An important step to take when it comes to protecting your home or business from unauthorized access is installing door security locks. But if the lock is installed improperly, it can compromise its effectiveness and your property will be vulnerable to security threats.
A common mistake that many homeowners make
When it comes to door security locks Sunbury is choosing the wrong type of lock for the doors. Different lock types are designed for different purposes and door configurations. For example, deadbolts will be used on exterior doors while knob locks are suited for interior doors. There are many factors to consider when you purchase a lock such as the thickness of the door, door material and your security requirements. You also need to have proper measurement and fit when installing the security locks. If you don’t measure the dimensions of the door accurately along with the lockset, this will lead to misalignment of the lock. You will also find it difficult to operate the lock. To prevent this from happening, you have to measure the backset, the distance between the centre of the lock home and the edge of the door. And you need to make sure these measurements match the specifications of the lock. You also need to verify that the lock mechanism correctly aligns with the strike plate on the door frame so that it operates smoothly.
Sometimes the lockset will be installed at the wrong height.
This can compromise functionality of the lock and the security it provides. When installing a deadbolt, you need to have this 6 inches or a foot above the doorknob. The knob locks should be at a height that it is comfortable for you to operate. If the lockset is installed too low or high, it can make it difficult to reach it and operate it. This can lead to vulnerabilities in your security. Even if you have a robust lockset, if the door and the frame are not properly reinforced, it will not be effective. If the door is weak or has a hollow core or if the door frame is flimsy, an intruder can easily force it open and bypass the lock altogether. You need to use heavy-duty materials to reinforce the door frame. You can use solid wood or metal for this. Some additional security features you can install are strike plates and door jamb reinforcement kits so that forced entry can be prevented.
You need to assess
If there are any security weaknesses in the surrounding area when you install a security lock. For example, there can be a glass panel or window adjacent to the door which is easier to penetrate that the door itself. In this case, you will need to have additional security measures such as window locks or reinforced glass so that intruders don’t gain access into the property through these vulnerable areas. You also need to have exterior lighting and surveillance cameras covering the entrance points to further improve security.