The locks on your doors are likely the most underappreciated part of home security. People use them daily but don’t give them much thought in the big scheme. However, just because we don’t see them until we need to makes them less vital as a security feature. In reality, they are not just the most underappreciated part of home security but also one of the most vital.
Locks are essential in securing our homes and protecting our families and belongings. Just imagine how easy it would be for thieves to break in and steal your belongings or threaten your family’s safety without locks. Ensuring that you have the correct lock is crucial, but how do you know which is the best lock to suit your needs?
Homeowners may require new door locks for a variety of reasons. Some customers want to improve the security of existing locks, others want to replace damaged ones, and others want new ones for new doors. Whatever the reason, this list of things you should know before purchasing and installing new locks will come in helpful. This is why we will supply you with all the information you require before going out and purchasing a new lock.
Things You Need to Know Before Buying and Installing New Locks
When shopping for locks for doors, you must do your research. You’d be astonished at how much there is to discover. So, consider what you need to know about front door lock solutions.
1. What Kind of Lock Do You Require?
Locks for doors are no longer available in a standard configuration. There is no single style of lock that works for every door and every function. In reality, various locks are designed for specific uses. To ensure you purchase the correct lock, you must first determine what types of door locks you need to install. There are various types of residential door lock sets from which to choose, like doorknobs, smart locks, deadbolts, and more. Each of these locks may be used outside or inside, while some are better suited to certain areas.
A deadbolt lock, for example, will perform very well on an outside door and provide enough security. On the other hand, while door lever locks are not as powerful or safe as deadbolt locks, they are perhaps better suited for interior doors.
2. What is the Lock’s Security Grade?
When a homeowner is shopping for a new lock, they must pay attention to the grade and rating of the lock. This will assist consumers in determining how long their locks will survive and selecting the best lock to provide them with the most security.
Most lock manufacturers test different types of door locks before assigning them a grading or rating. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) often test and grade these locks. The locks are classed depending on the number of cycles they can resist before deteriorating, as well as the amount of force they can withstand. These figures indicate how strong, durable, and secure the lock will be.
ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts, for example, can resist far greater force than Grade 3 deadbolts and survive 600,000 more cycles. If you’re looking for the best security lock for your front door, you should get a higher grade or rating.
3. Where Will the Lock Be Installed?
A lock can only reach its full potential if it is used correctly, and the position of the lock plays a significant role in this. Exterior door locks require more excellent security ratings and features, but interior door locks can occasionally get away with less security.
The locks on your front door will differ substantially from those you install on other parts of your home. Of course, front door locks should be a lot tougher as compared to, say, your bedroom door lock. It is critical to establish where you want the new lock to go so that you may get the appropriate lock for that place.
4. What are the Lock’s Specifications?
Before purchasing a lock, it is critical to understand its capability. As previously said, locks do not exist in a single shape or size, so homeowners should pay particular attention to their possible new locks’ features, including locksets, keypads, smart lock technology, etc. Several locks have tamper-resistant locks incorporated into them. Some locks, for example, contain anti-bump, anti-drill, and anti-pick characteristics that will make your property considerably safer.
Numerous factors must be considered when determining which innovative lock features work best for your house. It is critical to determine whether the lock you choose is compatible with other intelligent technologies you may have and whether it can be controlled via a smartphone or a smart home hub. Also, for homeowners who decide to invest in smart locks, selecting a lock with features that suit your lifestyle and will easily integrate into your home automation plans is advisable.
Locks are essential to home security; thus, their functions are critical. Homeowners must first determine what they want from their locks and then select a lock with features that are directly related to this to guarantee an excellent match. Furthermore, some individuals choose smart locks with remote access functions, which allow them to watch and manage the operations of their locks from afar.
5. How Should the Lock Be Installed?
The installation process will effectively tell homeowners if they purchased the correct lock or not. Learning more about the installation procedure will also assist homeowners in determining if they will need to engage a professional locksmith or whether the project can be completed by themselves. However, this is not the only reason someone must understand how the lock will fit. It is critical to have this information on hand before purchasing the lock since the installation method will require you to make no modifications to the hardware you already have for it to perform correctly.
If you need to make adjustments, understanding the installation process for the new lock can help you prepare properly. Remember that the installation method of any lock is a secondary consideration to all of the considerations stated above. It is not suggested to select a lock that is simple to install if it has poor security features.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing a new lock is critical to the security of your house and should not be taken lightly. Knowing the different locks for doors will assist you in determining which lock will work best for your property and make the entire process much easier for you. Remember that your property’s security and safety should always be at the forefront of your thoughts, regardless of why you purchase new locks. This will save you from looking like a deer caught in the headlights in a home improvement store aisle.
Have A Professional Install It for You!
When it comes to your house, you cannot take security lightly. One of the first measures to safeguard your property is getting a decent, durable lock from a reputable locks supplier that will stand the test of time. When you’re ready to make the investment, ensure you employ a skilled locksmith from Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths to install and service your new lock.
Our professional locksmith in Centennial will quickly install the best security lock for your home and answer any queries you may have. Assistance from one of our locksmiths will genuinely benefit you. After all, we’ll ensure that the task is done correctly and that there are no problems in the future. Contact us today for more information!
