Low quality or poorly installed locks leave houses susceptible to burglary or damage, so making sure your home is secured properly with security locks is vital.
There are many different security door locks on the market, all with different purposes depending on whether they’re for internal doors or external doors and the level of security needed.
This comprehensive guide outlines the different types of door locks available, the importance of proper installation and the security benefits of having high quality locks in your property.
Which doors need security locks?
When it comes to installing security locks on doors throughout your house, there are no set rules on which doors should have them - it will depend on which rooms you want to keep secure. That being said, it goes without saying that you will need to install high quality security locks on all external doors to protect against unwanted intruders.
Home offices, studios or workstations are some good examples of when you may want to install security locks on internal doors. This will give extra security to protect expensive equipment or valuable items.
Choose the most appropriate lock
There are many different types of door locks each fit for different purposes and providing different levels of security. The style of your interior and the type of doors you have will dictate the material, size and type of mechanism you need for your lock.
For example, if you have solid wooden oak office doors with a clean, contemporary finish but you want to add a discrete lock to protect your equipment, you may opt for a cylinder lock. This option would be discrete while providing sufficient internal security.
Read our full guide on The Best Door Locks to find out more about choosing the best option for your home. The article outlines the different types of internal and external locks available on the market and the different purposes they’re best used for.
Install your locks properly
Choosing the right type of lock for your external or internal door is step one but it’s just as important to make sure it’s installed correctly for it to be effective. Fitting door locks can require specific tools depending on the type and size of the lock.
If you’re not sure how to install door locks and don’t have much DIY experience, it’s a good idea to hire a professional. Locksmiths and joiners will have the correct tools for the job and will make sure the locks are secured properly to maximise protection.
Secure your outhouse or shed
If your property has an outhouse, barn or a garden shed, it’s just as important to make sure they’re equally protected using the right locks, especially if you keep expensive equipment, tools or bikes in them.
High quality mortice locks can be a good option for external buildings like these as they can be installed into any external wooden door. They require a key to open, giving you limited access and added security.
Don’t forget to lock up
While this may seem like obvious advice, you may be surprised to know that nearly two thirds of burglaries happen while people are still at home. Thieves will often go from house to house trying doors to find one that has been left open so it’s important to make sure your external doors are kept locked even if you’re at home.
Change your locks if you lose your keys
At some point or another, everyone will lose their keys or misplace them and while it can seem like a drastic measure to replace your locks, it could end up saving you much more money in the long run. Thieves will often steal keys from your house or when you’re out in public and use it to get in at a later time.
Getting into the habit of keeping your keys in a dedicated place will make it easier for you to notice if they have gone missing so you can be vigilant and potentially change your locks if you can’t find them.
Securing your home with Doordeals…
We know how important it is to feel safe and secure in your home which is why at Doordeals, we offer a wide selection of high quality security locks and fixtures. Whether you’re looking for external or internal locks, browse our full product range to find the right options for your home.