# Home Security Tips for St. Louis Residents
As St. Louis's trusted locksmith professionals, we've helped thousands of homeowners secure their properties across the metro area. Whether you live in Clayton's historic neighborhoods or Chesterfield's newer developments, these proven security strategies will help protect your home and family.
Why St. Louis Home Security Matters
St. Louis homeowners face unique security challenges. From older homes in neighborhoods like Webster Groves and Kirkwood to modern developments in Ballwin and Creve Coeur, each area requires specific security considerations.
Our team has served the St. Louis community for over a decade, and we've seen how proper security measures make a real difference in keeping families safe.
Essential Door Security Upgrades
Your front door is your home's first line of defense. Here's what every St. Louis homeowner should know:
Deadbolt Installation: Every exterior door needs a Grade 1 deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw. We install these throughout the metro area, from Maplewood to Maryland Heights.
Strike Plate Reinforcement: Standard strike plates are weak points. We upgrade these with heavy-duty plates secured with 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame's structural wood.
Window and Sliding Door Security
Many St. Louis homes feature beautiful sliding patio doors and large windows. While these add charm and natural light, they also need proper security:
Sliding Door Protection: Install a security bar in the track and add auxiliary locks at the top and bottom. For glass upgrade options, consider laminated glass that's much harder to break.
Window Lock Upgrades: Older windows in neighborhoods like Tower Grove and Shaw often have inadequate locks. Modern window locks and security film provide excellent protection without blocking your view.
Smart Lighting for St. Louis Homes
Proper lighting is one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins:
Motion-Activated Security: Install motion lights at all entry points. These work especially well for longer driveways common in areas like Chesterfield and Ballwin.
Smart Home Integration: Smart bulbs can be programmed to turn on and off randomly when you're away, making your home appear occupied. Perfect for families who travel frequently.
Garage Security Essentials
Attached garages are common in St. Louis suburban homes. Since garage doors are often the weakest entry point, proper security is crucial:
Interior Door Locks: Always secure the door between your garage and house with a quality deadbolt. This creates a second barrier even if someone gains garage access.
Garage Door Upgrades: Modern garage door openers with rolling codes prevent remote hacking. We recommend these for all our customers in areas like Oakville and Sunset Hills.
Neighborhood-Specific Security Advice
Clayton and University City These higher-value areas often require enhanced security measures. We recommend security cameras with cloud storage and professional monitoring systems. Many homeowners also invest in reinforced door frames for added protection.
Kirkwood and Webster Groves These charming older neighborhoods feature beautiful historic homes that may need security updates. Focus on upgrading locks to modern standards while maintaining the home's character.
Chesterfield and Ballwin Suburban homes with longer driveways benefit from driveway sensors and smart doorbell cameras. Package theft is more common in these areas, so secure delivery solutions are important.
Maplewood and Brentwood These close-knit communities benefit from visible security measures and community watch participation. Simple deterrents like security system signs and motion lights are very effective.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Some security improvements are perfect DIY projects, but others require professional expertise:
Lock Installation and Rekeying: Proper installation ensures your locks work correctly and provide maximum security. We serve all of St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
Security Assessments: Our locksmiths can evaluate your home's security and recommend improvements based on your neighborhood and budget.
Smart Lock Programming: These systems require proper setup to work reliably. We ensure everything connects properly to your home network.
Getting Started with Home Security
Start with the basics: quality deadbolts, good lighting, and securing sliding doors. These improvements provide the biggest security boost for most St. Louis homes.
For personalized advice based on your specific home and neighborhood, our team is always ready to help. We know the unique security challenges facing different areas across St. Louis and can recommend solutions that fit your needs and budget.
Need Professional Locksmith Service?
Our licensed St. Louis locksmiths are ready to help with all your security needs.
