No matter where you go, the first line of defense for your home is the door. It keeps out everything from pests to the elements to burglars seeking to rob you of your good fortune and name. Oftentimes, the quality of the door and its lock system is all it takes to keep intruders out of your house. So it is extremely important that you find the appropriate lock and deadbolt to install on your door. Many different types are available, though one deadbolt may look similar to another. So here are some things you should be aware of.
A Plague of Crime
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a burglary happens somewhere in the United States once every fifteen seconds. Breaking and entering is one of the most common crimes committed as a result and the methods have become more subtle as security systems become more advanced. The majority of break-ins occur at the back door during daytime hours when nobody seems to be home. In addition, dominantly smaller items are stolen such as DVD players, cash, jewelry, and pocket electronics, which yield a high value on the black market but are also easy to conceal.
How to Avoid It
The FBI also states, however, that the majority of burglaries never take place because of how difficult it can be to break inside. Few burglars like breaking down a door because it creates a lot of noise and leaves behind evidence. So if a house appears difficult to get inside, they normally won’t bother. This is why it’s important to find an appropriate deadbolt and maintain discipline with keeping it locked.
A Couple Things About Locks
When you are shopping around for a knob-in-lock, you have to be very careful with the selection process. You want to use Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks which resist prying and lock-picking. A quality knob-in-lock will also have a dead latch mechanism to keep intruders from using a credit card to push the lock out.
Deadbolts: The Heavy Guns
Deadbolts are much easier to pick out. Many deadbolts are already built beyond the industry standard of a one-inch throw and are typically composed of a heavy metal for added strength. The real problem when it comes to figuring out what kind of deadbolt to invest in is whether or not you want an electronic deadbolt or a traditional one.
A Little Something About Electronic Bolts
Electronic deadbolts are a tempting option for those who want to beef up their security and streamline it at the same time. Electronic deadbolts are mounted into the door complete with wiring which connects them to a home’s security system. This ease of use allows you to unlock the door while also deactivating your system without much fuss. However, this feature is a double-edged sword, for while you only require a code to get inside without setting the alarm, a burglar can do the exact same thing. You don’t even have to let your code loose to alert him!
Find the Right One
This is why we recommend going old-fashioned and getting a traditional deadbolt. Traditional deadbolts can be designed to require a second key to get past them and are also built of tougher stuff than electronic deadbolts, which employ soft buttons and plastic chassis. Here at SafeAndVaultStore.com, we have all sorts of deadbolts both electronic and traditional which can help you keep your home safe. They are available in all sorts of finishes as well so they can match your door while also keeping out unwanted guests. Happy browsing and stay safe!
