3 Security Essentials New Homeowners Can’t Ignore

a glowing orb with a picture of a house in it, being held in a person's hands

Buying a new home is usually one of the most exciting milestones in life. Not only does it mean you finally have a place that’s your own, but more importantly, it’s somewhere to start a future for yourself and your family.

You may think once the closing is done and all paperwork and money has exchanged hands that the fun stuff begins—but not so fast.

There are a few things you’ll want to do as soon as you are handed the keys to your new home to safeguard your property and your belongings right away.

Here are the 3 security essentials new homeowners cannot ignore. Read more “3 Security Essentials New Homeowners Can’t Ignore”

How to Select Correct Door Hardware for your Home

Choosing the right door hardware is critical. It is, after all, an extension of your home’s personality, and adds a touch of the homeowner’s personal style. However, there is much to take into consideration when deciding which hardware will match your home’s look.

Style

You should look at hardware design in the same manner as you would when decorating the rest of your home. Is there a theme? Does the design of the home lean more towards elegant, or is it more rustic and bucolic? Are there architectural details that would be enhanced with the right pieces? These are but some of the questions that need to be initially addressed so that the correct choices can be made.

Doors

The types of doors within the home need to be taken into account. If the doors are all the same, matching door handles will denote consistency. Or, conversely, the look can be more edgy by differentiating particular rooms or floors with different styles of hardware.

The outside main entry door is critical as it is the first thing visitors see. You obviously want to select a style that reflects the architecture of the home. But more importantly, security plays the biggest role here. Mortice locks offer better security than the more common Tubular locks. Tubular locks gained popularity as they are a fast and easy fit and don’t require any special tools to install. They are generally seen as a somewhat secure, basic entry system.  It is exactly that reason why Mortice locks offer greater security.

Knobs and Handles

This is a matter of personal style. Some prefer standard door knobs, yet others prefer levers. Levers offer greater ease for individuals with disabilities. No matter which, the function of the door must be taken into consideration. There are four basic functions handles provide:

  • Passage set (non-locking)
  • Entry set (has key for front door)
  • Privacy (has integrated or separate locking function)
  • Dummy set ( fixed handle with no latch – usually used for cupboards)

Once the function has been determined, the type of hardware to choose becomes a bit easier.  It is helpful to take a count of all doors in advance and determine which functions the hardware will serve.  Other factors to consider are the type of doors.  Are they thick?  If so, you want to be sure the hardware comes equipped with the necessary kit that is suited for such dimensions. Augmenting the kit and drilling additional holes may compromise the integrity of the door.

Environment

Another important factor to consider is the type of environment where the home is located. For example, if the home is in a tropical locale or close to the ocean, the hardware chosen needs to be able to tolerate wind, salt and humidity. If this is the case, then it is strongly recommended that a 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steele be used that is highly salt resistant and will last a long time. But, no matter where the location, the chosen hardware needs to be long lasting and remain operable for long periods of time before needing replacing.

Completing the Look

Doors, especially entry doors, should have a completed, finished look once the proper hardware is installed. There are door holders, door stops, door knockers, door viewers, coat hooks – the list goes on! But to be clear, whatever accessory is used, be sure that it matches the hardware style and finish.

Budget

The budget is listed last as all of the aforementioned should be taken into consideration when determining what will be allocated. Remember that you use most doors hundreds of times a month, so although selecting less expensive options may currently save money, in the long term it may end up costing more! Also, if a lot of money was spent on acquiring specialty doors, you would not want poor quality hardware to be attached. This will debase the look and feel that you were originally going for.

A Beautiful Home Begins with Beautiful Doors and Hardware

Learn more about residential locksmith services, and the large selection of locks and other services we offer. Connect with All American Locksmiths located throughout Connecticut, in towns like Fairfield, Hartford, and Litchfield. Use our online form, or call us direct, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (203) 752-1464.

What is Lock Bumping and How to Prevent It from Happening to You!

Door lockThere so many ways for an intruder to enter your home. Now there is another method that has actually existed for more than a half century. Lock bumping has found a resurgence among thieves and is gaining momentum.

What You Need to Know About Lock Bumping

Lock bumping has been utilized by locksmiths for over fifty years. They used this method when they needed to access a lock with no key available. The process was not readily known to the criminal community. Picking a lock was the tried and true method, but took a lot of time and needed specific tools and training.

Lock bumping is non-invasive and quick.  There is often no sign that a lock has been bumped, whereas other methods are noisy and messy, leaving lots of evidence that the lock was compromised.

Lock bumping requires a bump key. This is basically a key that is the correct size for the lock, but is cut to a maximum depth. They are often referred to as “999” keys as the ridge cuts are set to a depth of nine on a key-making machine.  This makes them extremely easy to replicate and only take a few minutes to make. Older locks tend to be more resistant to this method as their internal pins do not move as fluidly as newer, modern locks.

It is hard to tell how commonplace lock bumping is in break-ins due to the fact that the method does not leave any sign of forced entry, and the lock still works like new after the bumping is completed.

What can be done to Prevent Lock Bumping

There are a myriad of videos, instructions and articles online on how to bump locks. That being said, the thing here is to acquire stronger locks, especially ones with added security features.  Some excellent suggestions are as follows:

  • Adding additional pins to the locks using a professional locksmith. This does not mean the lock is resistant to bumping, but it will make it much more problematic for a thief. This is also the most cost-effective solution.
  • Attaching chain latches to the exterior doors can help deter a would-be thief, as it is just one more barrier they would have to get through.
  • You can replace existing locks with bump-resistant locks, which are much more expensive. Lock bumping will not work on these expensive locks!
  • Installation of a good home security system will detect when an entrance is compromised, setting of an alarm or alerting authorities once the lock has been tampered with.

Lock bumping should be taken as a legitimate concern, but priority should be given to the simple task of making sure all doors and windows are always tightly locked at night and when no one is in the house. Once the house is secured, consider additional ways to bolster all exterior defenses and make them even stronger!

 

Always Feel Secure and Defended in Your Home

Learn more about residential locksmith services and the wide array of locks and additional services we offer. Contact All American Locksmiths in cities and towns throughout Connecticut, including New Haven, Hartford and Fairfield. Use our convenient online form, or call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (203) 752-1464.