For anyone purchasing a new door, whether for a renovation or a new build, understanding today’s security-focused features can help ensure you make the right investment.
Strong door construction
A secure door begins with its construction. Today’s doors are engineered not only for strength but also to withstand Ottawa’s demanding climate.
Solid Wood doors
Solid wood doors provide moderate resistance to forced entry. High-quality engineered cores improve their strength, but wood is generally easier to breach than steel or reinforced fibreglass under significant force.
Fibreglass doors
Fibreglass doors offer good resistance to forced entry, particularly those with reinforced cores and laminated skins. While lighter than steel, their engineered construction still provides a durable barrier.
Solid wood doors
Solid wood doors provide moderate resistance to forced entry. High-quality engineered cores improve their strength, but wood is generally easier to breach than steel or reinforced fibreglass under significant force.
Tip: When shopping for a new door, ask about impact resistance and laminated construction. These features make it more difficult for intruders to break through, while also improving energy performance.
Locking systems
Locks are the heart of a secure door, and new purchases should include hardware that meets or exceeds industry standards.
Grade 1-3 deadbolts
When it comes to protecting your home, not all locks are created equal. Look for products that are ANSI/BHMA certified — this certification ensures the hardware has been tested for strength, durability, and real-world security.
Grade 1 locks meet the highest residential standard, built to handle years of daily use, high impact, and attempts at tampering. For true peace of mind, a Grade 1 deadbolt is a smart, long-term investment for any new entrance door.
Locks undergo two main types of testing:
1. Cycle testing checks how many times a lock can be used before showing wear. 2. Attack-resistance testing simulates forced entry, including prying, drilling, kicking, picking, and hammering, ensuring the lock can stand up to real break-in attempts.
Lock durability by grade:
Grade 1 = commercial-grade, strongest, most durable - 800,000 cycles
(approximately 110 years)
Grade 2 = residential-grade, solid, secure - 400,000 cycles
(approximately 55 years)
Grade 3 = basic residential, less durable, least secure - 200,000 cycles
(approximately 27 years)
Based on about 20 uses per day, these tests show how long a lock can perform reliably, and how well it can protect your home over time. Investing in higher-grade hardware means greater security, fewer replacements, and lasting confidence in your door’s protection.
When selecting hardware, the grade gives a clear picture of how long a lock will perform reliably and how well it will stand up to attempts at forced entry over time.
Multi-point locking systems
These systems secure the door at multiple points (top, middle, and bottom) with a single turn of the key or handle. By spreading force across the entire frame, multi-point locks make it extremely difficult for intruders to kick in a door.
Many new Ottawa doors, especially fibreglass and premium steel models, offer this as a standard or optional upgrade.
Smart and keypad locks
Modern consumers value convenience as much as strength. Many new doors come prepped for smart lock integration. When choosing a door, ensure the hardware can support keyless entry systems while still including a robust mechanical backup.
Tip: When purchasing a new door, discuss with the supplier which lock systems are included and what upgrades are available.
Reinforced frames & hardware
A secure lock requires a secure frame to be effective. When buying a new door, pay close attention to the frame and hardware package.
Steel or composite frames
These frames are far stronger than standard wood frames, offering excellent resistance to kick-ins. Many new door systems in Ottawa are now sold with steel-reinforced jambs as part of the package.
Reinforced strike plates
Premium doors often come with heavy-duty strike plates designed to distribute force into the surrounding wall structure. Confirm that these are included in the system.
Security hinges
If your new door swings outward, ask for hinges with non-removable pins or hinge bolts. Many Ottawa suppliers include these as standard, but it’s worth verifying.
Tip: A strong door is only part of the picture. For full security and long-lasting performance, select a door package that includes reinforced frames, durable hinges, and quality strike plates. Together, these components form a complete system that performs reliably for years.
Secure glass options
Glass inserts are a popular design choice in Ottawa, but they can be a vulnerability unless properly engineered. New doors now integrate glass that enhances both style and security:
Laminated glass
Constructed with a plastic interlayer, laminated glass resists breakage. Even if shattered, it stays bonded, making it difficult to pass through.
Tempered glass
Much stronger than regular glass and designed to shatter into small, less dangerous pieces.
Decorative and triple-glazed units
Provide beauty and efficiency, with added thickness that increases resistance to intrusion.
Tip: Decorative glass can add beauty and natural light, but not all glass is created equal. Ask whether the glass is laminated or tempered, which provides added resistance to breakage and increases safety for your family.
Safety features
Beyond intrusion resistance, modern doors also integrate features that improve overall household safety.
Fire-rated options
Particularly important for doors between garages and living spaces. These doors slow the spread of flames, meeting building code requirements.
Energy efficiency and weather resistance
In Ottawa’s climate, doors with insulated cores, thermal breaks, and advanced weatherstripping prevent warping and gaps, which can otherwise weaken security.
Accessibility and ease of use
Modern entrance doors can be designed for effortless operation by all household members, including children, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility.
Lever handles are easier to operate than traditional round knobs, requiring minimal grip strength and a simple downward motion.
Low-threshold designs reduce tripping hazards and allow smoother passage for wheelchairs or walkers.
For emergencies, panic-release options enable doors to open quickly from the inside with a single motion, providing fast egress without fumbling with locks.
What buyers should look for
Purchasing a new door in Ottawa isn’t just about the door itself; it’s also about local expertise and durability in our climate.
Cold-weather performance
Choose doors specifically rated for northern climates. Fibreglass and insulated steel doors perform particularly well in Ottawa’s winters.
Multi-point lock availability
Many Ottawa suppliers now include multi-point locks in their premium offerings. Consider this feature as a long-term investment in security.
Warranties and certifications
Look for manufacturers offering strong product and installation warranties and locks certified by ANSI/BHMA standards. This ensures you’re buying a system tested for security and durability.
Professional installation
Even the most secure door will fail if poorly installed. Choose an Ottawa supplier or installer with experience in fitting reinforced frames and high-security hardware.
Balancing security, style, and convenience
Modern doors don’t force you to compromise. Today’s manufacturing allows for beautiful designs, decorative glass, and a wide range of finishes, all while delivering robust protection.
A fibreglass door with a multi-point lock and laminated glass insert offers both curb appeal and high-level security.
A steel door with a Grade 1 deadbolt and smart lock integration provides unbeatable strength with modern convenience.
Custom finishes and hardware packages ensure you don’t have to choose between style and safety.
