Make Your Home More Secure with Entry Door Locks
Door locks are key to your home’s security. They stop unwanted people from entering your home. With bad locks, you can be living happy and carefree when suddenly your home is broken into by a burglar. The quality of your entry door locks is crucial in preventing break-ins. Let’s talk about what you should know to get the best entry door locks for your home.
Not All Entry Door Locks Are the Same
It’s important to know the types of entry door locks that are available. There are several different types and they can be used in combination with one another to make your doors even more secure.
Deadbolt
One of the most commonly used locks to prevent home invasion is the deadbolt lock. This is because it can’t be moved to the open position unless the lock cylinder is rotated with a key. They’re great for the front door of your home. According to the FBI, 60% of home break-ins involve forced entry. Many locksmiths agree that a deadbolt lock is the best way to prevent that forced entry.
There are several different choices when it comes to deadbolt locks. Each style has a different design and benefits. It’s important to choose one that makes the most sense for your specific door.
- Single cylinder: requires a key on the outside to unlock the door but not on the inside.
- Double cylinder: requires a key on both sides to unlock the door.
- Keyless deadbolt: rather than using a key to unlock the door, you use a keypad. You enter a numerical code to unlock the door. There are also smart door locks which you’ll read a little more about later.
- Rim deadbolt: bolted on the inside face of the door. It will automatically lock behind you when the door is closed.
- Vertical deadbolt: also bolted on the inside face of the door. Requires a pry bar in order to break.
- Mortise deadbolt: installed in a recessed pocket cut into the edge of the door. Much older style of lock.
Knob Lock
A knob lock shouldn’t be your door’s primary lock. They’re not as secure as the other types of locks. This is because the lock cylinder is in the knob itself and not in the door. If the knob is broken off, the lock will no longer work.
That said, they’re a great option for added security to a door with a deadbolt lock. It never hurts to have a second lock securing your door. This will deter burglars from attempting to break into your home because you’re no longer an easy target.
Lever Handle Lock
Lever handles are very easy to open because they’re pushed down. It’s perfect if you have your hands full and need to open your door. It’s also great for people with weaker grips or bad hand injuries.
The lock itself is more durable than the knob lock because it harder to break the handle lock. That said, the lock cylinder is still in the handle so it’s best to have it paired with a deadbolt lock.
Smart Door Locks
As we’ve mentioned, smart locks are keyless deadbolt locks. So why do they deserve a separate section of their own? Because of the unique way they’re locked and unlocked. Smart locks pair with your phone so you can control your entry door lock from anywhere in the world.
In addition, you can also see when your door is opened. This allows you to keep an eye on your home at all times. They’re the ultimate locks for door security.
Door Guards Can Help a Door Lock Secure Your Home
If you’re interested in further improving your home’s security, a door guard, also referred to as a chain, is an excellent addition to your entry door. It comes in two pieces – one with a long door chain that’s installed to the inside face of your door and another smaller piece without a chain installed to the inside frame of the door.
Once installed, the chain can be slotted into the piece on the frame of the door, linking the two pieces together. This prevents the door from opening more than a few inches. Also the a door guard can’t be picked. It can only be cut and you’ll need the right tools. Remember, burglars look for easy targets and you’re no longer an easy target with a door guard.
There are many smart door locks on the market, but some of the more popular options are the Kwikset Kevo, the August Smart Door Lock and the Haven.
Having Multiple Entry Door Locks Will Help Your Home’s Security
One lock might not be enough to stop intruders from getting into your home. Making it more difficult to break into your home will deter criminals. That means having multiple entry door locks gives your home a better chance against burglars.
All Entry Door Locks Are Graded
All entry door locks are graded by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) based on their level of security. The ANSI looks into the strength, durability, mechanics and quality of the lock before assigning a grade of 1, 2 or 3. The lower the grade, the better the lock. This helps you determine which one is best for your home.
Grade 3: Good
Grade 3 locks offer the most basic level of security. They’ll make your home secure but aren’t as durable or aren’t the same quality as the other locks. They’re also the most inexpensive entry door lock. Grade 3 locks are great for complementing other door locks but probably shouldn’t be used on their own to protect your home.
Grade 2: Better
Grade 2 locks are the most common lock for residential homes. Unlike grade 3 locks, grade 2 locks are able to be used as your entry door’s main lock. They’re durable and strong enough to deter burglars from breaking into your home. They’re also usually a moderate price – less than grade 1 but more expensive than grade 3.
Grade 1: Best
Grade 1 locks are the highest quality locks on the market. They’re usually found on commercial properties but can be used on residential homes as well. They’re the most expensive locks but you’re getting the highest level of security.
Make Your Home More Secure with High Quality Entry Door Locks
Getting more secure entry door locks will help make your home a safer place. Burglars look for easy targets so getting multiple, durable locks will make it difficult for your home to be burglarized. Combined with a high quality entry door, your home will be a much safer place.
