Looking at a new front door, or just want to change out your lock? There are a ton of door lock options. In years past, if you wanted extra security you went for a deadbolt. Technology has evolved quite a bit since then. Here’s everything you need to know about door locks and automation. This will help you know what’s out there then ask your window or door company what options they offer.
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In addition to all the door lock options, you have different options for handle types:
Consumer Reports offers advice on choosing a door lock, and much of it is based on what many homeowners are looking for: keeping intruders out. So if you don’t want your lock to get picked then take note.
The magazine investigated features such as smartphone alerts, remote locking and unlocking and geofencing. The latter is basically using GPS technology to define a geographic boundary. The research also looked at shareable electronic keys, tamper alarms and voice control, otherwise known as talking to Siri, Alexa or any other automated female voice on your phone.
The bad news is that a drill can open most locks, and all that technology, while convenient, doesn’t make your home more secure: a drill or a kick can still penetrate the lock. With these automated locks, you are also exposing yourself to a different kind of threat—the online kind that is susceptible to hackers.
The good news is lock makers do offer ratings with Grade 1 being the strongest, or the least susceptible to forced entry. Unfortunately many manufacturers don’t advertise this fact, so you will have to conduce more research to determine the grade of a particular lock.
These grades are based on standards produced by the American National Standards Institute and specifies minimum acceptable requirements for operation, key torque cycles, pull strength, impact resistance and finish.
By now you should be an expert on door locks but if you are looking for more there are a few articles on Glass.com that can help. Sliding glass hardware is unique with its own set of specifications so do research there as well. Keep in mind though that a great lock won’t work alone, so make sure you aren’t putting a strong lock on a weak door frame, such as a hollow core door.
Visit Glass.com for more information on securing your doors or to find a reputable door dealer in your area.
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