Introduction
Door Armor is a door reinforcement system designed to prevent forced entry by reinforcing key structural points on a standard exterior door. The system includes steel plates that cover the door jamb, the lock area, and the hinges, creating a robust barrier against break-in attempts. As noted in the source material, Door Armor is a DIY product that can be installed by most homeowners in under 30 minutes using basic tools. It is not a monthly alarm system but rather a passive, physical reinforcement that works to stop intruders before they can enter the home. This guide draws exclusively on the information provided in the official documentation and user feedback to outline the installation process, compatibility considerations, and key features of the product.
Understanding the Door Armor System
Door Armor is composed of several modular components that work together to reinforce a door’s most vulnerable points. According to the source material, the standard Single Door Security Kit includes the following:
Jamb Shield (46 inches long): This steel plate attaches to the lock side of the door frame and reinforces the area around the strike plate, which is the most common entry point for intruders. The shield includes pre-drilled holes to accommodate locks spaced between 4.5 and 21.5 inches apart.
Door Shields (2 pieces, 4 inches each): These shields attach to the door itself and cover the lock and latch areas, preventing intruders from prying or kicking the door open. They are designed to be nearly invisible when the door is closed.
Hinge Shields (2 pieces, 12 inches each): These shields cover the hinge side of the door and protect against leverage-based attacks, such as attempts to push or kick the door open from the hinge side.
Screws and Tools: The kit includes 17 3.5-inch painted Torx head screws and 4 2.5-inch painted Torx head screws with self-tapping tips, along with one Torx drill bit and installation instructions.
All components are made of heavy-duty steel and are available in three finish options: white, aged bronze, or satin nickel. The product is compatible with most standard exterior doors up to 1-3/4 inches thick.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before beginning the installation, it is important to assess the door and its surrounding structure to ensure proper fit and function of the Door Armor components. The following steps are outlined in the source documentation:
Checking Door and Jamb Clearance
The installation instructions recommend checking whether two quarters can fit between the door and the jamb when the door is closed. This is a simple way to determine if there is enough clearance for the standard door shields. If the space is tighter than this, the source suggests using the PRO Door Shields, which provide additional clearance. This is especially important for doors with side lights or other architectural features that may affect the gap between the door and the frame.
Ensuring Proper Door Thickness
Door Armor is designed for doors up to 1-3/4 inches thick. If the door is significantly thinner or thicker than this, the shields may not fit properly. The instructions suggest measuring the door thickness with a tape measure and confirming it falls within the recommended range.
Gathering Tools and Materials
The installation requires a few basic tools, including a drill and a screwdriver compatible with Torx head screws. All necessary screws and a Torx drill bit are included in the kit. If a user is not comfortable using power tools, the source mentions that professional installation options are available, though specific details about how to locate an installer are not provided in the source data.
Installation Steps
The installation process is outlined as a straightforward, step-by-step procedure that should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The following steps are detailed in the source material:
Step 1: Install the Jamb Shield
The Jamb Shield is installed on the lock side of the door frame, covering the strike plate area. The shield is 46 inches long and includes pre-drilled holes to accommodate various lock positions. The installation involves:
- Aligning the Jamb Shield with the strike plate and existing lock hardware.
- Using the provided Torx head screws to secure the shield to the jamb.
- Ensuring the shield is flush with the frame and does not obstruct the door's closing motion.
This step is critical for reinforcing the most common point of forced entry. According to the source, the Jamb Shield significantly increases resistance against kick-ins and lever attacks.
Step 2: Install the Door Shields
The two Door Shields are attached to the door itself, covering the lock and latch areas. Each shield is 4 inches long and is designed to fit snugly over the door hardware.
- The shields are positioned over the lock and latch areas.
- Torx head screws are used to secure the shields to the door.
- The shields are aligned so that they are nearly invisible when the door is closed, leaving only about 1/4 inch of the product visible.
This step ensures that the door is protected against prying or direct force applied to the lock area.
Step 3: Install the Hinge Shields
The Hinge Shields are installed over the door hinges, providing additional protection against leverage-based attacks. Each shield is 12 inches long and is attached using Torx head screws.
- The shields are aligned with the hinges.
- Screws are inserted into the pre-drilled holes and tightened securely.
- The installation of the Hinge Shields typically takes about 10 minutes and involves securing 4 screws for two shields and 2 additional screws for the top hinge.
According to the source, the Hinge Shields are particularly effective in preventing damage from attempts to push or kick the door open on the hinge side.
Post-Installation Checks
After installation, it is important to verify that the door functions properly and that all components are securely fastened. The following checks are recommended:
- Test the door’s closing and opening motion to ensure that the shields do not interfere with normal operation.
- Inspect all screws to confirm they are tightened and secure.
- Ensure the door closes evenly without gaps or misalignment that could indicate improper installation.
The source does not mention the need for professional verification after installation, but users are encouraged to perform these checks to ensure optimal performance.
Compatibility and Customization
Door Armor offers several customization options to accommodate different door configurations and aesthetic preferences. The source material highlights the following:
Color Options
The product is available in three finishes: white, aged bronze, and satin nickel. These options allow users to match the Door Armor components with their existing door hardware for a cohesive appearance.
PRO Door Shields
For doors with limited clearance, the PRO Door Shields are recommended. These shields are designed to fit in tighter spaces and are particularly useful for doors with side lights or narrow gaps between the door and jamb.
Customization of Components
The source indicates that the components can be customized based on the user’s security needs. For example, users can choose to include only the Jamb and Door Shields or enhance the kit with Hinge Protection for added security. This flexibility allows for tailored reinforcement depending on the specific vulnerabilities of the door.
Performance and User Experience
User testimonials and feedback from the source material provide insight into the effectiveness and ease of installation of the Door Armor system. Some key points from user experiences include:
Ease of Installation: Multiple users report that the installation process was straightforward and took less than 30 minutes. One user mentioned that they were not particularly handy but were still able to install the system using the included instructions.
Peace of Mind: Many users cited the sense of security and reassurance that comes with having their doors reinforced. One testimonial noted that the product gave them peace of mind after a neighbor’s house was broken into.
Effectiveness Against Break-Ins: Several users confirmed that the product worked as intended to prevent forced entry. One user shared a story in which an intruder attempted to kick in their door but failed due to the reinforcement provided by Door Armor.
Minimal Visibility: The product is designed to be discreet, with only a small portion visible when the door is closed. This ensures that the reinforcement does not detract from the appearance of the door.
Warranties and Guarantees
The source material mentions that Door Armor comes with a $500 Lifetime Guarantee against kick-ins. If a door is kicked in despite the installation of Door Armor, the company will pay up to $500 toward the insurance deductible. This guarantee provides an added layer of confidence for users concerned about the product’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
Door Armor is a practical, user-friendly solution for reinforcing exterior doors against forced entry. The system is composed of steel shields that cover the most vulnerable points of a door, including the jamb, lock, and hinges. Installation is designed to be simple and can be completed by most homeowners in under 30 minutes with basic tools. The product is available in multiple finishes to match existing hardware and includes customization options to suit different door configurations. User feedback consistently highlights the ease of installation, effectiveness against break-ins, and the peace of mind provided by the reinforcement. With a lifetime guarantee and a focus on passive security, Door Armor offers a reliable method of enhancing home security for U.S. homeowners.