If your home has ever been broken into, you probably know that your front door hardware plays a critical role in defining your security. Burglars rarely knock down doors to access a house—they manipulate the door hardware. This includes the door lock, frame and other accessories on the door. Therefore, no matter how sturdy your door material is, the hardware used will determine how secure your home is. In this light, you need to observe the following measures when replacing your front door to ensure that you have quality, burglar-proof hardware.

Install a deadbolt lock

Burglars have come up with insane ways of bumping and manipulating even the safest locks. As long as the locking system doesn't go deep into the door frame, chances are that it will not adequately protect your home. Deadbolt locks are among the most secure locking systems that you can select for your home. The door hardware extends deep into the frame and is made from quality steel material. Even if someone kicked the lock, it would not budge.

As you purchase deadbolt locks, beware of the low-quality ones. Go all out to buy quality ones, which you can identify by their price. You cannot compare a $5 lock with one that cost $50 or more. If you are not sure, talk to a security expert about the best brands on the market.

Remember the door frame and jamb

How sturdy is your door frame and doorjamb material? Will it cave in when kicked or hit with a metal? Choose a strong material for these two fixtures. It should be thick and bump-proof. Also, select a deep box strike plate instead of going for the conventional and flimsy strike plate that will crack on impact. If possible, you can even reinforce the doorjamb with another material such as steel to increase its sturdiness and deter would-be thieves.

Avoid the door window

Most people love door windows, as they allow in light and lighten up a room. However, these are not always an excellent option for a security door. If the window is located near the lock, an intruder can easily break the glass and open your door from outside. This will even be easier if you leave the keys dangling on the bolt. Avoid installing glass on your door, as it makes your home vulnerable. However, if you have to, you may consider including bars that are close together so that a burglar cannot insert their hand through them and open your door.

Door hardware is equally as critical as the door when it comes to security. Contact a specialist in security doors so that they can help identify vulnerabilities with your front door and suggest tips on how to fix them.