For most homeowners, securing their home is a top priority. Unfortunately, traditional locking systems are sometimes easy to get around, which is why deadbolts have become increasingly popular. In fact, many insurers usually recommend that you add a deadbolt lock to your exterior doors as an added deterrent to burglars, so that you can get full insurance coverage on your home.
What is a deadbolt?
This is a type of lock that is designed to increase security by preventing access to the home without a key. Unlike conventional locking mechanisms that have a spring bolt lock that can be opened by simply turning the knob, a deadbolt lock can only be operated using a key. Some variations allow you to open the door with a knob turn from the inside, but a key is generally required on the exterior.
Once the key is turned in, the bolt lock firmly secures the door into the frame. Without a spring loaded mechanism, the amount of force that would be needed to forcefully pry the door open increases, acting as an effective deterrent for a break-in.
Most homeowners install a deadbolt lock to reinforce other easily picked locking systems such as key-in-knob and key-in-lever varieties. Typically, a deadbolt is more suited to an exterior door than an interior one and can also be effective at securing shed and garage doors that are easily accessible to intruders.
Types of deadbolt locks
There are two main variations of a deadbolt lock. A single-cylinder system requires a key to retract the lock in and out of the door frame from the outside, but can be opened with the turn of a knob from the inside. This allows residents of the house to easily open the door while indoors, while making it difficult for an intruder to gain access without the right key. Single-cylinder deadbolts would be ideal for a secure door such as a solid wood or steel one.
With double-cylinder deadbolts, a key is required on both sides. These variations are common on glass doors that can be shattered as the intruder seeks to gain access to the inside of the door and turn the knob for easy access. However, this type of lock can trap you in the house should you misplace your key, especially during an emergency.
A deadbolt lock offers effective security to your exterior doors. For more information, contact a locksmith in your area.
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