The Truth About Kick-In Burglaries
Most residential break-ins aren't sophisticated. They're literally a swift kick or shoulder against the front or back door. The lock almost never fails — what fails is the strike plate, the door jamb, or the door itself splitting around the strike. With factory hardware, this takes about one or two seconds.
Door reinforcement addresses every weak point in the path of that attack:
Reinforcement Products We Install
- Heavy-duty strike plates with 3-inch screws — The single highest-impact upgrade. Standard strikes use 3/4" screws into trim wood. We install 3" screws that bite into the framing stud.
- Full-length door reinforcement bars (StrikeMaster Pro, Door Devil) — Steel bars that run the full height of the jamb behind the trim. Distributes kick-in force across the entire frame.
- Door wrap / edge guards — Steel wraps around the lock side of the door to prevent the door itself from splitting around the deadbolt and latch.
- Hinge-side reinforcement — Most attention goes to the lock side, but hinges fail too. We install hinge bolts and long hinge screws.
- Latch guards / blocker plates — Prevent prying tools and credit-card attacks on the latch.
- Frame repair kits — If your door has already been kicked and the frame is split, we can install repair kits that restore (and exceed) original strength.
- Door bracket / floor brace systems — The OnGard Door Brace and similar devices that engage when you're home for extra peace of mind.
Why Reinforcement Matters More Than Better Locks
Many homeowners spend $400 on a high-security lock but never address the $0.10 wood screws holding the strike plate. That's the wrong order of operations. A $30 reinforced strike with proper long screws provides more real-world kick-in resistance than any lock upgrade, on any door. We always recommend doing the basics first.
If your door has already been compromised (kick-in attempt, prior break-in, visible frame damage), reinforcement isn't optional — it's the only way to restore real security.
Call (253) 796-8550 for door reinforcement service in Auburn.
