Are you trying to decide on the best type of exterior door lock for your home? Protecting your home is extremely important and when it comes to locks there are lots of different options. By following this breakdown of the different types of door locks you can choose from will help you better understand what’s right for your home.
– Entry lock set
This is for two doorknobs that can be locked from both the inside and the outside. One type locks from the inside by turning or pressing a small button or knob, while a key must unlock the outside. Some models must be locked with a key on both the inside and the outside and in other models only the inside knob can lock or unlock both sides of the door. Lock sets provide medium security and some may come with a quality feature of a dead-latch.
– Deadbolt lock
Deadbolt locks provide maximum security on a door. They are called “dead” bolt because there are no springs to operate the bolt. It is only operated manually from the inside. The bolt locks the door to the frame and helps prevent someone from prying the door open. A single cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key from the outside and a turn button on the inside. It is mostly used with solid metal or wood doors. A double cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key on both the inside and the outside. This is best used with a door that had glass in or around it as it prevents someone from breaking the glass, reaching in and unlocking the door. However, double cylinder deadbolts can pose a danger during an emergency. If the key is missing or not available people could be trapped inside a locked house. In some areas codes may also not permit this style of deadbolt.
– Surface mounted deadbolt
This type of deadbolt is squarish in shape and mounted on the surface inside the door. The bolt may be turned with a key or a turn knob and instead of sliding into the door frame the bolt slides into a surface mounted strike. Surface mounted deadbolts are easier to install but they are not quite as secure as internal deadbolts are.
– Mortise lock
This lock consists of a flat, rectangular box that fits into a recess in the door. It also has two faceplates that include the knobs and keyholes. It is available in right or left handed styles. The latch can operate from either side except when the outside knob is locked and the deadbolt operates by a turn of the inside knob. This type of lock is very common and is used on many types of doors, ranging from heavy entrance doors to apartment buildings.
– Night latch
A night latch is installed on the inside surface of the door and has an automatic locking feature. The large spring loaded latch automatically locks whenever the door is closed. This latch is for light security and is usually used in combination with another lock.
– Keyless entry system
A keyless entry system is for advanced home security. Audio and visual indicators confirm the lockset is activated. Some models will even sound an alarm after the incorrect code has been entered more than three consecutive times. Anti theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice and some systems are compatible with garage door openers so the homeowner only needs one remote.
– Handle set
A handle set combines a lockset with a deadbolt. The deadbolt is located just above the knob or handle and can be a one or two piece unit. It’s available with both single and double cylinder deadbolts. Styles of lock sets are also available in a variety of styles and finishes.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about purchasing or installing front door locks.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.