How To Check Effectiveness of Your Security

If you have never had your home locks evaluated, now might be the time to do so. You can take it up on yourself to check the effectiveness of your security features and make sure that they will do the job they are intended to do. It doesn’t matter if you have had an intrusion or not, you should always make sure your home security is up to par. If you want to make sure that an attempted intrusion is not successful, you’ll need to know for certain where your home security may need to be replaced. You might not realize that your home is the prime target of a burglar until it is too late. Be prepared for anything by annually making the necessary changes to your home security features. You can do your part in making it as difficult as possible for a burglar to gain access into your home. A burglar isn’t looking for trouble. They want the least amount of effort needed to break into a home. If they feel as though your home posses a problem, they will often go elsewhere. 

When evaluating your home security features, such as locks, here are some things to consider:

Deadbolt Locks

This is the most durable type of lock that you can have. If you just have regular doorknobs on your door without the support of a deadbolt, your lock is more likely to be compromised. The deadbolt is another layer of security. Our locksmiths at Chesapeake Secure Locksmith in Chesapeake, VA encourage every homeowner to invest in deadbolt locks for all of their exterior doors. In addition to having a good deadbolt lock, you should be sure that a professional installs the lock. The lock will not be of much use to you if it is not installed correctly. The hold that the bolt will go into needs to be deep enough in order to do so, if it isn’t, it will not engage completely. When the bolt isn’t inserted all of the way, the lock will not completely engage. This means that the lock will be ineffective. It must be properly installed to reach maximum security. This is why so many people depend on the efficient services of Chesapeake Secure Locksmith.

Window Locks

This is probably the last thing that you are thinking about but we assure you that this is an area that should not be overlooked if you want to make sure your home is completely secure. Most windows simply have a standard latch lock. If you have a lock that doesn’t appear to be secure and another type of lock cannot be added to it, perhaps it is time to consult with a professional locksmith to see what can be done to improve the level of security for each window of your home. Remember, this is another way that intruders gain entry into your home.

Sliding Glass Doors

If you have a patio or deck, you probably have a sliding glass door. This is what we often call the forgotten door since most homeowners fail to remember to keep this door locked at all times. However, this is the one door that needs to be secured more than any of the others. This is because this door has the weakest lock, which means it can be compromised more easily. Since it is located in the rear of the home, people passing by your home do not easily see it. This gives an intruder all of the time they need to manipulate the lock and gain entry. There is only a latch lock that is placed on sliding doors. They are just there to keep the door shut not to offer real security. This type of door is not made of solid core materials. The material is thin and flimsy and can easily be lifted off its frame. A sliding glass door requires that another type of key also be applied to it. Something as simple as a door pin can improve your level of security. If you’re unsure about the type of lock to place on your sliding glass door, consult with a local locksmith today.

Gates

Just like your doors and windows, your gate should also be secured. This is especially true if the gate leads toward the rear of your home. There are some locks that we use on homes that we also install on gates. However, if you’re interested in a gate lock, there are also locks designed just for gates. It is your responsibility to make sure that the lock on your gate is strong and durable enough to keep out intruders. If they gain access to the rear of your home, they may more easily gain access into your home.

Change Locks When Moving

It doesn’t matter whether your moving from an apartment into a house or from a house into an apartment, you should always have your locks changed. The management company of an apartment building may tell you that they have changed your locks but in actuality all they did was transfer another lock onto your doors. This is still dangerous because someone, somewhere still has a key to your lock. Instead, you might want to buy your own lock to let them install. Keep up with all of your keys. If you have ever had to lend out keys to service providers, make sure you get all of the keys back. If you do not, you might need to rekey all of your locks to avoid a break-in. When you have lost a key, it is also a good idea to have the locks rekeyed.

Upgrade Existing Locks

If you have lived in your home for some time now and have never had the locks upgraded, you should consider doing this right away. An expert locksmith will be able to determine which locks are weakest and need to be upgraded. Heed their advice when looking for locks to upgrade your existing locks.