The world is always undergoing evolution. And everything, including your door lock, is evolving alongside. Burglars are finding new ways to gain access into homes, hence, they are evolving as well. Manufacturers are making new door locks immune to the new hacks burglars are discovering. So, it might take burglars a few more years to hack through these new locks. This discourages them from even trying to enter homes with the latest door locks, leaving them no choice but to only try out the old ones, hence the need for a door lock upgrade.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of door locks, why you should upgrade, and a step-by-step guide to help you through the upgrading process. With this guide, you’ll be abreast with the information you need to make informed decisions and secure your home effectively.
Let’s get started!
Key Highlights
- Knowing the different types of door locks will help you understand the type of upgrade you need.
- By upgrading your door lock, you greatly improve your home security, providing you with peace of mind.
- Traditional lock and modern locking systems have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
- Keyless lock systems add both convenience and extra security, but they also have limitations.
Understanding Different Types of Door Locks
Before we dive into the details of the door lock upgrade, let’s take a few minutes to discuss the different types of door locks. Door locks are are classified in terms of their design, mechanism, and features. But for the course of this article, we’ll classify the different door locks under traditional locks and modern locks.
Traditional locks, which include deadbolts and latch locks, are the lock types that have been on ground for so many years now. Modern locks, which include keypad locks, fingerprint locks, single-cylinder deadbolts, and Bluetooth locks, are the results of the technology revolution in the locksmithing industry. They offer a better convenience and security than the traditional locks. The below table summarizes the difference between traditional locks and modern locks.
Traditional Locks vs. Modern Lock Systems
| Attributes | Traditional Door Locks | Modern Door Locks |
| Physical Key | Require physical keys to operate. You won’t be able to operate traditional locks with a misplaced key. | These are independent of physical keys. All you might need to operate such locks are fingerprints, your smartphone, or a face ID. |
| Remote control | They might require a manual effort of going towards the lock, inserting a key, and twitching the key to either open or lock the door. | These are more convenient to use. You can operate it even at a distance. All you need is your smartphone. |
| Security | With many hardworking burglars today in the U.S, traditional doors, which have been in existence for so many years, are no longer a big deal for burglars to hack through. | Smart locks are a big nut to crack. Breaking through it might need an insider. The security is tighter. |
Keyless Entry Systems: Pros and Cons
Keyless entry systems, also known as modern key locks, offer better security and convenience. With them, you won’t have to worry about keys or misplacing keys. They provide you with other ways of entering your home. Here are some pros and cons of keyless entry systems:
Pros:
- Convenience: No doubt, if you have a lock that doesn’t need a key, you’ve eliminated a lot of inconvenience from that locking system.
- Enhanced security: Lock picking is a must-have skill among burglars. You can imagine how disadvantaged they’ll feel when they encounter a lock that can’t be lock-picked because it doesn’t use a key.
- Easy access control: Do you feel a stranger has gotten a clue about your entry code? Changing the code isn’t a big deal.
- Remote access: Some keyless entry systems are smart. This means you can control them remotely. For such systems, you don’t need to be close by to unlock or lock. All you need is a smart device.
Cons:
- Power dependency: This is especially true for keyless systems without batteries. They can’t operate without power. A power outage will temporarily disable the system, leaving you locked out or even vulnerable.
- Initial setup and cost: When compared to traditional locks, keyless entry systems have higher upfront costs. They also require professionals to install.
- Learning curve: If you are a homeowner who’s already used to traditional locks, it might take you a while to adjust to keyless entry systems.
The Importance of Upgrading Your Door Locks
Upgrading your door lock is an investment in security. And an investment toward security is an investment in life. Burglars are attracted to homes that don’t have home security systems. Statistics have it that homes that don’t have a good security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized. By upgrading your key lock, you reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary. Here are a few importance of upgrading your door locks:
1. Enhancing home security
This is the primary reason why you should upgrade your door lock. Although traditional door locks provide good security, modern locks provide a better one. It makes your home almost immune to break-ins. Here are some ways upgrading your door locks can enhance home security:
- Stronger deadbolts: When compared to latch locks, deadbolts provide stronger resistance to forced entry
- Door reinforcement: When you reinforce your door with some additional hardware, you make life difficult for burglars. Some of these door jammers or door reinforcement kits.
- Advanced features: Modern door locks can also come with some advanced features like tamper-resistant mechanics or alarms.
2. Increasing property resale value
Upgrading your door lock goes beyond enhancing your home security. It also adds value to your home. If you are placing your home for sale or lease, a modern door lock increases the resale value. Your front door is one of the things potential buyers see first. This leaves a first positive impression. Here’s how upgrading your door locks can contribute to increased property resale value:
- Curb appeal: Most modern doors are also visually appealing. Having those kinds of doors in your home improves the overall design and enhances the curb appeal of your property.
- Perceived security: Buyers are usually willing to pay more for homes with better security.
- Peace of mind: Buying a property that you perceive as more secure creates peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment in the minds of the buyers. Making them more willing to buy the property.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Door Lock
Upgrading your door lock can be a confusing task. You’ll need the right guidance not to end up making a mistake. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process of upgrading your door lock:
- Access your current lock: Examine your current lock to know the type of lock replacement you might need.
- Choose the right lock for your home: When making this choice there are several factors to consider. Security features, access features (fingerprint, face ID, pin), compatibility, and ease of installation are all factors you should have in mind.
- Gather the necessary installation tools and materials: Research all the necessary tools you might need. The ones you don’t have, walk up to a store and get them all handy.
- Remove the old lock: With the tools you have, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let them guide you as you remove the old lock.
- Install the new lock: Still following the manufacturer’s instructions, install the new lock, making sure you aren’t missing out on any detail.
- Test the new lock: You want to be sure you did a great job. Test the new lock using the designated entry method.
The Best Route In Upgrading Your Door Lock
Although we casually listed the step-by-step guide to upgrading your door lock, there’s more to it. Each step might require special tools, expertise, experience, and knowledge to execute. Those are things you might not possess as a DIYer. If you really want to produce the best result, you need to be inch-perfect in every step you take, especially when it comes to upgrading your exterior door lock.
Here’s the truth, your home security isn’t something you can gamble with. If there’s any form of doubt in you that you might either damage the new lock when installing or you might create a loophole that burglars can take advantage of, then it’s best you follow the best route.
This route is a simple one. It requires you simply reach out to the professionals, they’ll access your current lock, decide on the lock that best suits your home, and replace your lock with the upgrade. They’ll do this without making a single error. And you’ll have a happily-ever-after with your new lock.
Additional Security Measures to Consider
Upgrading your door lock doesn’t only mean replacing it with a more modern lock. It could also mean investing in some door hardware that can enhance your overall security. Here are some additional security measures:
- Install exterior lighting: No burglar wants to be seen, and that’s why they love to operate best in the dark. Installing exterior lighting around your property can deter potential burglars and improve the visibility around your property.
- Install security cameras: This is another good deterrent. CCTV cameras act as the extra eyes around your property. It can even provide video evidence in case of police investigations.
- Add window security: Burglars don’t only seek entrance through your doors alone. They might try to gain access through windows as well. Install window locks or window bars to secure your window.
- Secure sliding doors: To prevent sliding doors from being forced open, install a bar or rod in their track.
With these additional security measures in place, you can further protect your home and create a safer environment for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smart locks be hacked? And how can I prevent that?
The truth is that no security system is immune to hacking; however, reliable smart locks are equipped with the appropriate security features to protect against unauthorized access. Hacking risk can be minimized by following good practices such as using strong, unique passwords, regularly updating firmware, and keeping your smartphone and smart lock software up to date.
Do I buy a new door lock and try to install it myself or should I hire a professional?
Installing a new door lock is a doable DIY project if you have the necessary skills and tools. Nevertheless, if you don’t know how to install the lock yourself or if you find the installation process too difficult, it is advisable to hire the services of a professional locksmith. They have the skills and competence to carry out the correct and secure installation with the proper backset measurement.
Conclusion
Making an upgrade on your door lock will improve the security of your house significantly. Whether you decide to install the traditional locks or the keyless entry systems, you must, however, give safety a priority. Smart locks have made life easier and safer with added convenience and advanced security features of the future. Keep in mind that you need to carry out maintenance and debugging often to make sure that your new lock is working properly. Moreover, make sure you also reinforce your door frames and explore further security. In case you require any clarifications or help during your door lock upgrade process, do not hesitate to reach us. Together, let’s reduce the number of burglary cases in Arizona!