Choosing the right locks for your home
Changing locks can be a simple step to greatly improving your home security. There are many reasons you might want to change your locks at home. Perhaps you have had your keys lost or stolen, or maybe you have moved home. Maybe your locks are just starting to get old and are in need of an upgrade. This article will discuss how to choose the right locks for your home.
When it comes to selecting a lock for your home, you’ll find many options, each with its own features. Key-and-knob locks are the conventional choice, requiring a key for external access and a simple knob for internal use. Although, many opt for lever and lock style doors, particularly in commercial settings.
Often in older homes, you might find a mortise style lock. A mortise style lock is a very strong and secure style of lock fitted into the edge of the door and door frame.
Deadbolt locks offer enhanced security with a sturdy bolt mechanism that resists forced entry. Smart locks, on the other hand, provide modern convenience by linking to your smartphone or home automation system, allowing remote access and advanced features like keyless entry.
Deadbolt locks
Deadbolt locks can strongly bolster your home security. Deadbolts consist of a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame, making it highly resistant to forced entry. There are two primary types: single-cylinder and double-cylinder. Single-cylinder deadbolts have a keyhole on one side and a thumb-turn on the other, allowing for easy exit in emergencies. Double-cylinder deadbolts require a key for both sides, providing added security but may complicate quick egress. When installed correctly, deadbolts significantly enhance the security of your doors.
Smart locks
Smart locks are innovative home security solutions that provide convenience and control. They use wireless technology to connect to your smartphone, allowing remote access to your doors. With a tap on your phone, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere, offering added convenience for family members, guests, or service providers. Some smart locks integrate with home automation systems and offer features like keyless entry codes, access logs, and remote monitoring. However, they are vulnerable to hacking, and compatibility with existing doors and security systems should be considered. Despite their drawbacks, smart locks represent a modern, accessible way to enhance home security.
Consider simply rekeying
Rekeying locks is a cost-effective alternative to changing locks. Oftentimes, a full lock change isn’t necessary, and simply rekeying can improve your home security. During rekeying, a locksmith adjusts the lock’s pins and tumblers to work with a new key while keeping the existing lock hardware intact. This is ideal when security breaches, like lost keys, occur, maintaining the same lock but rendering the old key useless, enhancing security without replacing the entire lock.
Choosing the right locks for your home can be a difficult decision to make with so many different factors and types of locks to think about. At Armstrong, we are here to help, if you are interested in changing your locks, talk to us today! We can provide you with assistance and information to help you make the best decision to suit your needs.