Secure ENOUGH?
IS YOUR HOME DOOR LOCK SECURE ENOUGH?
Julian Roberts, Technical Services Director at UAP summarises the main types of door lock and explains what to look out for to ensure your home is as secure as possible.
Maximising security is a priority for every homeowner but with so many door locks to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. The most common external door locks fall into five categories. However, there are many variations, including features which could make a significant difference to your home security.
- Euro cylinder locks
Euro cylinder locks are one of the most popular. They are usually fitted to uPVC doors but can also be used on composite and aluminium doors. They come in two different shapes and can be single, double, or thumb turn cylinders.
To maximise security, homeowners must check the cylinder’s star rating. A 1-star cylinder may mean the lock is resistant to drilling, picking and bumping, but it will not have passed lock snapping tests. Commonly used by burglars, lock snapping takes a matter of seconds and requires no special skills or tools.
To maximise security, opt for a 3-star rating as this proves the cylinder has been subjected to additional testing, including snapping.
- Multipoint door locks
Usually found on uPVC or composite doors, a multipoint system will have between three and seven locking points making it harder for thieves to pry open the door from the top or bottom.
Many doors that comply with the PAS 24 standard feature multipoint locks. Although individual components such as the lock are critical to a door’s performance, PAS 24 tests the whole doorset. By testing and assessing the security performance of doorsets as well as window types, PAS 24 ensures products will resist opportunistic attacks from burglars.
- Smart locks
For homeowners seeking an extra layer of security and convenience, smart locks are now a popular choice. These provide keyless entry usually achieved via a smartphone App, fob or keypad. There are various types to choose from and not all offer the same level of safety so it’s important to read up on the manufacturer and its credentials.
The more advanced smart locks follow years of research and development to maximise performance. The IONIC for example, is based on the latest mechanical and car vehicle technology, offering the most advanced security encryption on the market. The fob codes can’t be stolen by intercepting the signal in the same way that thieves target keyless cars. This is because every fob has been manufactured with two million rolling codes, making every transmission unique.
Further maximising security, the IONIC smartphone App requires face recognition to access and enables the user to see who has opened the door.
Another benefit of opting for an advanced smart lock is that it offers more design flexibility. The IONIC can be installed on timber and composite doors and with a range of door handles, including lever on rose.
- Rim locks and latches
This type of lock is commonly found on glass panelled or wooden front doors. It is mounted to the door’s inner surface and automatically locks the door when it closes unless kept ‘on the latch.’ There are various types available, including the standard, deadlocking, auto deadlocking and double-locking night latch.
- Mortice locks
Available in various styles and types, mortice locks are for wood or timber doors. The 5-lever mortice deadlock offers a higher level of security than its 3-lever counterpart. You can tell if it is a 5-lever lock as this should be engraved on the internal faceplate.
Making the right choice
When improving your home security, taking the time to research your door lock is vital. Although design and cost considerations are important, these factors shouldn’t comprise safety. Making sure your lock is as secure as possible will provide priceless peace of mind now and in the future.
For product information contact Kamila Kasperowicz, Marketing Director, UAP Limited, telephone: 0161 796 7268, email: marketing@uaplimited.com, https://uapcorporate.com/
