Doors are meant to be a barrier and protective layer from the outside world. Doors are made to keep things in and to keep things out. But, we must trust our door locks to perform their intended purpose, day in and day out. Exactly how can we trust that our doors, or rather the locks on the doors, are actually offering the security that we believe?
Not every lock or locking mechanism is the same, and not all locks are secure. Door locks are not foolproof. If they are installed improperly, or they are not manufactured to specific specifications, they could fail you in your most vulnerable time of need.
There are certain features and qualities you can look for to ensure your door lock is truly going to secure your residence or place of business. In this article, we will educate you on what features make a premium and secure door lock, and additional ways you can safeguard your property. Here are some tips to ensure your locks are providing the security you deserve.
Go for Quality
When you find yourself in the market for a door lock, spend the extra money for a high quality lock. A good, quality door lock is an investment that will pay off in the long run. Think of it like this… even if the door lock is initially more expensive, imagine how much money you could potentially save by offering your home or business optimal protection. Statistics show that burglars are often thwarted by a high-quality lock – the challenge to bypass the lock is simply too much effort and risk, so they move on to a residence or business that is not quite as secure. The odds are in your favor that a quality door lock will keep the burglars away, and the peace of mind that your family’s or employees’ are safe is priceless.
Quality locks are made to be stronger and sturdier, and they are manufactured to be tamper-resistant. Choosing a quality lock is one of the best safeguards you can implement to ensure the security of your home or business.
Here are some additional features worth paying for:
- Anti-drilling enhancements
- Saw-resistant materials
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Grade 1 classification
- Reinforced strike plate
- Premium casing materials
When it Doubt, Use a Deadbolt
A deadbolt lock is always far more secure than a simple knob lock. Adding a deadbolt is an excellent way to immediately provide extra protection to your residence. The reason why a deadbolt will add extra locking security is because the bolt is incredibly challenging to force open or closed. When a door is secured by a deadbolt, the only way around it is to force it through the frame that is nestled into.
When choosing a deadbolt, select one that is at least one inch or longer. Many lock sets come with a matching deadbolt, so if you’re concerned about a match be sure to choose a set.
For extra inside security, you can also look into purchasing a double-cylinder deadbolt. These locks require a key for exit and entry, no matter whether you’re opening from the inside or the outside. However, they can be considered a fire safety issue because they could restrict a quick exit, so its important to research if they are allowed by code before deciding if this type of lock is right for you.
Give Spare Keys Sparingly
Let’s face it, some of us are far too liberal when handing out spare keys to our homes and businesses. We hand out keys to housekeepers, maintenance crews, neighbors, family, friends, and we even tell visitors on a whim where the spare key is hidden. Before you know it, you’ve circulated a dozen keys to your safe space, and countless people know where your spare key is placed. If you’re now mentally adding up how many spare keys you have in circulation, it’s probably time to change/upgrade your locks.
It’s not worth the risk. We also recommend that if you have a hide-a-key, you keep it well hidden and you move it frequently.
And remember… if you give someone a spare key, make it a point to retrieve the key in the near future.
Try a Keypad
Another great way to secure your home is by installing a keypad locking mechanism. This way, you don’t have to worry about who does or doesn’t have keys. Those you trust can have the code, and it’s also very easy to change the access code. In fact, we recommend changing the code on a routine basis.
It is also much more challenging to compromise the locking mechanism on a keypad, especially the ones that are not a key lock combination. Think about it… you can’t pick a lock if there is no key.
It’s extremely important to perform regular maintenance on your keypad lock, so you don’t end up locked out of the home. Always have backup batteries, and a backup plan, just in case the keypad was to fail.
Conclusion
Without proper high-quality door locks, you are leaving your property vulnerable to an invasion. Deadbolts and keypad locks are some of the easiest and securest ways to lock down your home or business. However, these methods will provide a false hope of security if you have dozens of spare keys floating around, or countless people know the access code. Be smart. Secure your space, and sparingly give out spare keys and codes.
Securing your home and/or business is one of the most important steps you can take in safeguarding the property and all irreplaceable lives inside.
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