Summer Home Security Check: Doors, Windows & Entry Points

Why summer security matters

FBI statistics consistently show that burglary rates spike in June through August — longer daylight hours give thieves more time to scout, and families on vacation leave homes unoccupied for days or weeks. The average burglary loss is $2,800 in property damage and stolen goods, but the sense of violation lingers far longer. The good news: most burglars are opportunists who bypass any home that looks difficult. A focused weekend of inspection and modest upgrades ($200–$600) can dramatically reduce your risk.

Exterior door inspection

• Test all deadbolts — a deadbolt should extend at least 1 inch into the door frame's strike plate. If it's wobbly or doesn't fully engage, replace it ($15–$40 for hardware, $100–$200 for professional installation)
• Upgrade strike plates — replace standard 1-inch-screw strike plates with heavy-duty 3-inch-screw versions ($5–$15) that anchor into the wall stud, not just the door frame
• Check door frames for rot — a solid deadbolt means nothing if the wood around it is soft. Probe with a screwdriver; if it sinks in, the frame needs repair before it's a security asset
• Sliding doors — place a security bar or dowel in the track, install a pin lock through the frame overlap, and add an anti-lift device to prevent the door from being pried up and off the track
• Garage entry door — this is the most commonly forgotten entry point. Ensure it has a deadbolt and solid-core construction, not a hollow interior door

Window security

• Test all window locks — many original window locks bend or loosen over time. Replace broken locks ($5–$15 each) and add secondary pin locks for double-hung windows ($3–$8 each)
• Reinforce basement and ground-floor windows — window well covers, security film ($6–$14 per sq ft), or window bars provide layered protection for the most vulnerable entry points
• Don't forget casement windows — cranking mechanisms make these harder to force from outside, but verify the latch fully seats when closed
• Remove window AC units when traveling — or secure them with brackets and screws from the inside so they can't be pushed inward

Exterior lighting

• Install motion-activated floodlights — LED motion lights ($20–$60 each) at all entry points are the single most effective deterrent. Set detection range to cover walkways and driveways
• Add dusk-to-dawn lights — solar-powered path lights ($10–$30 per set) eliminate dark zones along the sides of the house that burglars prefer
• Replace burned-out porch and garage lights — dark entry points signal an inattentive homeowner. Swap for LED bulbs rated for 25,000+ hours
• Use smart light timers inside — when traveling, set lights, radios, or TVs on random timers to simulate occupancy

Landscaping for security

• Trim shrubs below window height — overgrown bushes near windows provide concealment. Keep foundation plantings below 3 feet
• Remove tree limbs that provide roof access — any branch within 6 feet of a second-story window or over a flat-roof section is a ladder
• Maintain the lawn while away — an overgrown lawn is a billboard for an empty house. Arrange mowing service or ask a neighbor

When to call a professional

A handyman can handle most upgrades: reinforcing strike plates, installing window locks, adding security bars, and mounting motion lights ($50–$100/hour, most jobs under $300). For wiring new exterior floodlights or adding smart-home security wiring, hire an electrician ($75–$150/hour). For door frame rot repair or replacing exterior doors, a carpenter ensures proper fit, weathersealing, and security ($200–$500+ depending on scope).