Break-In Repair & Door Reinforcement
After a break-in, the first job is getting the door to lock again. The second is making sure the same door can't be kicked in the same way.
What we offer
Break-In Repair you can count on
Most forced entries through a door don't defeat the lock — they defeat the frame. A kicked door usually fails at the strike plate, where short screws hold the bolt in nothing but the thin wood of the jamb. We replace damaged lock hardware, reinforce the strike and hinges so the bolt is anchored into the wall framing, and rekey the locks if keys may have been taken. If the frame or door itself is split beyond what reinforcement can fix, we'll tell you so and secure the door until a carpenter or door installer can replace it.
Damaged locks replaced
Bent bolts, cracked cylinders, and pried handle sets replaced with hardware that matches your other locks, or upgraded to a stronger deadbolt if the old one was the weak point.
Strike & jamb reinforcement
Long screws driven through the strike plate into the wall stud, plus a reinforced strike or jamb plate where the wood has split. This is the single most effective change against a repeat kick-in.
Rekey if keys were taken
If a burglar may have taken spare keys, a garage remote, or anything with your address on it, rekey the locks so those keys stop working. We can key every door alike while we're there.
Securing the door now
If the damage is too extensive to repair in one visit, we make the door lockable for the night and give you a straight assessment of what the permanent repair needs.
How we quote
You get the price before we start
What a job costs depends on what actually failed, the hardware it needs, and where you are. Those change the number enough that posting a range here would mislead as often as it helped.
So we look first, tell you exactly what the work involves, and give you the price before anything starts. If it doesn't work for you, you're free to say no.
Call (352) 230-1659Quoted before we start — no surprises
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Should I call a locksmith or the police first after a break-in?+
The police, always. Call 911 if anyone may still be inside, and don't touch the damaged door until officers have finished — they may want to photograph it or check for evidence. Ask for a report number; your insurer will want it. Then call us to secure and repair the door.
Can you fix a door frame that was kicked in?+
Often, yes, if the jamb is cracked but not shattered. Reinforcement plates and long screws into the stud can make a cracked jamb stronger than it was before. If the frame is split through or the door itself is broken, it needs replacement by a carpenter or door installer — we'll secure it in the meantime and tell you honestly which situation you're in.
Do I need to change my locks after a break-in?+
Not always. If the locks still work and no keys were taken, reinforcing the door matters more than new locks. If keys, a garage remote, or anything with your address may be missing, rekey every exterior lock so the old keys stop working.
What should I photograph for my insurance claim?+
The damaged door, frame, and lock from several angles before anything is repaired, plus any other damage or missing items. Keep the receipt from the repair. We can note the damage and the work done on your invoice, which insurers generally find useful.
Related reading
Related services
Other work we handle
Ready to get started?
Call us now or fill out the form above. Bonded, insured, and available 7 days a week.
Call (352) 230-1659