Why Residential Deadbolts Are So Important

Most homes have deadbolts installed along with knob or lever locks. You probably use your deadbolt most of the time, but if you’re not in the habit of locking up your house completely, or your home lacks deadbolts, you may wonder if they’re really that important. Deadbolts are a critical component when it comes to ensuring the foundation of your home’s security is sound against criminal attack. Even if you have a small security budget to work with, you should always make sure that you have high-quality deadbolts installed. If your home has already been burglarized at some point, it’s crucial to ensure that every main entry point is properly secured. Read on to learn more about why deadbolts are so important for your home’s security.  

Definition of Deadbolts

Each deadbolt mechanism consists of a throw, which is the bolt itself, and a strike plate, which is installed in the door frame and into which the throw fits when the lock is engaged. There are several types of deadbolts that share this basic characteristic:

• Single-Cylinder Deadbolts: Single-cylinder deadbolts are those most commonly found on residences, due to their relatively low cost, simple construction, and effectiveness. A single-cylinder deadbolt is operated using a twist-turn lever on the inside and a keyhole on the outside. While single-cylinder deadbolts hold up well against brute force attacks on the door if installed properly, if the door in question has a breakable window nearby, there is a risk that a criminal could break the glass and turn the lever. 
• Double-Cylinder Deadbolts: Double-cylinder deadbolts are less common due to safety concerns they present during an emergency requiring quick evacuation of a residence. As you may have guessed from the name, double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to operate on both the inside and the outside. There is no other way to lock or unlock the door. Some areas have prohibited the installation of this type of deadbolt. A solution to concerns about safety would be to keep a key for the lock in a discreet location nearby to open it quickly if the need arises.
• Vertical Deadbolts: Vertical deadbolts are also called jimmy-resistant deadbolts, since they withstand criminal attacks to jimmy the door in question open with a crowbar. They consist of a rim cylinder, a plate that holds the cylinder, the lock itself, and a bezel ring that protects the cylinder. This type of deadbolt is used on both residential and commercial properties, including many apartment buildings. 
• Keyless Deadbolts: Keyless technology has begun to become very popular among home and business owners as the technology has become more accessible, refined, and affordable. Keyless deadbolts usually have a manual or electronic keypad into which you input a pin number to access the door in question. Keyless deadbolts also come in smart and fingerprint versions. The price for these locks varies a great deal. More sophisticated locks also provide access control and remote monitoring capabilities that allow you to track activity when you’re away from your residence from your smartphone.    

Deadbolts lack a spring mechanism that is present in most types of basic locks, such as doorknob locks. Spring mechanisms are highly vulnerable to tampering attacks because the spring that holds the bolt in place on that type of lock can be retracted if enough pressure is applied directly to it. That’s why opening a door with a butter knife or a credit card can sometimes work, depending on the model of the lock. With a deadbolt, only inserting a key in the lock or turning the thumb-turn will cause the bolt to retract.

Security experts such as our locksmith team highly recommend that every exterior door of a home be protected by a properly functioning, correctly installed deadbolt. While you might think that the mere presence of a deadbolt is enough, it must be in good shape and work appropriately, which is why locksmiths recommend replacing your deadbolts at least every 10-15 years.

History of Deadbolts

Deadbolt was a term that came into existence in the early 1900s. It refers to the bolt as being “dead” as opposed to a live lock, meaning that it could only be unlocked by a key outside of the house. Deadbolts were refined over the years to become what they are today. Deadbolts were developed to lower the risk of brute force and jimmying attacks onto a property, and were originally only used by members of the upper class before spreading across the world and becoming far more affordable.

Deadbolts are continuously being refined to be more secure and tamper-resistant, as well as employing innovations such as keyless security and monitoring technology. Upgrading your deadbolt locks can be an excellent investment when it comes to better protecting your home, especially if you’re working on a limited budget.

Locksmith Deadbolt Installation

Professional deadbolt installation is a must because of the specifics that deadbolts require to function properly. A cheap deadbolt from the hardware store may have many potential flaws, including metals that are vulnerable to drilling, or too-short screws holding the strike plate in place. You may feel like you’ve got a smart bargain, but it’s not worth the significant risk that it then poses to your home. All of your homes main access points should be protected by secure, high-quality deadbolts that are in proper working order.    

Contact Lawrence Professional Locksmiths for any type of lock installation, including deadbolts. Our locksmiths can install high-security deadbolts that are pick-resistant at an affordable price, so whether you want your current deadbolts replaced or a brand new deadbolt installation, our team is the smart choice. While you may pride yourself on finding bargains when it comes to home maintenance, your security is nothing to try to cut corners on. A cheap or improperly installed deadbolt can leave your home at significant risk of invasion. High-quality, strong, properly installed deadbolts are one of the most effective investments you can make in your Lawrence Town, Pennsylvania residential property’s security.