Basement suites can offer great value, both as rentals and as private spaces for extended family. Still, they come with risks. When entrances are below ground level or tucked away from the street, break-ins often go unnoticed. We’ve handled many calls where simple changes could’ve made a big difference in preventing damage or theft. Our focus today is on sharing exactly how to secure basement suites and side doors properly.
Start with the Right Deadbolt and Strike Plate
Every door leading into a basement suite needs a deadbolt. More importantly, it needs one that can hold. Thin bolts and flimsy strike plates create weak spots. If someone kicks the door, these parts often fail first.
We always check the strike plate first during service calls. In many homes, it’s barely attached with half-inch screws. We recommend upgrading to a 3-inch screw model that reaches the wall stud. That anchors the plate properly and adds much-needed resistance. A high-quality deadbolt with a reinforced cylinder adds more stability. This is especially true if the door is made of hollow wood or has old framing around it.
Not every setup is the same. That is why a professional locksmith in Calgary can suggest deadbolts that match the door’s material and position. For example, a back entrance in a damp area needs different hardware than a side door exposed to wind and snow.
Use Proper Lighting and Visibility Features
Good locks stop forced entries, but visibility helps prevent attempts. When someone can approach the door without being seen, the chance of break-in rises. We recommend outdoor lights with motion sensors for all basement suite entrances.
Lights should turn on quickly and cover the full approach path. That usually includes the stairwell, door area, and surrounding corners. In some cases, reflective markers help. These can line the steps or sidewalls to boost visibility at night. They cost little but make a noticeable difference.
We’ve also seen homeowners install peepholes or camera doorbells on side doors. That works well in daylight but loses value without lighting. A good motion light ensures cameras catch clear footage. It also acts as a simple deterrent. Most burglars avoid well-lit areas because they can be seen from the street or other homes nearby.
Focus on Door Frame Strength and Alignment
A strong lock fails quickly if the doorframe is weak or warped. We check this first when doors don’t lock right. Many basement or side entries settle with the home over time. This causes misalignment, pressure on the latch, or gaps along the frame.
Simple fixes include replacing screws with longer ones or reinforcing the hinge side with metal plates. We also look for swelling or damage from water leaks, which are common in older basements. If the frame moves when pushed or shifts under pressure, it needs attention before adding new locks.
A misaligned door also invites tampering. When it doesn’t close tight, tools can slip between the door and the latch. That’s one reason we always test the fit during inspections. When things don’t line up, we adjust or rebuild parts of the frame, then recheck the lock fit.
Secure Windows Near Basement Entrances
Many basement doors are installed next to low-set windows. That creates a vulnerability if those windows aren’t secure. We suggest using locks on every window near a door and adding reinforced glass film to prevent easy shattering.
In some layouts, a person could break the glass and reach inside to unlock the door. That’s why we advise against leaving a thumb-turn deadbolt on those doors unless the interior is blocked or reinforced. Instead, keyed locks on both sides work better in this case. However, building codes sometimes restrict those setups, so it’s important to confirm what’s allowed in your area.
We’ve installed bars or custom window screens in many basement areas where other fixes weren’t enough. These options are useful when visibility is low, and the home is in a high-risk spot.
Install Separate Key Systems for Shared Buildings
In homes with upper and lower suites, it’s important to keep access separate. We often meet tenants who share back doors with upstairs neighbors, only to find they also share keys. That creates problems during disputes or after move-outs.
We recommend setting up independent lock systems for each living space. This could mean keyed doorknobs with individual access or even restricted keyways that can’t be copied at hardware stores. That prevents old tenants or past guests from making copies and returning later.
It’s common to update this during tenant turnover. If you’re unsure what the last renters still have, a fresh rekey or a full lock replacement gives you peace of mind. For units with regular tenant changes, consider options from a residential locksmith in Calgary. They can match your layout with a system that protects everyone and reduces future risks.
Block Unused Entry Points
Basement suites often have older doorways that are no longer in use. Maybe the door leads to a storage area or an unused walk-up stairwell. Leaving these doors unsecured adds risk. Even if they’re hidden, they offer another way in.
We suggest physically disabling these doors. That may include removing the handle, screwing the door shut from the inside, or placing heavy items to block access. Sometimes a door looks sealed but isn’t, especially when only one latch holds it closed.
If you still want the door for emergency exit use, we recommend installing a bar lock or removable security plate. These keep the door usable when needed but add resistance against unwanted entry.
Consider Door Alarms or Entry Alerts
Not every basement needs a full alarm system. Still, having some alert when the door opens adds another layer of control. We’ve worked with families who install simple chime sensors that beep whenever the door moves. These help especially in homes where kids use the basement or elderly family members live downstairs.
Wireless entry alarms are affordable and easy to set up. They stick to the door and frame, and they activate when separated. You don’t need monthly service or apps unless you want remote monitoring.
Some landlords also use these sensors to track late-night entry in rental units. It creates a quiet accountability system without being invasive. If noise is a concern, silent sensors that log open and close times can also work well.
Maintain Entry Areas Through Every Season
Basement entrances are usually low, which makes them more vulnerable to water, snow, or ice buildup. These elements not only wear down locks and hinges, but also make forced entry easier. If a door swells or rusts, it won’t lock properly.
We check drainage and seals as part of every basement lock inspection. In many cases, door sweeps are worn, or the frame traps moisture inside. This leads to decay in wooden frames or rust along the lock hardware.
During winter, it’s important to clear ice from the steps and keep the entrance dry. Otherwise, the locking system may freeze, or the key may break inside the cylinder. Regular use of deicer and silicone lubricant on keyholes helps maintain function.
When we service homes in the colder months, we often recommend updating older metal locks with weather-rated versions that resist corrosion. If you’re unsure about your setup, it’s best to Contact Us and schedule a professional checkup before the season gets worse.
FAQs
What’s the safest lock for a basement door?
We recommend a high-grade deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate and long screws that reach the wall frame. That combination holds against most forced entry attempts.
Can tenants rekey locks without telling the owner?
No, tenants usually need permission. Owners are responsible for maintaining legal access and must approve all lock changes in shared or rental buildings.
Should I add a second lock to basement entrances?
Yes, in many cases. A double locking system (deadbolt plus latch) increases protection, especially on side entries that don’t face the street.
Is it worth installing a smart lock on a basement door?
Only if it’s weather-protected and won’t be affected by moisture or freezing. Many smart locks fail outdoors if not sealed properly.
How often should locks be inspected in rental units?
We suggest checking them with every tenant turnover and at least once per year. Regular checks prevent small problems from becoming serious risks.