Securing a commercial property starts with understanding how intruders think. They look for overlooked entrances, signs of wear, and hardware that’s easy to bypass. It’s not just about having locks on doors. It’s about checking if every entry point can stand up to pressure, tampering, or subtle forced entry. We focus on helping property owners spot problems before they lead to costly break-ins.
Evaluate All Exterior Doors
Start by walking the perimeter and taking note of every exterior door. Some buildings have more access points than expected. Include back exits, staff-only doors, basement doors, and delivery entries. Don’t assume lesser-used doors are safe just because they stay locked.
Next, examine each door’s material and condition. Wood doors often wear down at the edges, and rust on metal doors can weaken the structure. Pay attention to the lock alignment. If a door no longer closes flush with the frame, that can create leverage points for crowbars.
Finally, test the locks with a firm tug. A secure lock shouldn’t rattle or shift. We’ve seen situations where old strike plates nearly fall off with minimal force. In those cases, even strong locks become useless without reinforcement. For full commercial security upgrades, it’s worth reviewing the commercial locksmith Ottawa services offered in your area.
Inspect Door Frames and Hinges
Often, the weakest part of any door setup is the frame. Even solid locks can be defeated if the door frame splits under force. That’s why the frame needs just as much attention as the door itself.
Use a flashlight to check for gaps between the door and frame. If you see light coming through, that’s a problem. Over time, buildings shift and cause misalignment. These gaps also allow burglars to insert pry tools. A tight seal adds not only security but also energy efficiency.
Look closely at the hinges next. Loose screws or signs of warping mean they won’t hold under pressure. Hinges on the exterior side of the door should be tamper-proof. Standard pin hinges can be removed in seconds with basic tools if left exposed.
As a rule, door reinforcement plates should be installed along the frame to strengthen it against kick-ins. If you haven’t done this yet, that alone can stop a forced entry attempt. Our team has seen this simple fix prevent significant theft.
Examine All Windows and Secondary Access Points
While doors take priority, many break-ins happen through windows or overlooked access points. Small bathroom windows, ground-floor sliders, and even basement vents should be part of any audit.
Windows with worn seals or loose latches are easy targets. Try opening each one as a burglar might. Wiggle the latch, lift the frame, and push against the corners. Any movement means potential failure. Locking mechanisms should click securely and resist pressure.
If your windows have bars or grilles, check their anchors. We’ve discovered many that only appear secure but are mounted with short screws. For commercial spaces, consider window locks that engage with the frame, not just surface latches.
Don’t ignore fire escapes, roof access doors, or stairwell exits. In multi-level buildings, these areas often fall out of regular inspection routines. Yet they remain a favorite route for someone planning unauthorized entry. If any concern surfaces here, consider calling professionals who offer full locksmith services in Ottawa for detailed security checks.
Test Electronic Access and Alarm Points
Many buildings now rely on electronic entry systems. While convenient, they also come with their own failure risks. Outdated firmware, keypad exposure, and weak passwords can open the door—literally—for intrusion.
Begin by testing all keypads and card readers. Look for delays, skipped signals, or signs of tampering. Scratches near the panel or worn buttons can signal someone has attempted to guess codes.
If you use motion or contact sensors, walk through each monitored space and confirm that alerts trigger correctly. Malfunctioning alarms are a major gap. Too often, we find sensors pointed in the wrong direction or disconnected during routine work.
Audit the user database too. Remove old access permissions from past employees or tenants. Keeping that list clean helps limit internal risks. If your alarm has a backup battery, test it during the audit. Power loss should never equal security failure.
Our team often helps clients identify silent points in their digital systems. Just because you have tech doesn’t mean it’s airtight. When needed, we recommend setting up a commercial locksmith Ottawa consultation to explore updates or replacements for failing systems.
Review Interior Locks and Storage Access
Internal doors matter just as much as exterior ones. If someone gets inside, the goal is to slow their movement and protect valuable areas. This is where many buildings fall short, allowing free access between rooms or server areas.
Check if interior locks still latch properly. On older doors, the latch may not catch unless pushed hard. A determined intruder won’t stop to gently close the door. Office supply closets, IT rooms, and filing storage all need functioning locks. Fire safety rules still apply, but that doesn’t mean going without security.
If you store documents or high-value tools inside, deadbolt locks or keypad systems can add needed layers. Padlocks on interior cabinets also help, but only when secured to solid materials. Weak wood panels often split with just a firm pull.
This step also applies to shared commercial spaces. Whether it’s an apartment building or a mixed-use facility, hallways and shared storage need secure locking systems. In some cases, we’ve installed latch guards and shrouded padlocks that eliminate exposed points of entry.
Look for Signs of Prior Tampering
During your walk-through, stay alert for subtle signs that someone has already tested your building’s defenses. Scratches near locks, pried wood around doors, or loose motion sensors are all red flags. These attempts often happen quietly before a more serious intrusion.
Fresh paint doesn’t always hide damage. We suggest using your fingers to feel around door frames and lock areas for splintered wood or patching compound. If a window screen looks slightly bent or cut, assume someone tried to push through.
Checking security camera footage occasionally helps reveal who comes near your entry points. If your system doesn’t store long-term footage, change that setting. Storing 30 days of video provides a valuable window for reviewing suspicious activity.
In every audit, we look for patterns. Entry points with signs of testing should be upgraded first. Reinforced locks, additional plates, or adjusted access protocols can prevent a second, more serious attempt. For tailored recommendations, contact our Ottawa locksmith experts to plan a focused site evaluation.
Set a Routine Security Schedule
One-time audits are helpful, but consistency is better. Without a routine, new risks build up again in just a few months. Dust settles on sensors, screws loosen in hinges, and keys go missing over time.
Set reminders every quarter to check critical entry points. Split the tasks over several days if needed. Document each check using a simple spreadsheet. Record which doors were tested, what repairs were made, and when batteries or locks were replaced.
Train staff on basic checks too. If employees recognize what a tampered hinge looks like, they’ll catch issues early. If you rotate access codes, do it after any staffing change or external contractor access.
This system also helps prove compliance for insurance and security audits. Showing proof of regular inspection can be the difference between a denied claim and full support. Routine doesn’t need to be complex—it just needs to be done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we inspect our building’s doors and locks?
Every three months is a solid starting point. Include both visual checks and lock function tests to catch hidden problems early.
What’s the best way to secure old doors without replacing them?
Use reinforcement plates and longer screws in hinges and strike plates. These additions can prevent kick-ins even on aging doors.
Are keyless entry systems safer than traditional locks?
They offer convenience, but only when properly maintained. Update firmware and remove unused access codes regularly.
Do window locks really make a difference?
Yes, especially on ground-floor and accessible windows. A locked window adds a layer that deters fast break-ins.
What should we do if we find signs of tampering?
Don’t wait. Inspect the area closely and repair or upgrade the compromised points. You may also want to review camera footage or notify local authorities.