Exterior security is more than the simple presence of a deadbolt lock – there’s a massive range of strategies that we recommend home and business owners implement in order to protect their property. In this blog entry, the security hardware experts here at Chicago Locksmith will detail the 4 main myths of exterior door security.
Electronic Locks are Always Superior to Keyed Locks
While there’s many high quality smart exterior locks on the market that allow for property entrance with a keypad code input, a smartphone key input, or simple proximity to a key fob, not all of these smart locks offer superior security than manual locks. This all depends on the lockset present. A manually operated lock with a high quality, Grade 1 deadbolt lockset will be more secure than a smart lock with a Grade 2 or Grade 3 lockset.
Deadbolts are Impervious to Kicking Attacks
A common burglary method aside from frilling and lock bumping is kicking. Deadbolt locks can protect from kicking attacks, but aren’t in fact fully impervious to all kicking attacks. We recommend installation of floor mounted door braces in addition to your deadbolt lock in order to protect against the force of potential kicking attacks – possibly up to even nearly 2000 pounds of kick force, more akin to protection against a battering ram!
Outward Swinging Doors are More Secure
Outward swinging doors protect better against kicking attacks, but they aren’t inherently safer. It’s much harder for a burglar to tamper with the indoor contained hinges of an inward swinging door – even when exterior hinges are protected with tampering devices. Additionally, if the occupant of a property opens their door to see a burglar on the other side of it, it’s much easier to close an inward swinging door quickly than an outer swinging door.
All Sliding Glass Door Security Bars Offer Quality Security
Sliding glass doors must be protected with security bars – however, these bars vastly range in quality, with some offering far more security than others. The three main types of security bars on the market today include pressure lock bars, screw mounted bars, and double sided tape mounted doors. Screw mounted bars are far superior to the other two varieties – as with juggling, a burglar would potentially loosen any security bar that’s not permanently mounted. Keep in mind that you want your security bar to be constructed from steel or another strong metal as opposed to plastic.
