Sunday, November 17, 2013

Why Deadbolts Are Important to Home Security

One part of home security that is often overlooked by homeowners is the deadbolt. A deadbolt can be an integral part of your plan to keep would-be crooks and bad guys on the other side of the door.

Of all the things you can do to boost your home's security and keep your family and possessions safe (such as getting a guard dog and installing an alarm system), if you don't have working deadbolts installed on your doors, then your home really is not as secure as you think it is.

When an intruder wants in your home, he will use force—in fact, that's how most burglars gain entry into homes. According to FBI statistics, 60 percent of burglaries occur when the perpetrators enters the home by force. If you have a deadbolt installed, the chance of that happening is greatly reduced.

What is a Deadbolt?
Deadbolt Lock
The most common deadbolt is the bored or auxiliary cylindrical deadbolt. Typically, it is installed above the existing lever or door knob and is in addition to the existing mortise or cylindrical lock.

It is usually installed by drilling two holes in the door, including a cross-bore hole and an edge-bore hole.

Most locksmiths advise homeowners to avoid entryway doors that are equipped with glass panels on the side, since a burglar can easily break the panels, reach inside, and unlatch the deadbolt, thus defeating its purpose.

If you have a glass-paneled door of this design, you can go for the double-cylinder deadbolt that comes with a key that unlocks the door from the inside. However, this can be dangerous if you ever need to get out of the home quickly (such as during a house fire), which is the biggest drawback to this installation.

Proper Installation of a Deadbolt Lock

Any deadbolt is only as good as its installation, which means that hiring a locksmith to properly install your deadbolt is money well spent. Installation requires allowing for a "throw" on the strike side of the door, the installation of a security plate, and proper placement of screws that extend all the way through the frame of your door.

An experienced locksmith is best equipped to install your deadbolt properly so that it keeps your family and your home safe from potential intruders. Click Here to find out more.

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