Home security begins at the entry doors. Unfortunately, not all homes have optimal security, leaving them vulnerable to burglaries. Most burglars gain entry into victims’ houses through the entry doors by forcing the door open, picking the locks, or simply opening the doors (in the case of doors being left unlocked).
With this in mind, it is essential to secure your entry doors. You need effective locks that secure your entry door shut, creating an effective barrier between the outside and inside your home. Choosing the right lock for your entry doors is crucial for securing your home from unwanted entry.
To this end, we’ll delve into choosing the right locking system for your home’s secure entry doors.
Understanding the Different Types of Locking Systems for Secure Front Doors
The first step in choosing the right locking system for your entry doors is to understand the options available and their merits and demerits.
Below are some of the most common locking systems in use today:
Tubular Locksets
Tubular locksets are some of the most common types of locking systems in use in residential environments. This locking system takes the form of lever locks and knob locks, which have been the standard locking systems for residential entry doors in the past.
They’re made of a lever or knob and a deadbolt, making for a simple locking system that is both cheap to purchase and easy to install.
However, their simplicity is also their undoing. They only provide basic security and are easily forced open. The single locking point is also a single point of failure. Moreover, the single deadbolt is unsuitable for tall doors used in contemporary entry door designs.
5-Lever Mortice Deadlock
5-lever mortice deadlock systems are installed inside doors rather than on the door’s surface. They offer great security and are recommended for use in residential entry doors as they can lock from the inside and outside.
The manual action of the 5-lever mortice deadlocks means you cannot lock yourself outside, as you need a key to lock the door. However, if you forget to lock the door, you leave your home vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
Unfortunately, you cannot use this type of locking system on uPVC doors since it is impossible to fit the locks inside.
Multi-Point Locking System
The multi-point locking system’s working principle is to provide multiple points of lock. It works much like a mortice deadlock, except the multiple deadbolts are located in different parts of the door frame.
Installing this lock system involves installing between three and five bolts along the side of the door that lock to the door frame. The bolts are synchronized to operate with one key. As such, you don’t need multiple keys to lock and unlock the door.
Owing to the multiple locking points, this type of locking system offers far enhanced security, making it suitable for entry door security. However, a multi-point locking system is far more complex and requires an expert locksmith to install the locks and ensure they operate properly and reliably.
While there are other locking systems, such as rim locks, night latches, and anti-snap locks, they are not suitable for entry door security.
Other Elements to Consider When Choosing a Door Lock
Once you narrow down the type of locking mechanism you want to use in your front doors, you should take into consideration the following elements:
#1. Consider the Quality of Hardware
Hardware quality is a distinguishing factor between high-security and low-level security locks. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates locks based on the quality of hardware on a scale of 1 to 3, with grade 1 being the best quality locks.
Grade 1 locks are best recommended for commercial applications, while grades 2 and 3 are typically used in residential applications. However, to ensure your home is secure, ensure your home uses grade 2 locks on all entry doors.
#2. Keyhole Security
Your lock might have a strong build capable of withstanding forced entry. However, it might not offer ample security if it’s vulnerable to lock picking. Unfortunately, lock picking is a major vulnerability to many locks on the market. With this in mind, you should choose entry door locks that are not easy to pick.
For instance, ensure the locks do not have a simple and large keyhole that makes it easier for buglers to slide in the lock-picking tools through the keyhole. Big keyholes are quite common with old locks, which have large deadbolts, necessitating large keys. Their large keys necessitate large keyholes, leaving them vulnerable to lock picking.
#3. Quality of Frame Locking Hardware
Finally, it’s important to note that choosing the right locking system is not the be-all for your entry door security. Other factors influence the effectiveness of your locks in keeping intruders out of your home. For instance, the quality of the strike plate and how well it is installed will influence the locking system’s functionality and reliability in securing your door shut.
Ideally, the strike plate (the plate attaches to the door frame where the lock’s deadbolt slides into) should be made of high-quality material and secured to the door frame with screws that are at least three inches.
Contact Family Windows & Doors Today to Learn More About Secure Entry Doors
Choosing the right locking system for your entry door is crucial for ensuring the security and peace of mind for your home. With various options available, from traditional deadbolts to smart locks, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, ease of use, and additional security features.
At Family Windows & Doors, we understand the importance of safeguarding your loved-ones. Call us today at 864-982-0957 to schedule a free, in-home consultation to discuss your windows and doors.
