Security Doors & Windows
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Security doors - decorative as well as secure
Feb 2012
I'm looking for recommendations for home security doors for
my front and back doors. I need a place to purchase the
doors as well as needing installation. I want something
that is decorative as well as secure. After two house
break-ins over the past two years, I'm feeling the need for
an additional level of security. I'd like the doors to also
function as screen doors so I could keep the security door
locked but the front door open for ventilation. The first
break-in was via kicking in my wood panelled back door -
which I replaced with fiber- glass doors (but they look like
wood). the second break- in was via a small open high up
bathroom window. looking for a sense of security
My wife was usually home on Friday, but left with our 4
month old son to go to a friend's house. Someone busted our
door window and unlocked the door on Friday at 2pm. Our
Protection One alarm went off, but neither of my next door
neighbors heard it. The person ran in and grabbed our
laptop off the dining room table, but left the charger that
it was plugged into in the wall and digital camera sitting
right next to it. The cops came, but the burglar was long
gone. I bought our security doors from Ace at 2145
University/Walnut. I looked online for the style I wanted
at first. I believe I saw one I liked at Reed Brothers
(they sell and install), but they were too expensive for me.
So I somehow found that Ace could order them for me. Can't
remember the woman's name, but she was absolutely wonderful
and helped me order two. She told me they came in the 36'
(standard) and 39' sizes. I thought I had measured
correctly by measuring the outside of the frame, but I
should have measured the inside. So when I told her I
wanted the 39' she pushed back and asked if I was sure.
After some coaxing she had me get the 36', as there are no
returns. I got the first one and sure enough it was the
right size, so I ordered another. They charged me whatever
the list price was, which I think was $180. I had my uncle
who does general contracting put them on in an hour. You
could probalby do it yourself with the help of a friend and
some basic tools. Just remember you need to buy the lockset
too. Alternatively you could go buy whatever they have at
OSH, Lowes, or Home Depot. Alan
Go into Reed Brothers on 45th and Telegraph in Oakland. They
have a selection of doors they can show you and discuss the
best one for you. They also do installation. I think Reed
Bros has most of their doors up on their website too.I find
it's nice to be able to see something before I buy it, but
they can also just come out and bring one based on what you
tell them. Most of the metal security doors these days can
easily be used as a screen door too which is nice. Good
Luck!
Carla Hall designed and fabricated a security screen door
for our front door, she did a beautiful job at a very
reasonable price. Her website is redfrogmetaldesign.com,
she also teaches blacksmithing and metal work at The
Crucible in Oakland. Tell her Rebecca on Chestnut in
Berkeley recommended her. Rebecca
FYI: The doors at the store with the orange sign are not
really security doors, they just look like security doors.
I install and repair a lot of doors and offer to secure
doors after a break-in at no charge if it fits with my
schedule. (this is how i give back to my community).
Not sure where you are located...
in Berkeley: go to Rex Lock and Key on University Ave. , or
Reed Brothers on telegraph in oakland...
in SF? : Warman Security Sacramento Street, San Francisco
Security screen door
Aug 2009
I'd like to install a lockable screen door at my front door, but
I want something more attractive than the standard security door.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
jennifer
We have really enjoyed our screen door from Unique Home
designs. It is sturdy, but not ugly like the typical security
screen door. It is sold at Home Depot and they have some
samples you can look at. Here is a link to their website
http://www.uniquehd.com/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=3&meid=-1
Meredith
this page was last updated: Apr 24, 2012
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