As Arlington continues to grow with the rest of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, so does the need for extra home security measures. After all, many studies show that as population density increases, so does the crime rate. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t safe if you don’t take some common safety measures.
Deadbolts are one such measure. While fairly commonplace in Arlington, TX, some older homes may not have them. (Or if they do, they may be in bad shape or an old, poor, design.) If you’ve been thinking about installing a deadbolt lock in your home, or you need deadbolt repair, here are some advantages that deadbolts provide, as well as best practices for installing them.
Benefits of Deadbolt Locks
When compared to traditional locks, deadbolts offer several advantages for homeowners in Arlington, Texas. Here are the three main benefits of deadbolt locks:
- Secure: There are multiple types of deadbolt locks, but all have a solid steel bar that makes it difficult for intruders to break or get past when trying to enter your home. There are even keyless deadbolt locks with code or scan entry for extra security.
- Reinforced: While you can get past a standard lock with a knife or crowbar, a deadbolt lock stands up to these methods better because it’s reinforced on the door frame. In the unlikely event that a burglar is able to break a deadbolt open, it will take much longer than a standard lock.
- Affordable: While sturdy, deadbolts have a simple design that is affordable. Arlington homeowners can easily upgrade their home security on the cheap with deadbolt locks.
Deadbolt Best Practices
Of course, even something as simple and secure as a deadbolt can fail if you don’t install it properly or choose the right type of deadbolt. Here are some deadbolt best practices for homeowners in Arlington:
- Choose the right cylinder: There are single-cylinder, double-cylinder and keyless cylinder deadbolt locks available. Single is the most popular, but might not be the best option if you have a glass panel near the lock—thieves can open one side of a single-cylinder deadbolt without a key.
- Extend it full and reinforce it: The deadbolt must go all the way into the door jamb hole to work right. You also should reinforce the hole with a metal strike plate. Failing to do either can compromise your deadbolt.
- Think about the door frame: It’s often the frame (as opposed to the door) that breaks during a home invasion. You can reinforce your door frame, however, by using screws that are at least three inches long (and attaching them to the studs of the frame).
If you live in or near Arlington, TX, and need a deadbolt lock repaired or installed, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.
