r/homedefense • u/Queasy_Simple4637 • 6d ago
Upgraded Side Gate
We had a very old, laughably insecure side gate. Finally got around to replacing it as this was our biggest and most glaring security issue. Sharing this in case this helps anyone else.
This gate leads directly to our backyard with single story access to the bedrooms and two large glass sliders. I live in a nice area but in a large city where the common MO is to access the backyard and through the sliders or windows. Probably a little overkill but we got a great price.
We went with a 74 inch tall, solid 14g steel gate. The hinges are exposed because we needed it to open outward, but they’re welded barrel hinges with an integrated hinge bolt and virtually impossible to bypass. There’s a double plated lock box with a Schlage B62 double cylinder keyed deadbolt with 1 inch throw and a mechanical keypad. The posts are bolted into the concrete on the latch side and into the block wall and footer on the hinge side.
I’ve coupled this with a POE camera from behind the gate + integrated flood light and two additional motion floods in front, plus a wireless driveway alarm that alerts inside the house with any motion.
Is it impervious? No, nothing is, but it doesn’t need to be. Just needs to be more hardened than my neighbors.
Stay frosty
2
u/RJM_50 4d ago
Looks nice, but what was the cost for this security gate? I only ask because everyone has the risk of an individual looking for an unlocked door or window in the back of the house, without any lights that make them more visible and cameras that will record their every movement.
I too had the lights and security cameras, reinforced doors, Smart locks, Charlie Bar across the sliders, slide lock on the garage door, battery backups for the security cameras & internet connection that cannot be cut, etc. But instead of a large steel gate, I had my windows and glass sliders replaced with 1/4in laminated security glass to prevent anyone from attempting a Smash & Grab burglary successfully. The cost was only an additional ~$50 upcharge for each window, with the benefit of reduced outdoor noise.