Ways To Improve the Security of Your Commercial Door

Upgrade Your Lock System
Your lock forms the foundation of door security, so you’ll want to rely on more than just a standard locking system.
High-Security Locks
With hardened steel construction, pick-resistant mechanisms, and restricted key control systems, high-security locks make unauthorized duplication nearly impossible and resist common bypass techniques. Consider installing Grade 1 locks, which meet the highest security standards set by the American National Standards Institute.
Electronic Locks
With modern electronic locks, you can program access codes for different employees, track entry attempts, and instantly change access permissions. Also, smart locks eliminate the security risks associated with lost or stolen keys.
Multipoint Locking Systems
By distributing the locking force across several points along the doorframe, multipoint systems make it extremely difficult for intruders to force the door open.

Install a Professional Access Control System
Professional access control systems replace traditional key-based entry with cards, fobs, or biometric scanners that verify user identity before granting access.
Card-Based Systems
With card-based systems, you can issue unique access credentials to each employee. You can set specific access times, restrict entry to certain areas, and immediately deactivate lost or stolen cards. To create an audit trail for security investigations, this system maintains detailed logs of all entry attempts.
Biometric Systems
By using fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, biometric systems verify identity effectively. Since each person’s biometric data is unique and cannot be replicated, biometric systems eliminate the risk of shared or stolen credentials.
Integrated Systems
Integrated systems help your access control system work seamlessly with other security components, such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems. When someone attempts unauthorized access, the system can automatically trigger cameras to record the incident and alert security personnel.
Strengthen Your Doorframe
When mounted in a weak frame, even strong doors become useless. Many commercial break-ins succeed because intruders target the frame rather than the door itself.
Using heavy-gauge steel construction and multiple anchor points, reinforced frames distribute impact forces. Strike plates should extend at least three inches into the wall studs and use screws that are at least 3.5 inches long. This anchoring system prevents the frame from separating from the wall during forced entry attempts.
By adding metal plating around the lock area, door jamb reinforcement kits spread the impact force over a larger area. This reinforcement makes it much harder to kick in the door or pry it open.
Upgrade Your Door Hinge Hardware
Door hinge hardware plays a crucial role in security that many building owners overlook. Standard hinges create vulnerable points that intruders can exploit to gain entry without ever touching the lock.
Security Hinges
Using non-removable pins, security hinges prevent intruders from simply lifting the door off its hinges. Their pins either have specialized heads that require specific tools or use set screws that lock the pins in place permanently.
Ball Bearing Hinges
Ball bearing hinges help maintain security while providing smooth operation. The ball bearings reduce friction and prevent binding, ensuring your security door operates properly even under heavy use.
Heavy-Duty Hinges
Heavy-duty hinges support the additional weight of security doors and hardware without sagging. When hinges fail or become misaligned, gaps appear around the door, compromising the entire security system. Commercial-grade hinges are rated for higher weight capacities and frequent use cycles.
Continuous Hinges
Continuous hinges eliminate the gap between individual hinge leaves that can be exploited with prying tools. Running the full height of the door, they provide uniform support along the entire edge.

Add Physical Barriers and Reinforcements
Physical barriers create additional obstacles that slow down intruders and increase the likelihood of detection. These barriers are most effective when combined with other security measures to create multiple layers of protection.
Security Bollards
When positioned in front of your entrance, security bollards prevent vehicle ramming attacks while still allowing normal pedestrian access.
Window Security Film
Consider using window films to strengthen the glass panels in and around your commercial door. Security film holds shattered glass together, preventing intruders from quickly breaking through and reaching interior locks or handles.
Door Security Bars
When your facility is closed, door bars serve as backup security. These bars mount across the interior of the door and distribute force across the entire frame structure. Modern security bars can be installed permanently or removed during business hours.
Protective Shields
To prevent intruders from accessing exterior hardware such as locks and hinges, use protective shields to cover them. The shields are typically made from hardened steel and are designed to deflect cutting and prying attempts.
Implement Advanced Monitoring Technology
Modern monitoring technology gives you real-time awareness of security events at your commercial door. These systems can detect and respond to threats faster than traditional alarm systems.
Motion Sensors
When someone approaches your door outside of normal business hours, motions sensors will alert you. Advanced sensors can distinguish between different types of movement and reduce false alarms from weather or small animals.
Door Position Sensors
These sensors monitor whether your door is properly closed and locked. If someone forces the door open or if an employee fails to secure the entrance properly, you’ll find out immediately.
Vibration Detectors
These sensors are calibrated to ignore normal vibrations while triggering alarms for suspicious activity such as cutting, drilling, or other uses of force.
Smartphone Integration
By integrating your system with smartphone apps, you can monitor your commercial door security anywhere. You’ll receive instant notifications of security events and can view live camera feeds to assess threats remotely.
Schedule Regular Security Assessments
Security assessments identify weaknesses in your current door security before criminals discover them. Additionally, regular evaluations ensure your security measures remain effective as threats evolve and equipment ages. Reach out to a professional security consultant who can perform these tasks:
- Penetration testing: This method reveals exactly how an intruder might gain entry and helps prioritize security improvements.
- Hardware inspections: This step identifies any worn or damaged components before they fail.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records of your security measures helps with insurance claims and regulatory compliance. In the event of security incidents, your records will demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to protect your facility and can mitigate liability.
Strong commercial door security requires a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple potential failure points. With robust security measures, you can protect the people and assets that drive your business’s success. To improve the security of your commercial door, contact DoorHub today. With the help of our expert team, you’ll find the solutions you need.

Author
Michael Rega
Chief Marketing Officer and founding Member of DoorHub.com