stiffness, or visible damage. If you notice that the key does not insert smoothly or needs jiggling, that may signal worn pins inside. Addressing it early prevents complete failure later.

Regular lock maintenance also includes checking how well the bolt aligns with the strike plate. If the door shifts slightly over time, the bolt may not fully extend into the plate, reducing strength. Adjust the hinges or latch plate if necessary to keep the alignment solid.

Re-Key Instead Of Replace

Replacing every lock may seem like the most secure approach, but in most cases, it is unnecessary. Re-keying achieves the same goal for far less cost.

Re-keying involves changing the internal pins of a lock so that old keys no longer work. This is ideal when you move into a new home or lose a key and want to ensure no one else can access your property. The hardware stays the same, but the mechanism inside changes.

This approach maintains the aesthetic and structure of your doors while instantly restoring control over who has access. It also gives you the opportunity to have all locks operate on a single key for convenience.

Upgrade Specific Locks Strategically

You do not have to replace every lock to improve security. Focus on the entry points most vulnerable to intrusion.

Front and back doors deserve priority because they are the most common targets. Replacing just those with high-security deadbolts or smart locks offers a significant boost. If your current locks are decades old, upgrading a few main ones can deter break-ins without overhauling the entire system.

Smart locks are a great option for households that prefer remote control or keyless entry. Many models integrate with existing deadbolts, allowing installation without drilling new holes.

You can also strengthen sliding doors and windows using auxiliary locks, dowel rods, or security bars. Even basic models make forced entry harder by preventing the panel from moving, adding an extra layer of resistance.

Secure Windows And Secondary Entrances

Windows and side doors are often forgotten in home security plans. Even strong locks lose their effectiveness if an intruder simply breaks the glass or finds an unlocked window.

Install window locks or simple pin locks to limit how far a window can open. Glass break sensors and motion lights around lower windows also discourage intruders. For basement or ground-level windows, use security film to prevent shattering.

Garage doors deserve attention too. Many homeowners store tools there that could help someone break in. Secure the door leading from the garage into the house with a solid deadbolt and treat it as seriously as your front door.

Improve Lighting And Visibility

Good lighting does more than make your home look welcoming. It also discourages intruders who prefer darkness and cover.

Install motion-sensor lights near entrances, pathways, and the sides of the house. These lights startle potential trespassers and make them visible to neighbors or cameras. Keeping shrubs trimmed and walkways clear also eliminates hiding spots.

For extra control, consider connecting outdoor lights to timers or smart plugs, so they turn on automatically at dusk even if you are away. This gives the appearance of activity and reduces risk during vacations.

Use Cameras And Alarms As Deterrents

Cameras and alarms have become much more accessible and affordable. You can add them to your home without complex wiring or monitoring contracts. Even simple battery-powered cameras near entry points deter intruders once they notice the lens.

Alarms do not always need to connect to a central station to be effective. A loud local alarm triggered by door or window sensors can scare off an intruder immediately and alert you or neighbors.

Combine these systems with visible signs or stickers that indicate the presence of security equipment. Studies show that visible deterrents alone reduce the chance of a break-in significantly.

Develop Better Security Habits

Technology helps, but habits matter just as much. Many home intrusions occur not through advanced lock picking but through unlocked doors or windows.

Get into the routine of locking every entry point before bed and when leaving home, even for short periods. Teach family members to do the same. Always remove spare keys from predictable spots like under mats or flowerpots. Instead, leave a spare with a trusted neighbor or use a small lockbox secured to an exterior wall.

If you have a sliding patio door, always place a bar or dowel in the track before bed. For those who travel frequently, avoid posting travel dates publicly online, which can signal that your home is empty.

Schedule A Professional Security Assessment

While DIY measures are effective, having a professional evaluate your security can uncover hidden issues. Locksmiths have tools and training to identify vulnerabilities that the average homeowner may overlook, such as outdated lock models, misaligned frames, or weak door hardware.

They can recommend small but impactful upgrades like strike reinforcements, door viewers, or re-keying where needed. If you have concerns about your locks, you can contact us for practical guidance and assistance.

An in-person assessment gives you a clear picture of your home’s overall safety and a plan for prioritizing improvements according to your needs.

Add Layered Security

The most secure homes use multiple layers of protection. No single measure, whether a lock or alarm, can do it all. Combining physical, visual, and behavioral defenses creates a strong deterrent.

A home with reinforced doors, proper lighting, visible cameras, and cautious daily habits presents too many obstacles for most intruders to risk. Each layer buys time, creates noise, and draws attention—three things that most burglars avoid.

Even if you cannot upgrade everything at once, building layers step by step steadily increases your home’s safety and peace of mind.

FAQ

How often should locks be re-keyed?
Re-key locks whenever you move, lose a key, or experience a change in who has access to your home. Doing so once every few years is a good practice to maintain control.

Is it worth using smart locks?
Smart locks add convenience and flexibility without requiring full replacement. They work well when paired with traditional deadbolts and strong door frames.

Can lighting really prevent break-ins?
Yes. Bright or motion-sensor lighting removes the cover intruders rely on, making them visible and far less likely to attempt entry.

Are door braces better than deadbolts?
They serve different purposes. Deadbolts secure the door when locked, while door braces provide additional strength against force. Using both offers the best protection.

What is the easiest security upgrade for most homes?
Replacing short screws in door strike plates and hinges with three-inch screws is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. It immediately strengthens resistance against forced entry.