It is important that you enhance your home security and you can do this easily by installing deadbolt locks. But to select the top deadbolt lock will require some knowledge on the different types of deadbolt locks. The following types (provided by our friends at www.greenwoodvillagelocksmith.com) are functional for various security needs and therefore you will have to do your selection carefully.
1. Single Cylinder Deadbolt
Single cylinder dead-bolt locks are the commonest in the market. The lock has a key operated exterior cylinder entry point. You can lock or even unlock the interior part of the lock’s cylinder by simply running a metal latch which means that the lock is suitable for many types of doors or homes.
2. Double Cylinder Deadbolt
Just like the single cylinder deadbolt locks, to operate these locks you will need a key. The lock can also mounted inside your door and doesn’t feature a twist knob. Instead, the two sides feature a key cylinder. The double cylinder deadbolts require you to use a key when opening the two key cylinders. Therefore, to lock or to unlock your door, from the inside you will require a key. One major benefit associated with the locks is that in case there is any glass near or in your doorframe, it won’t be easier for intruders to break them and use the lock’s twist knob to unlock your door. One drawback about this kind of deadbolts is that in case you leave your home immediately following an emergency such as fire, you will require some time to find and utilize the correct key.
3. Keyless entry deadbolts
To open a keyless entry deadbolt lock you won’t need any key even though most of these locks have an option for manual lock override with a key. Mostly, people lock or unlock keyless entry deadbolt locks by entering codes on numeric keypads. But however, there are some locks which you can operate with remote devices. The locks are more similar to the remote entry locks used in cars. They boast transmitters that send out signals to the locks which tell them to either unlock or lock. Some of the locks have visual or audio signals which allow you to know in advance whether your locks are still locked.
One benefit of these locks is that you will do away with any need for keys. Therefore, there will be no time you will ever misplace your key or it will ever get stolen. However, you will need to be cautious; if a person learns your code combination you will have to change it immediately. You may also change the code as often as you like. The deadbolts having keypads in place of keyholes will also need electric current or batteries to operate.
4. Vertical deadbolt
The deadbolt locks are usually bolted on the inside part of your door. To make it impossible for intruders who may try to open by placing a bar in between the frame and the door as can happen with the horizontal deadbolts, this locks are usually placed at the top of a door. The vertical deadbolts are easiest to install but are bulkier and therefore an eye sore. Another deadbolt lock bolted on the inside part of a door is the rim deadbolt. The deadbolt locks automatically and therefore you will never worry about forgetting to lock up your door since it locks automatically each and every time you close the door.
5. Mortise deadbolts
These are older key locks mostly installed in recess or mortise pockets cut on the door edges and therefore tampering with them is something hard. The locks are very strong but one of their drawbacks is that boring large holes into the door frame weakens the door structure.
Choosing a deadbolt lock
The five types of deadbolt locks are different and therefore to select the best you will have to research. Generally, single cylinder deadbolt locks can be suitable for homeowners which are higher quality deadbolt that will enhance your home security.
Double cylinder deadbolt locks offer more security particularly for doors with glass windows. To open this lock from either inside or outside, you will require a key and therefore a thief who breaks a glass cannot open this door. But because you will also require a key to exit, most fire safety codes do not approve these locks. To install this type of locks, you should first check with the building’s regulations.
The keyless entry deadbolt locks are specifically made for convenience purposes. And the popularity of the remote locking and unlocking devices is always growing. However, a major disadvantage associated with these locks is that they are not waterproof. Most of them require batteries to operate and if exposed to excess moisture, they may fail. In addition to these drawbacks, the locks are more expensive but are suitable for individuals desiring convenience.
Things to consider when selecting a deadbolt lock
• The quality
First you have to select the deadbolt lock of the highest quality. Inexpensive locks may seem to be reliable just like those of superior quality and higher price but often they don’t offer similar safety assurance as the expensive ones. Ensure that the deadbolt you have selected has steel hardened bolt which will extend at least one inch into your doorjamb.
• Consider the type of your door
During your evaluation, you should consider the single cylinder and the double cylinder deadbolts. And you will have to do your selection depending on the type of your door. If you have a wood door, a solid core door or a metal door, you may need a single deadbolt. But if your door has a glass window, the double deadbolt lock will be the best choice. And because double cylinder deadbolts are illegal, you will have to check with the local laws.
• Hollow doors
You should totally avoid installing deadbolts on hollow core doors since it will be a waste of your money and time – an intruder will easily kick such a door. When selecting doors, you will easily tell hollow door from a solid one by checking the weight. Hollow doors are usually lighter and even sound hollow.
Installing the deadbolt lock
When installing your deadbolts, you have to properly select the screws to use in mounting the strike plate. Mostly, those included with deadbolts are usually shorter and therefore pulling them out of the doorjamb can be easier. To enhance your security, you should use those between 3-4 inches in length. And if you would like to enhance the security of your home even more, you will need to consider metal deadbolts wrap-around which prevents your door from getting opened by force.