Strike Plate
Definition and meaning of Strike Plate in real estate.
Strike plate is a flat metal plate anchored to a doorjamb with a hole that receives the latch or bolt of a door lock to keep the door securely shut.
In more detail
By reinforcing the wood of the doorjamb, the strike plate protects the frame from wear and tear caused by the latch repeating its strike. It also plays a critical role in home security, preventing intruders from easily kicking the door open by forcing the lock out of the wooden frame.
For maximum security, deep screws should anchor the plate into the structural studs behind the doorjamb. During a home inspection, inspectors will verify that the latch aligns correctly with the strike plate and that it functions smoothly.
Key facts
| Category | Property Types & Construction |
|---|---|
| Common materials | Steel, brass, or bronze |
| Key function | Protects the doorjamb and holds the door latch or deadbolt |
| Applies to | Exterior and interior swinging doors |
To improve the security of the front entry door, the seller replaced the standard short screws in the strike plate with long structural screws that reached the wall stud.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my door not latching into the strike plate?
This usually happens when the door sags on its hinges, the house settles, or wood warps, causing the latch to sit higher or lower than the hole in the strike plate.
How does a security strike plate differ from a standard one?
Security strike plates are longer, accommodate more screws, and are designed to distribute force over a larger area of the doorjamb to prevent break-ins.