Selecting a good door lock is a vital step for protecting any building, whether you’re installing a brand new door, have just moved house or your current lock has experienced too much wear and tear. It’s the first level of protection your house has against attempted intruders, so it has to be strong and durable against impact and deconstruction. To assist you, here is our guide on what to look for when selecting a new door lock.
Function
Consider what you need the door lock for – is it your front door, back door, an internal door, or for a communal building? Is it a hinged door, a French door, or a sliding door? This will determine the type of lock you need and whether its main use is providing essential security, offering added protection or for privacy purposes. For example, a front door of a communal building may benefit from a heavy-duty keyless entry system such as a digital lock, whereas a bathroom door inside a home may only need a privacy lever that can be easily broken in case of an emergency.
Security
Clearly, the security that the lock provides is the most important factor. Look out for durable materials and ergonomic design, but also consider the dimensions and features of the door as well as size and weight guidance. Mortice locks are considered better options than tubular locks for front doors because they use the door’s own strength to protect against impact damage, however, they are also more expensive and difficult to install. If the door itself is weak or old, then a mortice lock won’t be a suitable choice.
Deadlock options are also highly secure because there is no risk of accidentally leaving a door unlocked and, in theory, no one without a key can gain access. This may not be suitable for a door with regular use, though.
Checking out product descriptions and doing some research online should give you a good idea of how secure a particular lock is, with some using security ratings, but if you are unsure, your retailer will be happy to help.
Price
Of course, one of the vital aspects of purchasing a new door lock is deciding on your budget. There is a huge range of choices available, so make sure to shop around to find a good price for the best option for you. Having said this, do not simply opt for the cheapest lock without properly researching the other factors on this list first. A very low price door lock is more likely to be constructed ineffectively and put you at risk, especially if you haven’t checked if it’s suitable for the purpose you need it for. Always opt for a reputable lock manufacturer such as Winkhaus door locks as they are reliable and trusted.
