By a home improvement industry contributor. News about crime in Colorado can be confusing. Overall property crime went down 6.4% from the first to the second quarter of 2024. But the burglary rate only dropped by 1.0% in that same time, says the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice. For homeowners, that small drop doesn’t change the need to protect the most common way burglars get in: the front door.
A strong deadbolt is a good start, but it’s just one part of a system that can have weak spots. A burglar will look for the easiest way in. That could be a weak door frame, hinges that are easy to remove, or a lock on a hollow door. Real security comes from a system where the door, frame, and hardware all work together to stand up to force.
The first step is knowing what a complete, pro-installed system looks like. Looking at the work of Denver Storm Door installers can show you the kinds of materials and installation methods that make a real difference between a door that just looks good and one that is truly secure.
Quick answer: A real security door is a full system. Its strength comes not just from the door, but from its strong steel or aluminum frame, special hinges, a protected lock area, and professional installation. The whole system must be anchored deep into the main frame of your house.
What’s inside
- What’s the real difference between a storm door and a security door?
- How can you check a security door’s materials and frame?
- What installation details are most important for stopping a break-in?
- How much should you budget for a proper security door installation?
- What are the most common mistakes homeowners make?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the real difference between a storm door and a security door?
A storm door’s main job is to protect your front door from the weather. A security door is a full system built with a strong frame and special hardware to stop someone from breaking in.
Many people use these terms to mean the same thing, but the doors are built for very different reasons. A normal storm door is made for airflow and to save energy. It usually has a light aluminum or vinyl frame that is attached to the outside trim of your house. Its main purpose is to add a layer of insulation and hold a screen. It won’t do much to stop a burglar.
A security door, however, is built to take a hit and resist being pried open. The difference is important because they protect you from different things. A 6.4% drop in property crime in early 2024 is good news, but that number includes crimes that don’t involve breaking in. The burglary rate, which measures break-ins, hardly changed. It only went down 1.0% in the same time, according to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice. This shows that break-ins are still a real threat.
❝ A good tip is to check the frame, not just the door. A security door system needs a strong steel or thick aluminum frame. This frame must be attached with long screws that go straight into the main supports of your house, not just the wood trim around the door.
How the door is installed is key. Installers know that the most common weak spot is a strong door on a weak frame. If the frame is only attached to the trim, a kick or a pry bar can rip the whole thing right off the house. A real security door sends the force of a hit from the door, through the strong frame, and into the sturdy structure of your home.
How can you check a security door’s materials and frame?
You should check a security door’s material thickness and how the frame is built. You can also see if it meets official standards for stopping break-ins.
People often focus on the door itself, but the real strength is in the frame and materials. Security doors are usually made from steel or heavy-duty aluminum. Each has its own pros and cons. Steel is great at taking a hit. Its thickness is measured in gauge. A lower number means thicker, stronger steel, so 16-gauge is stronger than 20-gauge. Thick aluminum is very strong, won’t rust, and is lighter than steel, which is easier on the hinges over time.
A simple way to compare the most common materials is to look at their core trade-offs.
| Feature | Steel | Heavy-Duty Aluminum |
| Impact Strength | Excellent | Very Good |
| Corrosion Risk | Higher (requires powder coating) | Excellent (naturally resistant) |
| Weight | Heavy | Lighter |
| Maintenance | Low (if coating is intact) | Very Low |
More important than the material is the frame’s design. A weak frame will break long before a strong door will. Look for a frame made to be attached directly to the main supports of your house. It should not be attached just to the outer wood trim (called brickmould). This needs long, strong screws that go deep into the wall. This makes the door and frame a part of the house itself. It stops a burglar from just prying the whole thing off.
❝ Ask any installer you might hire about the screw length. You need screws that are three inches or longer to safely attach the frame to the house’s main supports. Shorter screws might only go into the trim, which gives no real protection from a pry bar.
Finally, ask if the door has been tested to meet a safety standard. An industry group (the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance) has a test called AAMA 1304 that checks if a door can resist being forced open. Not all home doors have this rating. But a company that builds its doors to pass this test is serious about security. Be careful if a “security door” has a thin frame, hinges with pins you can see, or is put in with short screws.
What installation details are most important for stopping a break-in?
The most important details are attaching the frame deep into your home’s main supports, using special security hinges, and making sure the installation can handle Colorado’s weather.
A security door is only as good as its installation. The installer must use long, heavy screws three inches or more. These screws must go through the outer trim and into the strong wood beams that frame your doorway. This makes the door a solid part of your house. If it’s only attached to the decorative trim, it will fail easily if someone tries to pry it open.
The second key detail is the hinges. Security hinges should have non-removable pins. On a standard door, a burglar can use a hammer and punch to knock out the hinge pins. This lets them lift the door right off its frame, bypassing the lock. Security hinges prevent this by design, often with welded pins or a special set screw.
The lock area also needs special attention. A professional installer will ensure the lock is protected by a steel plate or a reinforced box. This stops someone from prying the lock itself or drilling through it. The strike plate on the frame, where the deadbolt goes, must also be heavy duty and secured with long screws.
Finally, a proper installation accounts for Colorado’s changing weather. Extreme temperature swings can cause materials to expand and contract. An amateur installation might not leave the right amount of space. This can cause the door to bind in the summer or have large, drafty gaps in the winter. A professional ensures the fit is perfect year round.
How much should you budget for a proper security door installation?
You should budget for a complete system, not just a door. The final cost depends on several key factors. These include the door’s material, its size, the complexity of the lock hardware, and any custom design features.
Steel doors are often priced differently than heavy-duty aluminum doors. Custom sizes for non-standard doorways will also add to the cost. The type of lock you choose, from a basic deadbolt to a high-security keypad lock, will have a big impact on the budget.
Remember that professional installation is a large part of the value. You are paying for the expertise to anchor the frame correctly and ensure every component works together. Trying to save money with a cheap installation can make the entire investment worthless. A secure door is a long term investment in your home’s safety.
What are the most common mistakes homeowners make?
Choosing the right door is only half the battle. You can avoid common mistakes by focusing on the entire security system.
One major mistake is focusing only on the door’s appearance. A beautiful door with a weak frame or poor installation offers false security. You must always check the frame’s construction and how it will be anchored to your home. Another common error is overlooking the glass. A large pane of standard glass can be broken easily, giving a burglar access to the inside lock. Look for options with shatter resistant laminated glass or strong metal grilles.
❝ Insider Tip: When discussing glass options, ask about the security glazing. Laminated glass is a great choice. It has a layer of tough plastic inside. If the glass breaks, the plastic layer holds the shards together, making it very difficult to get through.
Some homeowners try a do it yourself installation to save money. This is a critical mistake for a security product. A professional installer has the right tools and knowledge to anchor the frame deep into the house studs. An improper installation can be pried off easily and may void the door’s warranty. Finally, don’t pair a high-tech door with a low-quality lock. The lock is the heart of the system and should be just as tough as the door itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a storm door be a security door?
No, a standard storm door cannot be a security door. They are built for different purposes. A storm door is designed for weather protection and ventilation. It uses a lightweight frame attached to your home’s outer trim. A security door is designed to resist forced entry. It uses a heavy steel or aluminum frame that is anchored directly into your house’s main structure with long screws.
How much does it cost to install a security door?
The total cost for a professionally installed security door varies widely. The price depends on the door’s material, its size, and the type of lock hardware you select. Custom features or non-standard door sizes will also affect the final price. It is best to think of it as an investment in a complete security system. The expert labor is a key component of its effectiveness.
About the author: This article is written by a contributor from Denver Storm Door, a company providing security door and storm door installation services in the Denver metropolitan area. The company focuses on high-security residential applications. More information is available at denverstormdoor.com.