Door security in the home

Good locks are the key to security

Good door locks are the key to securing a property, whether in your home or business premises.
Choosing the best locks for windows and doors is more challenging than it may look. Many factors need to be considered.
Think about the security level you are looking for, the type of door or window and the lock that best fits your requirements.
Locks can vary in both quality and price. The two usually go together, so the cheaper the lock, the less secure it will likely be.
When choosing the best security system, it is better to get professional help from a registered door and window fitter.
Experts will have first-hand experience with the types of lock and security measures available, which work best and which will not measure up when it comes to protecting your home and your property.

Types of door lock

Door and window locks come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, as well as varying levels of quality. Traditional locks are of two main types: latch or deadbolt designs. All are designed to prevent a window or door from being opened. An insecure door or window will be the burglar's chosen point of entry into a property; it is only sensible to ensure you have the right lock for the job.

Deadbolt door locks

This type of lock has a bolt that slides into the door frame. The most common deadbolt is the mortice that embeds into the door's edge. The mortice needs a key to operate, and the most secure type is the five-lever deadlock. The bolts used in this lock should be made of durable metal such as steel, bronze or brass. Some deadbolts have several bolts spaced apart, and a single key turn can throw more than one bolt pin simultaneously. These are often used for patio doors manufactured from PVCu and usually have three bolts at the frame's top, middle and bottom.

Latch key locks

Unlike the deadbolt, a latch key sits on the face of the door. It can also be called a spring or Yale lock. When the door closes, the latch is propelled into a cup fixed outside the frame. It is opened from the inside by turning a handle from the outside using a key. Latch locks are much cheaper than deadlocks but much less secure. Latch locks that incorporate a deadbolt mechanism offer higher security.

Keypad and fob locks

Electronically controlled door locks are appearing on the market in higher numbers. The mechanism is usually of the deadbolt type, but an electric current is used instead of a key. The user opens the door by typing a keypad code or pressing the button on a fob. They offer several advantages over the traditional key system. Lost or stolen fobs can easily be deactivated, and the code is changed if the keypad numbers become compromised. Electric access can also be used for other things, such as keeping entry logs and other monitoring devices.

Always opt for quality

No matter which locking system you opt for, it is widely recognised that the better the quality, the higher the security. No average lock can be guaranteed to keep out all intruders, and the most determined burglar will break in. However, high-quality locks and door entry systems will greatly deter burglary, break-ins, and other unauthorised entry. Two different things to bear in mind are to ensure door locks meet your insurance policy's minimum requirements and to appreciate that locks are only as sturdy as the doors and frame to which they are fitted.

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