Are you in the market for a new lock for your front door? Do you know what to look for? What are your preferences?
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you’re shopping for new locks:
Do you have a home security system you’d like to connect a lock to?
Do you have a large family or multiple people who need access to your home when you aren’t around? If so, how many keys will you have to copy after replacing your locks?
Do you prefer the strongest lock on the market or one with smartphone connectivity?
Examples: Deadbolts and mortise locks
Mechanical locks are well...mechanical. You put the key in, turn it, and you’ve locked (or unlocked) the door.
PROS
Traditional locking mechanisms offer the highest level of protection against bumping or breaking the lock.
They are low maintenance and easy to use.
They’re available in Multi-Point configurations, like the Trilennium® Multi-Point Locking Systems, which provide superior protection by securing your door at 3 or 5 points along the door frame. These are made with a combination of deadbolts and locks on the header and sill, depending on which configuration is a good fit for your entry door.
CONS
They require keys specific to each lock in order to operate. While there is an added level of security to this, it can pose a threat if babysitters, kids, or in-laws lose their key.
Rekeying locks isn’t cheap, and you don’t want the lost key to fall into the wrong hands.
You’ll require multiple copies of your house key for family, friends, or other people who need access to the house when you’re away.
Since mechanical locks require a physical key, you could accidentally lock yourself out of the house.
Examples: Keypad locks and smart locks
Keypad locks are unlocked with an access code, and smart locks can connect with your home security system and smartphone for remote access.
PROS
As long as you have the access code or a smartphone, it’s almost impossible to lock yourself out of the house.
Guests can use a temporary passcode to gain access to the house without requiring a physical copy of your house key. Or, with a smart lock, you can grant them access remotely.
Electronic door locks offer a lot by way of convenience since you don’t have to keep up with a key or fiddle with a mechanical lock when you have your hands full.
Smart locks can be integrated with your home security system to alert you when people enter (or attempt to enter) your home or if someone tampers with the lock.
CONS
As with any electronic device, they can act up and experience connectivity issueswhen integrated with your home security system and smartphones.
Keypad locks require battery checks occasionally, making them a tad higher maintenance than mechanical locks.
Since smart locks are vulnerable to physical and cyber manipulation, some homeowners feel they provide less overall security in favor of offering sheer convenience.
Electronic locks are not always available with multi-point locking systems, so you don’t get the maximum security.
Whatever lock you choose for your home, BetterDoor offers the following to Trilennium®mechanical locks to help you install the perfect fit for your front door:
Lock kits
Handsets
Lock systems
Lock parts and accessories