When it comes to home security, the locks on your doors are often an underappreciated and underrated component. People use them daily without much thought, but their presence is essential for preventing criminal access to a property. If you’ve never bought a lock before, it’s important to consider the following elements before investing in one.
Type of Lock
The days of standard format locks are long gone- there isn’t one type of lock that can be used for every function or door hardware. Different locks are designed for different purposes, so you need to determine what type of lock you want to install first. Homeowners have a variety of residential door locks to choose from including handles, doorknobs, deadbolts and smart locks- all of which may be used outside or inside, but certain environments will call for specific types more than others. For example, a deadbolt lock is best suited for external doors as it offers enough security while a door lever lock is often better suited for interior doors due to not being as robust or secure as a deadbolt.
Security It Provides
Many homeowners don’t take advantage of their locks’ security ratings because they aren’t aware that some have these grades assigned to them. Lock manufacturers test and grade products before releasing them; these tests look at how powerful and long lasting the product is as well as how much force it can bear. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) usually handle these duties so pay attention when shopping around for replacement locks.
Where It Will Be Installed
The position of the lock matters just as much as what kind you buy; many homeowners overlook this important detail when planning their replacement job. A lock can only reach its full potential if installed properly and in the right place- think about what type of environment it will be facing and go from there! What works on your front door won’t necessarily work on your back sliding glass door- take note of where you plan on putting the new lock ahead of time.
Features Of Lock
Before purchasing a lock, make sure you understand what features it has; an anti-bump or anti-pick feature can really up the safety rating in your home while some smart locks offer integration with other technologies like smartphones or automated hubs that could make life simpler overall. The features available vary greatly among different models so do your research ahead of time- it could save you both money and time!
Buying a new smart lock is a big decision for any homeowner, so make sure you think it through and consider the information provided above before making your purchase. For door hardware services as well as advice on picking out locks, rely on us! We guarantee that we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your property.
