Choosing the right lock is essential because it ensures the security of your home and also that of your family. Indeed, this device represents a key security element against burglary and theft. When faced with an excellent burglar-proof lock, criminals will prefer to abandon the case before they can enter your home because it will delay them and make them take the risk of being spotted.
Choosing and installing the right lock for your door
Whether you want to fit a new lock or replace an old one, there are some principles you need to know. Thieves don’t necessarily go through windows. They can also break into your home through the door. Choosing high-quality and suitable locks is therefore essential so as not to make their task easier.
Make an inventory of the accesses to your home
To choose the right equipment, start by making an inventory of the access points to your home. For example, investing a substantial amount in securing your door would be pointless if you have an unprotected window right next to it. Instead, make sure that the intrusion protection into your home is consistent, especially if it’s a single-family home that has many entry points. Once you’ve taken stock, choose the right lock from the classic models. Next, turn to a safety equipped with at least three locking points. These should be at the top and bottom of the door, then at the handle. Opt for a five-point version if your door exceeds the standard height (2.40 m).
Use a licensed installer for your lock
Choosing the best lock to equip your opening will be useless if the door is unsuitable or incorrectly installed. In addition, it often happens that burglars do not attack the lock but rather the hinges. If they are old, which is often the case, they give way quickly. So whether it’s a breakdown service, a lock change, a cylinder replacement, or a repair, don’t hesitate to hire a professional locksmith in Tampa.
The different types of locks
It is essential to know the different types of locks to know which one is best for your door. Note that the first element that differentiates them is the type of pose you want.
Flush and handle locks
The built-in lock is fixed in the thickness of a door. This version, which is the most widespread, can be multipoint. It is aesthetic and resistant, but it weakens the door. The handle lock, on the other hand, fits into a door. Again, it is aesthetic and very affordable, but in addition to weakening the opening, it is not very secure and resistant.
Surface-mounted and streamlined locks
The surface-mounted lock is on the outside of the door. During installation, a metal box is attached to the opening. Then an outer cover is installed on the upright. It is available in multipoint security and single-point versions. Although it is easy to install and resistant, this model is nevertheless not very aesthetic. The faired lock is a reinforced surface-mounted model concealed by a cover. It is more robust and prettier, but also more expensive.
The reliability of locks and essential tips
We advise you to read your insurance contract before choosing your burglar-proof lock. By respecting certain conditions, you ensure that you are compensated in the event of an intrusion. Indeed, it is better to favor locks approved by insurance companies. For optimal security, opt for multipoint models.
The standard to be respected in terms of burglar-proof locks
The criterion used when choosing a lock is the A2P (Prevention Protection Insurance) standard. The most secure installations are classified according to this label. This standard concerns fires, but also intrusions, and to obtain it, the device must resist opening:
- without destruction
- using a magnetic field
- with cylinder or pump bore
- with sawing of the bolts
- by force
- with lock fusion
- with forced rotation
This standard divide locks into three categories:
- 1 star that resists burglary for five minutes
- 2 stars for ten minutes resistance
- 3 stars to resist burglary for a quarter of an hour
Essential advice to limit the risk of burglary
To protect your property, but also to avoid tempting thieves, especially if you plan to be away for a long time.
you should use common sense to reduce the risk of intrusion. To start, lock the doors and windows when you leave your house. Then, if you’ve just moved in or lost your keys, change the locks immediately.
In addition, avoid putting your name and address on your keyring, even if this practice is hardly ever found. Of course, never leave your keys in the mailbox or under the doormat, and don’t keep large sums of money or valuables at home in an unprotected way. If you have to be away for a long time or go on vacation, take extra care. Forward your mail to your destination or ask a loved one to collect it to avoid accumulation in the mailbox. You will also need to install a presence simulation device or ask a loved one to pass by to open the shutters regularly.
You can also inform your home guard or your neighbors of your absence so that they remain vigilant. Despite the digital temptation that invades our lives, be discreet about your absence on social networks and avoid writing it on your door, even if it is for the postman’s attention.
It is also advisable not to enter the duration of your absence on your answering machine and to transfer your calls to another line or to your telephone so that your calls to your landline do not go unanswered.
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