UPDATED February 10, 2022 This piece has been updated to reflect the emergence of new technology
Christian Mathews Security Writer
Ensuring the safety and security of your home is important and begins from the front door. With a proper lock mechanism in place, you can be assured that your house is safe from any untoward event. With this handy guide, you can learn everything there is to know about locks and make the best choice for your home. Let’s help you find the best lock for front door.
1Things To Consider When Buying A New Front Door Lock
Before buying a lock for your house, there are some important factors you need to keep in mind. The level of security, your budget, and maintenance requirements all play a huge part in deciding the kind of lock you need on your front door.
Ease of installation/replacing
Most locks are easy to install and only take a day or two. Traditional locks take about a day to install, and you can probably do it yourself. However, for smart locks, it is best to call a professional security service. You should also consider buying a lock based on the level of maintenance you can manage. Traditional locks are definitely cheaper and easier to maintain compared to smart locks.
Ease of use
Locks come with many ways to open, the most traditional method is the lock and key, but we also have levers, smart keypads, and biometrics to consider now. If you want a no-hassle system, consider getting a smart lock.
Level of security
This should be your most important consideration when deciding the best kind of security door locks for homes. From traditional locks to smart biometric operated locks, each type offers a wide range of security and access options.
2Types Of Front Door Locks Available
There are many types of locks available in the market. With this handy guide, you can easily figure out the best lock for front door.
Single-Cylinder Locks
These are the most common front door locks. A single-cylinder lock consists of deadbolts, entry knobs, and handles sets. You open it with a key from the outside, but does not require one for the inside. When indoors, the lock mechanism works via a knob that locks and unlocks the door.
Double Cylinder Locks
They are less common than single cylinder locks as they are more costly. Their inner mechanism is similar to a single-cylinder lock, but there is an added security with double cylinder locks. However, it should be added that these locks are very difficult to open and can be problematic during an emergency.
Deadbolt Locks
You use deadbolt locks with wooden, steel or fiberglass doors. They are incredibly safe locks. Once the lock mechanism is activated, credit cards and knives cannot open them.
Vertical Locks
Vertical locks refer to a deadbolt lock, where the deadbolt moves horizontally, and the locking mechanism works vertically to secure the lock in place.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are the invention of the 21st century. If you already have a smart home, you can easily integrate a smart lock into the system. The Apple Homekit Door Lock is an example of one that integrates within the Apple software ecosystem.
Retrofitted Locks
Retrofit locks consist of a cylinder mechanism that fits into larger locking devices. Most high-security cylinder locks come with retrofit locks. Vending machines and other kinds of hardware use these kinds of locks.
Mortise Locks
Mortise locks refer to a type of lock where a pocket or hole, called mortice, is cut into the door or furniture side. The lock is fitted into the mortise. Mortice locks are generally found in older homes.
3Other features
In today’s modern, technology-driven world, you should consider investing in the best remote door locks for your house. Smart locks come with a host of features that allow you to feel
Smart Integration
One of the key features of smart locks is their ability to integrate with smart home systems. If you have a house that has a sophisticated smart home system, you can easily invest in smart security solutions to protect your home. With smart locks, you access to open your door with your smart and monitor who is entering and exiting the house.
Keypad/Touchscreens
Most of us are very familiar with this type of lock; most of us use it on our smartphone devices. But keypad and touchscreens can be used as lock systems too.
Biometric
Biometric locks are often used in professional settings like offices, labs, and high-security spaces. With Biometric locks, you can strictly regulate access to places and things by registering only certain individual’s features on the lock system.
4Other Ways Of Improving Security
You can invest in the following measures to ensure maximum safety and security of your house.
Strike Plates
Strike plates are used to bolster the strength of door frames. With heavy-duty strike plates, you have five to six inches long screws that make your door frame secure. The screws make it difficult for anyone to break open the door frame and compromise the security of your house.
Door Latches
With a simple door latch, you can add another layer of security to your front door. You can add another to the latch in case the main lock is broken or faulty.
Door Jammers
Door jammers are a common way to increase the security of the front door locks. They are generally made of steel or plastic. They are placed on the doorknob at an angle to prevent anyone from the outside to force the door open. Door jammers are pressure mounted and can be easily removed in case of an emergency.
Security Gates/Doors
One of the best ways to secure your front door is by adding another door in front. This door can be made of heavy steel, wood with mesh, or just wood alone. You can use this door to communicate with people at the doorstep without fully opening the door, ensuring security from unwanted threats.