How do I make my front door more secure?

Start With the Lock — But Not Just Any Lock

Fort Collins homes built between the 1970s and 1990s typically came with Grade 2 deadbolts. Grade 2 hardware meets minimum code, but it's not what a security-focused homeowner should rely on. Upgrade to an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolt — the highest residential grade — and you immediately raise the bar against forced entry.

Reliable Grade 1 options include the Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980, and Medeco Maxum. The Medeco sits at the high end (around $150–$200 for the hardware alone) and uses a patented keyway that resists picking and key duplication. The Schlage B60N runs $50–$80 at most hardware stores and is a solid step up from standard builder-grade hardware.

For a deeper comparison of specific deadbolt models suited to Fort Collins homes, see What are the best deadbolts for a home in Fort Collins?

The Strike Plate Is Your Actual Weak Point

FBI crime statistics consistently show that the majority of residential burglaries involve forced entry through the door — not the lock cylinder itself, but the frame around it. A Grade 1 deadbolt installed into a weak strike plate is still a weak door.

The strike plate that shipped with your door is probably held in with ½-inch or ¾-inch screws anchored into the door casing, not the structural stud behind it. One hard kick and the whole assembly pulls free. Replace it with a heavy-duty 4-screw strike plate and use 3-inch screws that reach past the jamb into the stud. This single change substantially increases kick-in resistance.

A door reinforcement kit — brands like Door Armor or EZ Armor — goes further by wrapping the entire jamb in steel. Hardware runs $60–$100. If you want a local Fort Collins locksmith to assess your current frame and install reinforcement, that labor typically runs $80–$150.

Colorado's Climate Creates a Specific Security Problem

Front Range homeowners deal with something most generic lock advice ignores: dramatic seasonal movement in door frames. Larimer County's freeze-thaw cycles and low humidity dry out wood faster than in coastal climates. Door frames shrink, deadbolts begin binding, and gaps form between the door edge and the jamb — gaps wide enough for a pry bar.

If your deadbolt has been sticking in winter — what some locksmiths call a "cold-bind" — get the alignment checked before temperatures drop. This is especially common in Old Town Fort Collins, where homes often have original 1950s–1970s door frames that have cycled through decades of Colorado winters.

One more seasonal note: if your keyway is icing up in winter, use dry graphite lubricant. WD-40 attracts dirt, gums up the cylinder over time, and makes your lock harder to operate — and easier to pick.

Consider a Smart Lock — But Add It to a Secure Base

Smart locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Schlage Encode, and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro add keypad entry, app control, and auto-lock features. These are popular in the Harmony Corridor and newer developments in Timnath, where doors are already prepped for modern hardware.

A smart lock is not inherently more secure than a Grade 1 keyed deadbolt. The Schlage Encode is Grade 1 certified — a meaningful distinction. Many no-name smart locks are Grade 3 — potentially worse than what you have now. Buy smart locks the same way you'd buy any deadbolt: check the ANSI grade first, then the features.

Smart lock installation in Fort Collins generally runs $150–$250 in labor, plus the cost of the lock itself ($100–$350 depending on brand). Request a quote before committing to a model — some older door preps require an adapter plate or bore modification.

A Quick Security Checklist for Your Front Door

For more answers on lock types, pricing, and local service, browse all FAQ articles or call (970) 999-0689 to connect with a local Fort Collins locksmith who can assess your door in person.