Securing Your Home with Deadbolt Locks
Having the space that was supposedly your safe haven violated is a terrifying and traumatising experience. Unfortunately, burglaries are rampant in the country, with around 296,150 recorded residential burglaries from March 2018 to 2019.
The same source shows that 63% of break-ins happen to homes without a basic security system, and 67% of burglars break in through the doors itself! According to the Office for National Statistics, the average cost of residential burglary is at £3,030, which also includes the emotional cost to victims.
Fortunately, you can avoid being one of these numbers and effectively protect your home. As a significant percentage of break-ins happen through your home’s door, it’s a smart idea to start securing these entrances to your humble abode with deadbolt locks!
Securing Your Home with Deadbolt Locks
Also known as a deadlock or a deadlatch, these locks provide a heightened level of security because of their unique locking mechanism. They forgo the use of a spring so they cannot be forced open with a jimmy; rather, they can only be opened using the correct key or knob.
Moreover, they are heavier and thicker than spring latches, as they are made from steel or brass, making it resistant to forced entry into your home! Installing deadbolts on your doors will make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your property and discourage them from breaking in.
Types of Deadbolts
There are three types of deadbolt locks that you can choose from:
- Single-cylinder Deadbolt
This is the most common type of deadlocks among homeowners. As the name suggests, this system has a keyhole on the exterior where you can insert the key to retract the deadbolt when the lock is engaged. From the outside, you need a key to unlock the door. However, on the inside, you only need to move the thumb turn.
- Double-cylinder Deadbolt
Compared to the first type, this deadlock has two keyholes—one on the outside and one on the inside. The thumb turn present in single-cylinder deadlocks is gone, and you will need keys to lock or unlock either side of the door.
While the first is the most common type, this one is what homeowners prefer more because it prevents thieves from gaining access even after breaking the adjacent glass.
- Keyless Deadbolt
This type of deadlock can be opened not with a key, but with a fingerprint scan or password.
Other Considerations
You have to closely consider the differences in features of these types to find the best lock that will work for your home. For example, as mentioned earlier, a single-cylinder deadbolt can be easily breached if intruders break the glass panels on your door and reach inside for the thumb turn. On the other hand, using an easy password for your keyless deadbolt can also expose you to quick-witted trespassers.
Another factor you need to look at is the quality and sturdiness of your doors and door frames. Moreover, it’s best to check the structures surrounding your door and reinforce the materials to make sure that it can withstand forced entry. If you have bought a previously owned home, it’s also a smart idea to have your locks changed as soon as you’re settled down.
Conclusion
Your home is your safe space, and it should remain that way. If you’ve been through a traumatising break-in or just want to keep the bad guys away, installing deadbolt locks into your doors is an effective way to keep your house secure. Moreover, professional locksmiths will be able to help you find the best locks for your humble abode so that you can sleep peacefully at night.
Are you looking for an emergency locksmith in London to help you with your home? At Locksmith Emergencies, our specialists are always ready to help you when it comes to deadbolt installation and other services. If you’re constantly worried about your security, get in touch with us and we’ll be glad to provide you with effective solutions.