Most locksmiths agree that deadbolt locks are absolutely essential to home security. A deadbolt is a lock with a steel bolt that extends into the door jamb and strike plate, making it far more secure than other types of locks. Here are 3 reasons you need a deadbolt on your home’s exterior doors.
Fewer Break-ins
Burglary is largely a crime of opportunity. Despite what popular movies show, it is rare for a burglar to set his or her sights on one home and refuse to move along. Instead, most burglars are interested in finding the easiest home to access and getting in and out as quickly as possible. More than 60% of home break-ins involve forced entry, so hardening your home with a deadbolt and keeping it locked at all times can encourage burglars to move on to an easier target.
Nearly Impossible to Pick
There is no such thing as an entirely unpickable lock. However, tumbler locks are known for how easy they are to pick. Deadbolts are far more challenging. Again, burglary is largely a crime of opportunity, so most burglars are not inclined to hang around your front door trying to pick a difficult deadbolt lock.
Lower Insurance Premiums
In many cases, home insurance companies offer a discount for well-secured homes, because they know that the risk of a break-in is lower. Especially when used in tandem with a whole home security system that includes window locks, sliding glass door protection, fence locks, and a security monitoring service, your deadbolts could significantly lower the cost of homeowner’s insurance.
Types of Deadbolts
Deadbolts are graded according to their strength and durability, and it is always best to use the highest grade you can afford. In addition, deadbolt locks come in two basic types.
The single-cylinder deadbolt is the most common. This type of deadbolt lock operates with a key on the outside of the door and a twist knob on the inside. This is the easiest type to use, and it is the safest in the event of a home fire. However, if you have glass panels on your door or windows beside it, a burglar could break the glass and turn the knob to gain entry to your home. You can minimize these risks by choosing a door without glass or with specially hardened glass and ensuring that your windows are not within arm’s reach of the deadbolt knob.
A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both the inside and the outside of the door. It is the most secure against burglars, provided you do not keep the key where it could be accessed by breaking a window or a glass panel on the door. However, double-cylinder deadbolts could be dangerous in the event of a house fire, unless you keep the key in an easy to reach location.
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