When businesses think about security, most attention goes to the front entrance.
That’s the door customers see, the door with signage, and the door that looks the most “secure.” But in real-world commercial break-ins, the back door is very often the weakest point.
At Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd., we work with commercial businesses and property management companies across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and we see the same pattern repeatedly: The back door is overlooked, under-maintained, and easier to defeat.
This article explains why back doors are targeted, what typically goes wrong, and what property managers and business owners should be checking.
Why Back Doors Are Targeted First
Back doors are attractive to criminals for a few simple reasons:
- They are out of public view
- There are fewer cameras and less lighting
- They are used heavily by staff and deliveries
- Problems often go unnoticed for long periods
- Doors may “look closed” but not actually be secure
In many cases, forced entry is not even required.
The door simply does not latch properly.
The Most Common Back Door Problems We See
1. Doors That Don’t Latch Consistently
This is by far the most common issue.
A back door may:
- close slowly
- bounce off the frame
- require pulling or pushing to latch
- appear shut but can be pulled open
If a door does not latch every time, the lock is irrelevant.
The building is not secure.
2. Failing or Misadjusted Door Closers
Back doors often have door closers that are:
- leaking oil
- slamming shut
- no longer closing the door fully
- adjusted incorrectly for the door weight
When a closer fails, staff often prop the door open for convenience, creating a major security risk.
3. Panic Bars and Exit Hardware Issues
Many back doors use panic bars or exit devices.
Over time, these can develop issues such as:
- worn latches
- loose mounting
- misalignment with the strike
- inconsistent operation
A panic bar that doesn’t latch properly turns the back door into an easy entry point.
4. Door Sag and Hinge Wear
Commercial back doors see heavy use.
As hinges wear and doors sag:
- alignment shifts
- latches no longer line up
- keys become hard to turn
- hardware wears faster
This often leads to repeat “lock problems” that are actually door problems.
5. Poor Key Control
Even when the door hardware is fine, access control can be the issue.
Common key control problems include:
- keys copied without authorization
- old staff retaining keys
- contractors keeping access
- no record of who has keys
A secure door with poor key control is still a risk.
Why Back Door Problems Often Go Unnoticed
Back doors are usually:
- not customer-facing
- not checked daily
- not part of regular inspections
- “working well enough” until something happens
By the time a problem is noticed, access may already be compromised.
What Property Managers and Businesses Should Check
A simple back door inspection should include:
- Does the door latch every time without force?
- Does the closer fully close the door?
- Can the door be pulled open when it looks shut?
- Does the panic hardware engage consistently?
- Is the door being propped open?
- Is key access controlled and up to date?
If the answer to any of these is “no” or “not sure,” the door should be serviced.
Why Back Door Issues Lead to Lockouts
Many commercial lockouts start at the back door.
When a door is misaligned:
- keys are forced
- cylinders wear out
- keys snap
- hardware fails unexpectedly
Fixing alignment and latching issues early prevents emergency calls later.
Fix the Door Before Upgrading the Lock
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is replacing locks without fixing the door.
If the door doesn’t latch properly, a new lock will fail just like the old one.
Effective back door security starts with:
- proper door alignment
- reliable closing and latching
- well-functioning hardware
- controlled access
Serving Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd. provides commercial locksmithing and door hardware services across:
Nova Scotia: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Truro, New Glasgow, Kentville, Bridgewater and surrounding areas
New Brunswick: Saint John and surrounding areas, plus additional service coverage
We work with many property management companies and commercial businesses to correct back door security issues properly, not just patch them.
Why are back doors more vulnerable than front doors?
Because they are used heavily, seen less, and maintained less often.
Is a lock upgrade enough to secure a back door?
Not if the door does not latch properly.
How often should back doors be inspected?
At least quarterly, and more often in high-traffic buildings.
Concerned About a Back Door at Your Building?
If your back door:
- does not latch properly
- is being propped open
- has a failing closer
- has panic hardware issues
- has recurring “lock problems”
Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd. can inspect and correct the issue before it becomes a security incident.
Visit www.supremelocksolutions.com
