Residential Locks

Security at home

In almost half of all home burglaries in the United States thieves have simply walked into the home through a door or crawled through a window that wasn’t secured with a lock. Most criminals are looking for the easiest and quickest way to get in and out. Locks, while not always completely unbreakable, are a great theft deterrent.

Keep Things Secure

Locks are an important component of any security system you may have in your home. However, it is important to be aware of some of the common weaknesses of locking  devices:

• Use deadbolts. Most common pin-tumbler locks that you find in the door knob are easily picked in seconds. A deadbolt offers poses more of a challenge and hence is more of a deterrent.
• Use sliding-door locks. Putting a broomstick or a piece of wood in the track is a good idea, but the doors can still be lifted off and removed. Make sure to secure the doors by drilling a hole through both frames and pinning them together.
• Secure all windows at all times. Low-lying windoms are especially vulnerable to burglars because they can be easily manipulated and entered. Make sure to put strong window locks on all basement and lower-floor windows.

Choosing a Lock

There are a number of different types of mechanisms available for residential use. The most obvious is the external door lock. You can also get fasteners for interior rooms that’ll offer you privacy and extra protection.

If you’re childproofing your home, cabinet and refrigerator locks may be required. While they don’t offer the security from theft that most door devices do, they’ll keep your little one safe from all the unseen hazards in your home.

You’ll also find that window and sliding door locks are important. Most thieves assume that external doors will be locked and first go for alternative forms of entrance, such as windows. Most thieves also assume that the simple latch that comes with most sliding doors is easy to snap.

If you secure your doors and windows with after-market locks that replace or work with the fasteners that come with them, you’ll be making things all that more difficult for people who are illegally attempting to gain access to your home.