WHY HOMEOWNERS NEED A DEADBOLT!

Deadbolts are one of the most undervalued yet fully necessary lock hardware items. In our opinion, every home in Dorchester, MA should have one installed on at least the front door. Our Dorchester Locksmith pros are often asked, which is the best kind of lock to have for home use? As there are many kinds of valuable locks and hardware products on the market, it can be difficult to give one answer that fits all needs yet one simple lock always stands out; the deadbolt! This is true no matter what size or type of dwelling unit you have. Here in the greater Boston, MA area, we find housing that ranges from condos and mobile homes to luxury homes and mansions. Each and every one of these dwellings can benefit almost immediately by simply having a strong deadbolt installed on the front door.

There are more exciting locks

Sure, there are locks that offer more “pizazz” and flair than a simple deadbolt. Our Dorchester, MA locksmiths know that. After all, we install and service those locks all day long. But for the money spent, deadbolt locks can be a high valued item that can do wonders for both your home security and your peace of mind. In other words, deadbolt locks work. When installed correctly and purchased smartly, they work well. There is a catch, though; they must be used in order to be effective. 

What am I missing?

People are sometimes surprised when we tell them all this. They start to wonder if they missed something. They might have invested in an alarm system or special security shutters. Some have added a dog, hoping that it will guard them well. In truth though, their homes are not as secure as they can really be until a proper deadbolt is added.

So, what is a deadbolt?

A residential deadbolt is a lock that is installed in the front door that has a steel bolt that goes directly into the door jamb and strike plate of the door frame. Most deadbolt locks are single cylinder bolt locks with a key slot on the outside and a knob in the inside for twisting the lock open. What makes this deadbolt lock so special? A correctly sized one that is functioning properly will not allow the door to be simply kicked in like you see in so many crime television shows. Since most home invasions or residential burglaries happen to be forced entry occasions, this kicking in the door to gain entry just won’t happen.

Another way that deadbolts help secure your home is by frustrating the crook. Let’s say a would-be burglar manages to somehow pick your main door lock. His triumphant moment is short-lived though. Now, he must bypass your deadbolt, as well. This is often too frustrating and time consuming for the burglar and they usually give up altogether or move on to another, easier to enter property. Still another problem for them is that this deadbolt barrier also buys you time to call for help or even to arm yourself. Seconds count when committing a crime (or preventing one!) and a good residential deadbolt can play a huge role in this.

One big problem!

What? There’s a problem with deadbolts? No, not really; the problem is that many people don’t use theirs. They get lazy and simply use the main door lock, if at all. There was a time, not too long ago, when it was quite natural to NOT lock your doors or windows, even at night. Neighbors freely went into houses, often without knocking. Of course, they also looked after each other’s houses and property. Now, with a majority of homeowners living in cities, people often never meet or get to know their neighbors. It’s not just the men that go to work now; women do too. For many, the act of actually locking the doors is rare or only done at night. Too many burglaries, home invasions, kidnappings and even rapes have occurred when crooks manage to simply walk into a home and accost the residents. Many of these can be prevented by simply having and using good locks on front and back doors. Locking the deadbolt along with the main door lock only takes a mere second but it can make a huge difference in your home safety and security.

I already have a deadbolt!

Is it a solid one that is properly installed? If so, remember to use it. The best deadbolt made will do you no good unless you do. Also, teach the other members of your household how to use it every time they lock or unlock the door. Good habits are developed over time so we encourage all Dorchester, MA homeowners and renters to use their deadbolts whenever possible.

I don’t have a deadbolt!

You don’t have a deadbolt? It’s time to get one! If you are renting, ask your landlord or property manager to have one installed. They should not look at this as an expense; it is an improvement to the property itself and thus increases its value. Also, the cost of buying and installing the deadbolt can be tax deductible so save all receipts for proof. Remember; in order for your deadbolt to work correctly, it must not be a flimsy product or installation. The steel bolt MUST extend fully into the hole in the door jamb. A metal strike plate should reinforce the hole that the bolt goes into. 3 inch screws should be used to reinforce the strike plate into the studs of the house’s frame.

Where to buy your deadbolt

Local stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe’s and Home Depot sell deadbolts in all varieties. So do most hardware stores. You can also buy online at E-Bay, Amazon and other national retailers. One of the best sources for quality deadbolts and their installations is your local residential locksmith. Most shops offer affordable prices, same-day installations and repair services anytime you need them, including 24-hour emergency help.

Residential Property Security – What You Need

It is vital to keep your home safe. Your home isn’t just where you go to sleep at night. It’s where you live – it’s where you watch holiday movies, cook meals, watch your children grow up, plant gardens, relax and so much more. The place that you spend such a great deal of time needs to be safe and secure. Even when you aren’t there, you want to know that you’ll be able to return home, whenever that time might be, to a safe house which was untouched by any unwanted persons. Perhaps you leave your pet during the day while you are at work, and the thought of anything happening to them absolutely terrifies you. 

The team at Dorchester Locksmith has received many phone calls from customers in the Dorchester, MA area looking for better ways to protect their homes. Because of the amount of calls they get with locals voicing concerns, they have decided to put together this blog in an effort to help people all over the place protect their valuable property. Some of these tips could also be applied to business properties. Have a look at the ways that professionals recommend that you properly secure your residential property. You are sure to find ways that you might not have previously put much thought into. Hopefully this post makes you see just how important and convenient some of these solutions happen to be. 

1. When it comes to keeping your home safe, first and foremost, you need locks. The thing to pay attention to is not just having locks, but having locks that are in great condition. There are all sorts of manufacturers out there which make great products. Most are very-long lasting, but if you live in an area which is prone to severe weather conditions, your locks might end up wearing out a lot faster than a person living in a more mild climate. Check into new locks if yours seem to be showing signs of discoloration or wear and tear – look at names like Medeco, Yale, Mul-T-Lock, Kwikset and more!
2. Make sure you don’t only have locks installed on your front door but also on your patio door, garage door and any other entry ways to your property. Many are opting to go keyless nowadays – you can use a code that only you know to get into your property, and when you have friends or family visiting, you can share the code with them.
3. Intercom systems are another way to provide additional security at your home. If you want to be able to communicate with anyone coming onto your property, an intercom system is something to consider. This is a great solution for those with larger homes, those with challenges that limit them from being able to see who is coming to their door, and those who just want an effective way of communication.
4. Deadbolts are a way to add security to your home. You have different options, like single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolts to choose from. All of them provide an extra barrier that prevents criminals from being able to gain access to your property.
5. Safes are another effective way to add security in your home. You don’t want children to be able to reach your weapons. And you certainly don’t want to leave expensive jewelry out in the open if you have contractors or other people coming into your home. A safe can keep these items out of plain sight, while also protecting them because you can get water proof and fire resistant options.
6. Another form of security that you might consider for your home is to have duplicate copies of your key made. The fact is, people end up getting locked out because they do have locks that are very sturdy. This is a good thing. But it is bad if a homeowner is unable to get into their own house. Having a copy of your key made ensures that you will be able to avoid wiggling through a small, unsafe space to get in. It will ensure that you won’t have to break open a window or smash the glass on your front door.
7. Rekey your locks for better home protection. Whether you lost a key or bought a home that was listed on the market and accessed by people like contractors and realtors, it is important that you replace the locks when necessary or rekey them when that appears to be the best option. An expert will be able to tell you the best route to take, but sometimes it is less expensive to have the locks rekeyed. Ask an expert if this is a safe option for your specific situation.

If you are thinking that you need better protection for your home, then it is likely that this is in fact the case. Dorchester, Massachusetts locals are welcome to call Dorchester Locksmith for any additional assistance. This team, and any team of locksmith experts that is local to you, should be able to answer your questions when you take advantage of a consultation. In most cases, the consultation should be free, as the lock and security provider will be eager to share any information with you. 

You can ask about deadbolts, intercom systems, master keys, safes, garage door locks, front door locks, patio locks, rekeying locks and a whole lot more. You can ask about the many different options that you have in relation to safes. There are so many solutions out there that you can take advantage of to enjoy a safe and secure home. It is important that you take that step and talk with an expert, or at the very least, continue to do your own research so you can stay up to date as to what is available to you! 

Keep in mind that you should hire an expert for home security that provides you with pricing information upfront, licensing information and insurance details if you ask for them.