We all want to feel secure in our homes and one of the best ways of achieving this is by investing in security for our front doors. In addition to door knobs, you can pick out locks and chains that match, to create a uniform look for your house.
When it comes to increasing the security of your home, the first thing to think about is locks. Just because you have one on your door, don’t stop there – as it is recommended houses are kitted out with at least three. Mortice locks will make a door stronger while dead locks are arguably the most effective option, as they make it incredibly difficult for an intruder to gain access to your property.
Most homes come with a standard front door lock, but you could add a mortice or dead lock as well in order to give you additional peace of mind that your home is secure. Yale locks are another option, as these provide you with flexibility. Often, they have three settings – push the handle up and it will stay locked, even with the key. Alternatively, you can push it down and it will stay open, while leaving the catch un-altered will keep it locked unless turned with a key from the outside.
When searching for locks, it is advisable to look for those that comply with British standards and sometimes your insurance provider will even specify this on your policy. By doing this, you know you are investing in one of the best fixtures on the market.
For something a little more high tech, choose digital door locks. These items allow you to select your own security code and only by entering this will someone be able to get into your property. Just like with spare keys, you will only hand out the number combination to people you trust, such as other members of the household and neighbours.
Part of the appeal of this type of lock is that not only can it be used on your external doors, but also internal ones. This means that if there is a room in the house you would like to restrict access to, such as your office, you can fit one of these locks and ensure you know exactly who is able to go in and out of it.
Other door furniture designed with security in mind includes peepholes and chains. Both of these allow you to check who is calling at your front door without you opening it fully first. This means you never have to completely open the door until you know exactly who is outside.
Of course, it is not only doors that keep a house safe, but also windows. You should take the same amount of care investing in secure windows and patio doors as you do with your main entrance, choosing fixtures that feature a lock and key.
Finally, make sure you always store your keys somewhere safe and out of sight. Burglars have been known to fish keys out of the keyhole or off hallway tables and through the letterbox, so be certain your keys are never left near the door they access. In addition, don’t leave one under your doormat or in a flower pot as this will be the first place someone checks if they are thinking of breaking in. If you’re worried about locking yourself out, leave a set of keys with a trusted friend or neighbour.
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