Your front door is the first line of defence for your home. If it’s old, worn, or poorly secured, it could be putting your property and family at risk.
Thankfully, modern doors are built with security in mind. Advances in materials, locking systems, and design mean that upgrading your front, back, or side door can significantly improve your home’s safety.
At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we’ve helped homeowners across the North East protect their homes with smarter, stronger doors. In this guide, we’ll explain how modern door options can make your home more secure—and what to look for when choosing a new one.
Why door security matters more than ever
Most burglars don’t break in through windows. They walk right through the door.
In fact, national crime data shows that around 70% of home break-ins involve forced entry through a front or back door. In many cases, it’s because the door was:
- Made of weak materials
- Fitted with an outdated lock
- Poorly installed or misaligned
- Easy to kick or force open
Newcastle homeowners, especially those in busy or densely populated areas like Jesmond or Heaton, need doors that can stand up to modern threats.
What makes a modern door more secure?
Modern door systems are built from the ground up to resist forced entry. The key differences include:
- Stronger door cores
- Reinforced frames
- Advanced multi-point locking systems
- Anti-snap, anti-bump, and anti-pick locks
- Impact-resistant glazing and panels
Let’s break down what to look for.
1. Choose the right material
The material your door is made from plays a big role in its security.
Composite doors
One of the most secure options on the market. Made from a mix of materials (uPVC, timber, foam core, and reinforced plastics), composite doors are:
- Strong and durable
- Hard to kick in or force open
- Resistant to weather, warping, and rot
- Usually come with high-security locks as standard
Most front door installations we carry out in Newcastle are composite, due to their strength and versatility.
Solid timber doors
Solid wood doors can be strong, but they’re only as secure as their frame and lock. They also require regular maintenance to avoid warping or cracking.
Best suited for traditional or period homes—but consider upgrading the locks and frame for added protection.
uPVC doors
Affordable and widely used, but often less secure unless reinforced. Basic uPVC doors can flex or be forced open without the right lock and frame.
Look for high-quality, steel-reinforced options if choosing uPVC.
Aluminium doors
Strong, stable, and ideal for modern homes. Aluminium doors with multi-point locks and tough glazing are a solid option for side or rear entrances.
We often recommend aluminium for bi-folds or large patio doors in new builds.
2. Upgrade your locking system
No matter how strong the door, it’s only as secure as the lock.
Modern doors come with multi-point locking systems—which secure the door at multiple points along the frame, not just in one place.
Look for features like:
- 3 to 5 point locks – Engage top, middle, and bottom when the door is closed
- Hook bolts or deadbolts – Provide deep engagement with the frame
- Shoot bolts or anti-lift devices – Prevent vertical movement in sliding or French doors
- Anti-snap cylinders – Stop lock-snapping, one of the most common entry methods
All our doors at Windows and Doors Newcastle come with advanced multi-point locking systems and the option for anti-snap cylinders for maximum protection.
3. Reinforce the frame
Many break-ins happen because the door frame gives way—not the door itself.
Modern secure doors include reinforced frames, often made from steel or hardwood, which can withstand force.
We recommend:
- Strong hinges, fixed with long screws into solid walls
- Frame reinforcement plates or security brackets
- Certified doorsets that include both the door and frame together
Proper installation is key here. Even the best frame won’t protect your home if it’s badly fitted. That’s why we always measure, level, and reinforce every installation to match your wall type.
4. Use impact-resistant glass
If your door includes glass panels, make sure they’re laminated or toughened.
Old single-glazed doors are easy to break with a rock or elbow. Modern glass doors use:
- Laminated safety glass – Two panes with a layer between. Stays in place if shattered.
- Toughened glass – Heat-treated to be several times stronger than standard glass.
- Double or triple glazing – Adds insulation and strength.
You can also choose obscured or frosted glass to prevent people seeing into your home.
We often install composite doors with small, high-level decorative glass panels that offer both style and security.
5. Look for Secured by Design certification
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed security standard in the UK.
Doors that carry this certification have been independently tested and proven to resist common forms of attack, including:
- Drilling
- Kicking
- Lock snapping
- Crowbar attacks
If security is a top concern—especially in areas with higher crime rates—choosing an SBD-certified door is a smart investment.
6. Add smart security features
Modern doors can also be combined with smart technology to further boost security.
Consider:
- Smart locks – Keyless entry with codes, apps, or fingerprint readers
- Video doorbells – See and speak to visitors from anywhere
- Motion sensor lighting – Deters intruders approaching the front of your home
- Contact sensors – Alert you if the door is opened unexpectedly
These features are especially useful for people who travel frequently or want more control over access.
7. Don’t forget the back and side doors
Many homeowners upgrade the front door but forget about the others.
Rear and side doors are actually more likely to be targeted by intruders—especially if they’re hidden from view.
We recommend:
- Upgrading back doors to composite or aluminium
- Replacing old patio or French doors with modern double-glazed, locked units
- Reinforcing side access doors with strong locks and lighting
In some Newcastle properties, we’ve installed steel-core composite side doors where the original timber units had rotted and warped.
How secure is your current door?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide if you need an upgrade:
- Does your door have visible wear or damage?
- Is the lock single-point or basic?
- Can you feel movement or flex when the door is closed?
- Is there glass that could be broken easily?
- Was the door installed more than 15 years ago?
- Have there been recent break-ins nearby?
If you answered yes to one or more of these, it’s worth speaking to a professional about upgrading.
Final thoughts
A modern front door does more than improve how your home looks—it gives you peace of mind.
With stronger materials, smarter locks, and reinforced frames, today’s secure doors are designed to protect your family and your property.
At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we supply and fit a wide range of secure door options to match your style and budget. All of our doors come with advanced locking systems, tough glazing, and professional installation for total confidence.
Book a free security consultation
Want to know how secure your current doors are?
Get in touch with Windows and Doors Newcastle for a free home assessment. We’ll inspect your existing setup, explain your options, and provide a no-pressure quote for a secure, modern upgrade.
Your home deserves a door that works as hard as you do—let us help you find it.
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