Most of us feel pretty safe when we’re at home. After all, we lock the doors. We know at least some of our neighbours and can recognize others. Plus, we haven’t had any issues in the past. This type of thinking, unfortunately, can lull us into believing home security issues aren’t something to concern ourselves with.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: many homeowners who have experienced break-ins also felt perfectly safe. Until they weren’t. And it wasn’t because anyone was careless. Rather, it’s because the most common home security issues are quiet, familiar, and way too easy to overlook. Perhaps it’s a side door that’s rarely used. Or a window that’s hidden behind a tree or some shrubs. Or there’s a dark corner of the house that’s gone unnoticed. After all, it never caused any issues… until it did.
There is good news. In a surprisingly small amount of time with minimal investment (or planning), you can go through your home and identify your home’s biggest security weaknesses. A simple walkthrough with fresh eyes can help you spot the most common home security issues in a matter of hours. And more importantly, many (if not most) can be fixed in a single afternoon.
So, let’s get to it!
Home Security Issue #1: Forgotten Doors & Weak Entry Points
Break-ins are often illustrated by someone busting through the front door. But in reality, intruders often are looking for a less visible way to quietly make their way inside, rather than the most obvious. Indeed, secondary entry points are often the most common security weaknesses, especially in otherwise well-maintained homes.
Intruders may bypass the front door camera, making their way to side doors, back doors, basement entryways, or even a side garage door. All of which are frequently overlooked since they’re used less often. Because you’re not walking through them as often, you may not notice that they aren’t well-lit or are secured with older, builder-grade locks that haven’t been updated in years… or decades.
Another frequent culprit is sliding patio doors. While these types of doors are convenient and bring in a lot more natural light, they’re often easy to force open—if they haven’t been properly reinforced.
Home Security Check
Take just a few minutes to walk around your home. Test every door—not just the front door. Lock and unlock and open and close each one. Apply some gentle pressure to see if anything feels loose or doesn’t fully engage.
Then ask yourself, “If I didn’t live here, which door would I try first?” If the answer isn’t the front door, you’ve likely found one of your biggest home security issues.
How to Fix It
If you found any locks that didn’t feel secure (or just weren’t locked in the first place), that’s where you’ll want to start. Upgrade any weak locks with either reinforced or smart locks that are designed to resist forced entry. Add secondary locks or security bars to sliding doors. And make sure door frames and strike plates are properly secured.
Finally, connect door sensors to your monitored security system. That way, you’ll know every entry point is protected.
Home Security Issue #2: Ground-Level & Hidden Windows
Windows can be an underestimated home security issue—especially those that are smaller, higher, or partially hidden. Because they aren’t an access point for you, you may not even think of them as the easy opportunity they can be for intruders.
Ground-level and basement windows can be especially vulnerable. Even more so if they’re covered or hidden by fencing, decks, shrubs, or other obstructions. These can block visibility from the street and provide cover.
Worse, if your windows are a little older, the locks may no longer engage fully, which means they’re fairly easy to force open with minimal effort.
Home Security Check
Again, you’ll want to walk around your home, looking at it from an outsider’s perspective. Which windows look easy to reach? Which ones are hidden from view—from the street, neighbours, or passersby? Pay close attention to basement windows and those that are located near side or backyards.
Next, test the locks on the most accessible windows. If you find any locked windows that can be shifted to open, you’ve located one of the most common home security issues. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix.
How to Fix It
Installing window sensors or glass-break detectors is a simple way to add awareness and protection. It’s also a good idea to reinforce or replace any faulty locks. Adding security film can also make glass more resistant to breaking.
Take a look at your landscaping as well. Trimming back hedges or other landscape that conceals the windows can deter intruders, as they don’t want to be seen.
Home Security Issue #3: Poor Outdoor Lighting
Lack of visibility due to darkness can give intruders the time (and they don’t need a lot), cover, and confidence to break in. Under the cover of darkness, intruders may approach your home and test doors or windows, without drawing attention.
Of course, most people don’t knowingly leave their homes in the dark. But burnt-out or even dull lights, outdated fixtures, and poorly placed lights are common. Especially those along sideyards, back entrances, and backyards.
Motion-activated lights can be highly helpful. But only when positioned well, so they come on anytime someone approaches. If they aren’t well-placed, they can create a false sense of security when you’re actually quite vulnerable.
Home Security Check
Again, you’ll want to walk around the home. This time, wait until after dark, and turn off the interior lights. Look for areas that are shadowed, especially near doors, windows, and walkways. Ask yourself where someone could be standing without being easily noticed.
Next, test your motion lights. Walk past them from different angles. If they don’t activate—or if they activate late (when someone is already close to your home), you’ve found another common home security issue.
How to Fix It
Replace any non-working or dull bulbs and upgrade to brighter, energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Make sure your motion-activated lights cover entry points as well as pathways and reposition them if need be.
Finally, put your lights on a schedule to give the impression that someone is home, even if you’re away for work or vacation.
When No One’s Watching
By now, you’ve probably found at least a few issues—maybe you’ve reinforced a backdoor. Or added a stronger lock and sensor to a window that’s a little too accessible for your comfort. Or shined some light on a dark corner.
The reality, though, is that spotting—and fixing—security weaknesses is only part of the solution. The bigger issue is what happens after something has gone wrong. Especially if it goes wrong while you’re asleep or away from home and can’t respond immediately.
Many homes rely on cameras that can record suspicious activity, but they don’t alert anyone. Or systems may send notifications to your home, but if you don’t notice or respond, that’s where it stops.
Security, of course, shouldn’t only be effective if you’re there to respond immediately. And that’s why monitored protection can make such a big difference.
With 24/7 professional monitoring, potential break-ins, environmental threats, and emergencies can be addressed in real time. When they’re needed. Even if you aren’t around.
The Next Step to Greater Security
Whether you discovered and fixed any home security issues or not, you’re already ahead of the game. The next step is to turn that awareness into protection you can count on, no matter if you’re home or away, awake or asleep.
Home-Alarms.ca offers trusted, Canadian-based home security solutions with professional monitoring, modern technology, and support designed to make protecting your home simple and easy.
Contact us below or call at 1-855-518-4458 to speak with one of our friendly experts to create a customized protection plan that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind!