Just before moving into an older home is a good time to change out all of the locks. You don't know to how many people the previous owners gave keys. This is also an opportunity to upgrade the door hardware to give you even more protection from a break in. Here are some of the options you have to improve your home security before you move your family into the house.
Upgrading the Locks
The first step is to replace the locks with more break-in resistant models. The deadbolt on your exterior doors is your first defense against a burglary attempt. If the lock proves to be a challenge for a thief, they will likely move on to a home that is an easier target. When looking at deadbolts, consider the material they are made of, the manufacturing process and the type of lock.
Material and Construction
Have the locksmith show you deadbolts that are rated ANSI Grade 1 and are made of hardened steel. The hardened steel resists being cut by a hacksaw and will take too much time for a thief to break through. Solid steel locks are preferable to a lock made by the casting process. A cast lock can shatter when hit with a hammer or pry bar but the solid steel lock will resist such attempts to break it.
Types of Deadbolts
Single Deadbolt - This is the most common design found in home construction. This lock mounts inside of the door with a steel bolt that extends out from the side of the door into the door frame to keep the door closed. A knob is used inside and a key outside to move the steel bolt.
External Mount Deadbolt - Also called a "jimmy-proof" lock, this deadbolt mounts on the surface of the door and has a steel bolt that extends into a second piece which mounts on the wall next to the door. This lock was designed to prevent someone from prying the door away from the frame enough to get to the bolt to attempt cutting through it.
Vertical Deadbolt - This is a variation of the external mounted deadbolt. The steel bolt travels vertically up into channels in the piece mounted on the wall. This conceals the bolt completely so no amount of prying on the door will expose the bolt.
Mounting Hardware Upgrades
During the deadbolt installation, you can upgrade the mounting hardware for even greater security.
Strike plate - This is the rectangular metal plate mounted to the door frame. It normally has a hole through which the bolt slips into the frame. For greater protection, replace these standard strike plates with one that uses a small steel box where the hole is to contain the bolt. With this design, the bolt can't be forced through the wooden frame to get the door open.
Mounting screws - Use extra long, wide thread wood screws when securing the strike plate to the frame. These prevent the strike plate from being pried away from the door.
Pry-resistant strips - These are long metal strips that are installed along the edge of the door frame. The strip prevents a thief from splintering the wood on a door frame when trying to pry the door and frame apart.
Click here for more on deadbolt installation or do an online search.
Share