A high level of security is important for any door that leads into your home. But, considering an astonishing 74% of burglars break into the home via the front door, you might say that having an exceptionally secure front door security is absolutely paramount. We at Seal-Lite take the security of our customer’s homes very seriously; whenever you buy a front door from us, it will expertly secure you and your family from burglars and unwanted guests. So you’re aware of how our doors keep your home safe & secure, we’ve created this quick guide on front door locks.
Multipoint locks
Multi-point locking systems are operated by turning a key. They are fitted into the body of the door and, when they are engaged, multiple bolts will engage into the door frame. This ensures the door is secured at multiple points in the frame, therefore making it much harder for a potential intruder to find a weak area on the door that they can apply pressure to and force the door open.
We use the Safeware 8 range of multipoint locks on our uPVC front doors. These lock at 5 different points including a hookbolt in the centre, thus ensuring for an outstanding security performance.
However, our composite entrance doors come fitted with multipoint locks too.
Euro cylinder locks
A euro cylinder lock tends to be used in conjunction with a multipoint locking system. They are fitted with a key slot, allowing the multipoint locking system to be engaged and disengaged. However, they can also be used with mortice deadlocks (more on these later).
When looking for the best euro-cylinder lock, keep an eye out for whether they are SS312 Diamond Approved or TS 007 3 star. Either type of accreditation indicates that they are able to repel lock snapping, drilling, lock bumping or picking, which are all common methods for forcing entry into the home.
The Ultion Lock
Here at Seal-Lite, we use one of the best cylinder locks on the market, the Ultion lock. Not only have they received SS312 Diamond Approval along with a TS 007 3 star rating but they’re even able to stop an intruder from entering your home after being snapped twice. According to West Yorkshire Police, 25% of burglaries use lock snapping in order to force entry, meaning Ultion locks offer truly incredible property protection.
Mortice deadlock/Chubb lock
Mortice deadlocks are the most regularly used type of lock on front doors. When operated with a key, a bolt in the body of the door secures the door to the frame. The securest form of them is five-level locks.
Many home insurance companies will require you to have a mortice deadlock that complies with BS3621, which is the British Standard for thief resistant locks.
Night latch/Yale locks
Night latches are regularly paired with a mortice deadlock. When you close the door behind you, they will secure it so you’re able to leave without using a key. They are also known as ‘Yale locks’ and you can secure them from the inside using a snib button.
Door chain
Although not a lock as such, a door chain is another excellent security feature for front doors. By leaving the door ‘on the chain’, you can open it slightly to speak to people outside your property without providing them with an open route inside.
How do I burglar-proof my front door?
To secure your front door, use a deadbolt lock and reinforced strike plates with extra-long screws. Make sure all locks are engaged, particularly deadbolts. A durable door material like composite can also prevent easy forced entry. Installing a smart lock for remote control and alerts is another option. By taking these measures, you can help ensure your front door is secure and deter burglars from targeting your home.
Is it better to have two locks on the front door?
When it comes to securing a front door, the focus should be on the quality and effectiveness of the locks rather than the number of locks. A high-quality deadbolt lock, fit with a reinforced strike plate that extends into the door frame, can provide more than enough security. Engaging all locks, especially deadbolts, is important for maximum protection. While an additional lock can add an extra layer of security, there may be more effective measures to take. Ultimately, the quality and effectiveness of the lock is the most important factor in beefing up the security of a front door.
Highly-secure front doors in Bristol and across the South West
Are you looking to replace your front door with an ultra-secure, high-performance alternative? Get in touch with us here at Seal-Lite. We install uPVC entrance doors and composite front doors, both of which are equipped with Ultion locking cylinders as standard, although they can be equipped with a variety of other front door locks too. We also install high-quality windows and conservatories. Give us a call on 01275 342 656 or contact us online and get a free quote today!