Is it possible to reinforce an existing door with an armoured door?

The security of your home is a priority, and installing an armored door is one of the best ways to reinforce this protection. However, not everyone is in a position to replace an existing door with a complete armored door, especially in older homes where existing doors may have aesthetic or historical value. The good news is that it is entirely possible to upgrade an existing door to an armored door, thanks to a range of suitable solutions. In this article, we explore the options available for transforming an ordinary door into an armored door, depending on your security needs.

Why reinforce an existing door?

1. Enhanced safety

Traditional wood or PVC doors are often not strong enough to resist burglary attempts. Door reinforcement adds a layer of security without having to replace the entire door, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Protection against burglars: By reinforcing an existing door, you can considerably increase its resistance to common burglary tools.
Tailored security: You can customize the reinforcement to suit the level of security you require, whether for your home or a commercial building.

2. Economical solution

Reinforcing an existing door is an economical solution compared to replacing the entire door. You can improve the security of your door without having to invest in a new armored door, which can be costly.

Save money: Rather than replacing the entire door, you can invest in specific reinforcement elements, such as armor plates or high-security locks.
Less invasive work: Reinforcing the existing door generally requires less work than a complete installation, which reduces labor costs.

3. Preserving style and aesthetics

If you live in an old house or in a building with a particular architectural style, you may prefer to preserve the appearance of your door while increasing its security. Reinforcement preserves the door’s exterior appearance while making it more resistant.

Maintaining aesthetics: By opting for reinforcement, you maintain the original appearance of your door while adding modern security features.
Adaptability: You can choose materials and reinforcement techniques to match the design of your door.

Solutions for upgrading an existing door to an armored door

1. Installing door armouring

One of the most common solutions for transforming an ordinary door into an armored door is to add metal armor to the existing door. This armor can be made of steel or aluminum, and is attached to the door to reinforce its resistance to attack.

Armor plates: Metal plates are attached to the front of the door to provide protection against knocks, drilling and pick attempts.
Lock reinforcements: Shoring can be fitted with reinforced protections around the lock to prevent it from being drilled or ripped out.

2. Installing a multipoint lock

Multipoint locks are security devices that lock several points on the door, offering increased resistance to burglary attempts. If your existing door is fitted with a traditional lock, adding a multi-point lock is an excellent way to enhance security.

3, 5 or 7-point locks: Multi-point locks lock the door in several places (top, bottom and center), making it much more difficult to break in.
Protection against picking and drilling: Modern multipoint locks are often equipped with anti-picking, anti-bumping and anti-drilling protection, increasing their level of security.

3. Additional reinforcements

In addition to the armouring and lock, you can add other security features to further strengthen your existing door:

Reinforcement bars: Install metal reinforcement bars on the door frame to prevent forcing and make the door more difficult to break into.
Reinforced hinges: Replace standard hinges with reinforced hinges or anti-lift pins to prevent the door from being lifted off its hinges.
Frame reinforcement plates: Metal reinforcement plates installed on the door frame prevent the frame from being ripped off and provide additional resistance to attempted break-ins.

4. Installation of electronic safety devices

Electronic security devices, such as electronic locks, biometric locks or video surveillance systems, can also be installed to enhance the security of your existing door.

Electronic locks: These locks secure your door without a physical key, and you can control access remotely via a mobile app or access control system.
Surveillance camera: Adding a surveillance camera near the door allows you to see who’s outside before you open the door, enhancing your security.

5. Improved heat and sound insulation

As well as enhancing security, you can improve your door’s thermal and acoustic insulation. The addition of insulating layers, such as foam panels or reinforced seals, can help reduce heat loss and insulate against external noise.

Thermal insulation: This will enable you to better regulate the temperature inside your home, by reducing heat loss through the door.
Sound insulation: Adding insulating elements can also reduce external noise, creating a quieter, more comfortable environment.

Conclusion

It’s perfectly possible to upgrade an existing door to an armored door by opting for solutions such as metal armoring, adding multipoint locks, and installing additional reinforcements. These techniques enable you to considerably increase the security of your door without having to replace it entirely. What’s more, by adding electronic devices or insulation upgrades, you can make your door not only more secure, but also more functional and comfortable.

If you want to convert your existing door to an armored one, or need advice on how to make your home more secure, Leader Services is here to help. Consult our services on Porte Blindée or contact us directly via our contact form.