When it comes to securing your property, there are many things you can do, but undeniably, there’s nothing quite like upgrading your front door to send a strong message to anyone that this place is well-protected.
Steel doors are a popular choice among homeowners–and for good reason–but are they actually overkill? As you might have guessed, there’s no general answer to such a question, as it all depends on your individual circumstances.
Here are all the things you need to factor in before you can answer whether steel doors are worth the investment.
Assess Your Security Needs
First and foremost, check how safe your area is. Have crime or burglaries been on the rise lately? Do you personally know someone from the neighbourhood who’s been a victim recently?
If crime’s a bit of an issue, a sturdy steel door could be a really smart move. But if your area’s pretty chill, something less heavy-duty might do the trick.
Next, examine your current front door for weaknesses. How strong are the locks? Is the door material tough enough? Do you have a strike plate or a deadbolt installed?
If the current setup seems a bit weak, it could be a security risk, so fixing these problems with some upgrades can make a big difference in keeping your home safe.
Lastly, if you really want to test how safe your home is, it’s best to call a professional locksmith. They’ll stress test everything, make an individualised inspection, and offer you tips on how to improve things.
And yes, you can ask them whether they think a steel front door is worth it or not in your case, or whether other, cheaper security upgrades will be more worth it. By focusing on the real needs, you can keep your home safe much more efficiently and without wasting cash.
What Makes Steel Doors A Good Option?
Well, first off, they’re both tough and stylish. They’re super strong, so it’s really hard for anyone to break in. This not only boosts security but also gives you peace of mind. Especially if you have to travel and you’re not at home a lot.
Next, steel doors are also great for saving energy. They’ve got a solid core that keeps heat in during winter and out in summer. This means you won’t need your heater or AC as much, saving you money on bills.
As conserving energy and high inflation are both important factors in our daily lives, steel doors are a smart choice with long-term benefits.
Lastly, a well-made steel door not only makes your place look great but also adds value to your home in the long run.
You Can Easily Add Smart Security Features
Smart security has transformed steel front doors by blending durability with modern tech. Unlocking your door with just your phone is really convenient—no more lost keys, plus, you can let guests in from anywhere.
Installing an alarm can also add an extra layer of protection by sending alerts directly to your phone if someone tampers with your door. On top of that, these features sync with home automation, so your lights and heating adjust as you walk in.
You can contact a qualified locksmith to set it all up for you, and you’ll be protected in no time. Getting a pro to do it means the door fits just right, so you avoid annoying gaps or cold air sneaking in, which can save you from expensive fixes.
How To Choose The Right Installer
Picking the right person to install your door is important. Check out online reviews and chat with people who’ve used their services before.
Also, make sure they’ve got experience with steel doors, so don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications or any professional groups they belong to. Anyone who’s reliable would be transparent and happy to answer these kinda of questions.
Lastly, getting a warranty for both the door and its setup is smart, as it protects you from any future problems and shows the installer is skilled and trustworthy.
Cost vs. Value Analysis
Now, let’s attempt to break down the costs.
In the UK, the door itself is between £500 and £1,500, plus installation can be another £300 to £1,000. So you’re looking at spending around £800 to £2,500 total.
Sounds pricey, right? But hang on, there’s more to it. As we’ve discussed above, you could save quite a bit.
Many insurers might lower your premiums by 5% to 10% if you’ve got added security like a steel door. That’s potentially £100 to £200 saved each year, which can slowly cover your initial costs.
Steel doors are super tough and last longer than wood or fibreglass ones, so you won’t need to replace them as often. That makes them a long-lasting and worthy investment. Also, you’ll be spending less on getting new doors and fixing them up.
Plus, a strong, good-looking front door can make your house look better from the outside, which helps increase its value. People buying houses love seeing a nice, sturdy front door, so it can make your place more appealing should you ever decide to sell.
When you add it all up, the upfront cost of a steel door is like investing in your home’s safety and future savings. Think about what your house needs for security and what you want to achieve financially, and see if a steel door fits into that game plan.
Oh, let’s leave the obvious one for the end: steel doors can almost surely prevent most break-ins. And this protects your personal property, which quite often exceeds the value of the door and the installation itself.
So, in the end, in most cases, steel doors are not only not an overkill, but a smart financial investment that protects your home and increases its value at the same time.
Conclusion
So, now you have enough information to decide for yourself. In most cases, steel doors are not overkill. Not only that, but they repay their value many times over in time, and you can keep the risk of burglary to a minimum.
Of course, getting one is not exactly cheap, and in some cases, there are other upgrades that you could do to increase the overall security of your place. But a solid front door is definitely a must and an element of that.
Get a second opinion from a pro if you want maximum protection, and if you’ve decided to upgrade, you’re making the right call. Stay safe and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is truly well-protected.
