Wednesday, 22 August 2018
You’d be surprised at the sheer variety of locks that are available to choose from and, of course, each model and design serves a slightly different purpose and boasts different strengths and features. So, which types of lock are best for your property’s unique needs? Lockshop Direct have put together a brief guide detailing all the things you might need to consider when arranging your property’s new security system.
Why Do You Need a Lock?
You may think the answer to this question is simple, but, in actual fact, there are multiple reasons why a door may require some form of access control. If you’re looking into external locks, more often than not your priorities will be the prevention of break ins and the security of your valuables and the people inside the property. However, many internal locks, and many external ones too, may also be required for safety purposes. For example, are there young children in your home who are restricted from accessing certain areas to prevent accidents? Are there rooms that need to be lockable for reasons of personal privacy, such as bathrooms? Heavy duty locks such as deadbolts work wonders for external doors, but latches, barrel bolts and other simpler options will serve perfectly well for less urgent requirements.
Where Does the Lock Need to Go?
You will definitely need different types of lock for different areas of your property. Locks that are designed for internal doors may not have been created to be as sturdy or weather resistant as those for external doors, for example. You may also want a different mechanism for French doors onto a balcony compared to external access to a cellar too. The best idea is to take a walk around your property and make notes of where you want locks and what you would like each one to be able to do, then take a look at what is available to meet your requirements.
What Type of Door Will the Lock be Used for?
Different types of door require different styles of lock, and each has its own maintenance requirements and particular installation specifications. For example, uPVC doors can be secured by a specially designed model of lock that works with their unique design, and may require anti-snap door cylinders to prevent internal damage and the possibility of the door being purposefully forced. Mortice locks, on the other hand, are a great security choice for wooden doors.
What Type of Access Do You Need?
If the property you are wanting to secure is a family home, it may be easy just to stick with a good mortice or deadbolt style lock for your front and back doors with enough keys cut for every member of the household who requires access, and a couple of barrel bolts for the bathrooms. However, if your property is a business, you may need locks that are accessible with master keys that can be given to cleaners, janitors and any other members of the facilities team. If you are a landlord or property manager in charge of a block of flats, biometric or key coded access may be preferable so that you’re not constantly having to deal with tenants that have lost their keys. The type of lock you decide upon very much depends on the purpose for which the property is to be used.
Will Just One Lock Do?
If you suspect that your property is likely to be targeted by thieves or trespassers, or if you just want that little extra peace of mind, you don’t have to settle for just the one lock. Often, a combination of a mortice lock and a night latch work wonders for a front door, and extra security features - like door viewers and chains - can complete the set to render external access points totally safe. Padlocks also work wonders for gates or exterior storage such as sheds for extra security, even if they already have locks fitted.
If you would like a little more information about the type of locks available, and which would be best for your unique needs, simply get in touch with Lockshop Direct today on 0845 830 0832 and one of their friendly expert advisors will be more than happy to advise you.
Author: Richard Nash
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