The below image is the actual 2 piece strike plate that the builder of the homes in this development used for the front door.  Ryan Homes built this community.

If installed properly, a screw would be placed in the lower right hole below.  THEN, the piece on the left is put over it, and 2 more screws are inserted.  Take a screwdriver and check your strike plates, I DID.  For both the bottom lock and the top security bolt lock, the below 2 set strike plates were used.  In BOTH cases no screw was inserted in the lower right hole.  How does the person who installed these knowingly skip this step (to save time i’m sure) sleep at night?

Why is this important?  A kid can kick the front door open.  That’s how I discovered the problem.  An intruder would have NO problem kicking the door in.  The lack of the screw allows the piece underneath to slide right out when your latch or security bolt push hard enough on it!!

First of all, why wouldn’t the builder use a ONE-PIECE strike plate to begin with?  This $2 piece could jeopardize any of it’s buyers  safety.  If you live in this community, do yourself a huge favor and check your strike plates.  If screw is missing, either; remove the top strike plate so you can insert a screw in the bottom one, OR go to Home Depot to buy new ONE PIECE strike plates for your top and bottom locks.  While you’re at it, replace the ones on your basement door… a place where an intruder is more likely to try.

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PHOTOS OF THE GLENS AT WELLINGTON

Tags: Glens at Wellington Laurel Maryland

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 14th, 2009 at 4:12 pm and is filed under 3) General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.