“I want to increase the security of my back doors without breaking the bank. What are my options?”

When it comes to break-ins, back doors are often the prime target for criminals since they’re not usually in plain sight, therefore the importance of a secure back door ranks really high. You’ll often see many so-called solutions, but in reality only a select few of these “solutions” are actually code compliant.

It isn’t uncommon for us to see makeshift security measures in place of life-safety compliant back doors. While there aren’t an exorbitant amount of options for a secure back door that don’t drain your wallet, you’re not out of luck in the slightest.

Some industry professionals will suggest using police bars as a way to increase the security of a business, but unless they’re removed during working hours, they’re violating the life-safety code.

You may also be thinking, “Well, what about deadbolts? Those seem secure.” You wouldn’t be wrong in your thinking, they are secure. However, it goes back to the life-safety code. Unless those deadbolts are unlocked during business hours, you’re violating that code and possibly putting your patrons in danger.

Since you’re in search of a more secure back door, it’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to rear doors, they’re exit doors, meaning their prime use will be for people to actually exit the building, typically in the event of an emergency. The big kicker here is that employees and/or patrons have to be able to exit the building in one movement. There can’t be any push this button, wait for this code nonsense. All of that would be a violation of the code.

Fortunately, there are four main security features that fall in the compliance category of the life-safety code. If you install any combination of the following list will greatly increase the security of your back door.

• Security Hinges
• Hinge Side Deadbolts
• Astragals and Latch Guards
• Panic Bars – Multi-Point Locking Systems

No reason to panic and hug your wallet tightly to your chest. You don’t have to use all of these options at once. You can simply choose two and you’re still going to achieve the desired outcome of a more secure back door.

Here’s a perfect example. This is a picture of an attempted robbery and while there’s still some damage to the door and frame, the panic bar prevailed and did its job – kept the robbers from breaking in to the facility.

Security Hinges

You can’t really go wrong with security hinges. There’s a variety on the market, so your choices won’t be limited. You can choose anything from a non-removalbe pin hinge to hinges with security studs to a combination of the two. A security stud hinge will make it almost impossible to remove the door from the frame. Even if a criminal was planning on cutting the barrel off of the hinge itself, he or she would still be met with hinges that were still completely locked into each other, which would then prevent the removal of the door. These are on the lower end of the cost spectrum so if you’re looking for an inexpensive yet effective way to secure your rear door, these would be a safe bet.

Hinge Side Deadbolts

If you’re willing to spend a little more money out of pocket, you could always go with a hinge side deadbolt. This is an additional piece of hardware that’s installed on the door that is secured into a hole that has been cut into the frame. Depending on what you’re willing to spend you can place between one and three on the door; all of which will go a long way in the prevention of criminals attempting to break into a store.

Astragals & Latch Guards

Another option for added security is an astragal. These are simply prying deterrents. As a criminal attempts to pry the frame from the door to disengage the latch, the astragal covers the space between the frame and the door making it nearly impossible to physically pry the door open. You also have the option of latch guards that can be installed and these only cover the latch area.

Panic Bars and Multi-Point Locking Systems

Our final option for increased back door security is panic bars and multi-point locking systems. These two choices are a little more expensive than the previously mentioned options, but we feel the increased security is well worth the cost. Any device that secures a door into the opening in multiple places is considered to be multi-point locking. However, like we brought up earlier, you have to make sure that these features are code compliant. The Securitech Trident and the Detex ECL-230X-TBD are both code compliant and excellent options. However, they’re on the higher side when it comes to price. But don’t worry! If a multi-point locking system is what you’re going for, you can add hinge side deadbolts to any door with an existing panic bar and achieve that.

Securitech Trident

The Securitech Trident offers a four-point locking system. It includes a three point panic bar but there’s an additional hinge side deadbolt to grab that fourth point.  This device engages into the larch side of the frame in three separate places and engages into the hinge side of the frame in one. When it comes to security, this will go above and beyond. Even if the criminals managed to pry the door open, they will have spent so much time doing it, the police will be there long before they’re even able to enter the premises. Here’s an example of a staged break-in that demonstrates how successful the Trident really is.

Detex ECL-230X-TBD

The Detex EXL-230X-TBD exit device contains a three-point locking system that engages into the strike jamb, header and footer of the opening. However, if you’d like to go that extra mile you can add an additional hinge side deadbolt similar to the Trident to make this a four point locking system. If you’re willing to shell out the cash, this device would be hard to beat with the amount of security it provides.

Making the Decision

When it comes to final say, as long as your choice is code compliant, it’s exactly that – your choice. All of these are excellent options for increasing the security of your rear door, but it depends on the level of security you’re looking for. Is the cost up front going to make up for the possible cost of lost inventory down the road? If so, it might not be a bad idea to pay up ahead of time.  When it comes to questions, talk with your service provider and they’ll be able to help you out along the way.

A version of this post originally appeared on our blog.

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