Want to improve your home security?
Given that your front door is your first line of defense against attack – and thieves are becoming savvier than ever – you want to be confident that you have the best door lock repair or installed. With so many options available, knowing what door locks are best can be tricky. However, Andy at Home Secure Leeds is here to guide and advise you on selecting the right door locks for your property. We’ll also be looking briefly at the different types of locks you’ll find within our online inventory to help you narrow your options down and make an informed decision.
So, let’s get started.
Different types of door lock
With door locks, there is no “one size fits all”. Some are designed to suit specific buildings or doors. That’s why it pays to know a little bit about the different types out there, so you can pick the most suitable one for your home.
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Deadbolts – ask any locksmith, and they’ll tell you that deadbolts are the most popular choice for residential customers. Operating on a separate mechanism from the doorknob and reducing the risk of forced entry, it’s clear to see why.
Both single and double cylinders exist. Single cylinders are the most affordable option and work well in homes where there are no windows close to the door, and on metal or wooden doors without glass windows. Double cylinders tend to cost more but offer the most protection against unauthorised access.
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Mortice locks – fitted inside the hollow in a door’s edge, mortice locks are difficult to prise open as they are secured within a strike plate in the door frame. Some insurance policies state that a mortice lock must be fitted to meet the terms of cover.
What’s more, when the door is ajar, only the keyhole and faceplate are visible – making them more aesthetically pleasing than other types of door locks.
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Rim locks – typically mounted onto the inner side of the door, a rim lock is perfect for inward-opening doors, as well as listed properties.
The ‘lockbolt and key cylinder’ mechanism is fitted to the door (also known as a night latch). These locks also do less damage to the woodwork during installation and can be unlocked using an electric release mechanism.
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Electronic locks – typically found in hotel rooms, schools, and offices, these are one of the most convenient types of door lock on the market today – requiring no keys to lock and unlock them. Instead, they feature a keypad or card reader which allows you to open the door using a numerical code or by swiping a card/fob.
Some electronic locks come with a combination key system, allowing you to use a regular key if you forget your card or code. Plus, they have long-lasting batteries.
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Smart locks – say hello to the latest generation of door locks. A smart lock uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and allows you to lock and unlock your door from an app on your smartphone – reducing the need for keys and numerical codes.
Sometimes, smart locks can be integrated with video and audio monitoring systems. Not only does this allow you to grant access from anywhere in the world, but it also gives you full control over your home – even when you’re away.
How to choose the best door locks for your home
When replacing your door locks repair, you want to make sure that it fits like a glove. It’s also important to note that each type has its own set of features.
To determine the best door locks for your home, you need to think about:
· The type of door lock you’re replacing
Every door type has different security elements built into them, and some locks have special features such as anti-bump, anti-snap, and anti-pick.
If you intend on installing a smart lock, this is easy to do if your door has a cylinder lock, which includes a cylinder and casing. But if your door has a three-point lock, which closes the door at three separate points – the top, bottom, and at the handle – a smart lock may not be suitable.
· How you want the door to open
Do you want to unlock the door using a key or code? Perhaps you’d like to be able to use your fingerprint or smartphone instead? Deciding which method you prefer will help you to narrow your options down further.
For instance, if you’re happy to carry a key around, a door lock that requires a key is ideal. Alternatively, if you’re constantly losing things or you’re looking for something a little more convenient, an electronic lock or Bluetooth lock would be better.
· What the door lock will be used for
How many people need access to your home? Is it just you and your partner or do you rent your property out to tenants?
If multiple people require access, opting for keyless entry will save you the hassle of having several keys cut. You can provide everyone with their own code. At the end of the tenancy (or whenever you decide), you can change the code to revoke access to ensure maximum security.
· Your budget
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best door lock for your home is how much you can afford to spend.
As you’d expect, the more you pay, the more features you’ll benefit from. However, the last thing you want to do is break the bank. Home Secure Leeds has entry level locks but still Anti-snap and all mortice locks are at a minimum British standard approved.
If you have any further questions about choosing door lock repair or the different products I supply and fit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. https://homesecureleeds.co.uk