You know that keeping your home and family safe is important, but you don’t want to pay a fortune for fancy security systems.
There are many simple ways to improve the safety of your home without breaking the bank. In fact, some of these improvements can be done with items you already have around the house!
Here are some easy DIY tips for making your door locks more secure and preventing break-ins at an affordable price.
Quick and Easy Improvements to Your Door Locks For Greater Home Safety
- Replace your standard doorknob with a deadbolt lock.
A deadbolt offers more security than a traditional doorknob and can’t be easily picked by burglars. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors so you can find one that matches your home’s style. You can also install a deadbolt with special features such as a digital keypad and fingerprint scanner for added security.
- Add additional glass breakage alarms around your home.
This affordable option detects near any glass window or door that is broken and will sound an alarm to alert you, your neighbors, and the authorities of a possible break-in. Glass breakage alarms are a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you have large windows or sliding glass doors.
Glass breakage alarms can be purchased for a very affordable price and are easily installed.
- Secure your home with a security system.
If you want the highest level of security for your home, a professionally installed security system is the best option. Security systems can be customized to fit your needs and budget, and many include features such as motion detectors, door/window sensors, and video surveillance. Plus, many insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for homes with security systems installed.
- Install a strike plate on your door frame. A strike plate is a metal plate that is attached to the door frame and helps protect the door from being kicked in.
Burglars will often try to kick in a door if they can’t find another way in, so adding a strike plate is a simple way to make your home more secure.
Strike plates are very affordable and can be installed in minutes.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to improve the security of your home. These simple tips will help keep you and your family safe without breaking the bank!
- Add a secondary locking mechanism to your existing door locks. There are many affordable options available, such as keyless entry systems or smart locks that can be operated with your smartphone.
These are great for renters who are looking to add an extra level of security without completely replacing their locks.
Install additional lighting around your home. Burglars don’t want to be seen or heard, so adding motion-activated lights will alert you and your neighbors of any strange activity outside. Motion-activated outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to improve the security of your home and may prevent break-ins before they happen.
- Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you’re home. It may seem like common sense, but many people forget to lock their doors when they’re inside the house.
Burglars often take advantage of this and will walk right in if the door is left unlocked. It’s always a good idea to keep your doors locked, even when you’re home. This simple step can help prevent break-ins and keep your family safe.
- Monitor your home for suspicious activity.
Burglars usually avoid homes where they can be seen or heard, so having a security camera installed will give you the upper hand if someone attempts to break in. Security cameras work best when used in conjunction with other tips listed above, so try adding one to your home today!
Don’t let these common break-in prevention steps stop you from exploring more effective options.
Did you know that 87% percent of burglaries are attributed to unlocked doors? Homeowners are encouraged to take action and lock their doors at all times for the security of themselves, their families, and their belongings.
What other steps can you take today to make your home more secure?
Here are some questions for you to consider so that you can be proactive in the security of your home.
1) How many doors and windows do you have in your home? What to do if your back door has a window? Do any of your doors or windows have weak locks or no locks at all?
Even though some people think windows add an aesthetic value to their home, they are definitely one of the most vulnerable parts of your house. People can break through glass easily with a brick, rock, or another hard object! The best way to protect them is with metal bars over the window. These are inexpensive and easy to install. They do not make it impossible for someone to break in, but they will buy you some time in the case of a break-in!
In addition, adding a door to your back entrance, even if it is just a steel grid with no glass or insulation, will add that extra security level that you need for this spot on your house. You can buy these online at lots of places for around $200-$300. They are not hard to install, but they are heavy so you will need some help.
I know that I told you to keep it simple with the first two ideas on this list for door locks, but adding a screen door on top of your window is definitely not recommended! Most burglars can simply break through the mesh and enter your home.
2) Does the height of your windows matter?
The height does not matter as much as you may think it would! Some people believe that tall windows are more secure than shorter ones because there is no way for someone to climb through them. However, an individual can easily come in with a step ladder and break through the window! No matter what, you will want to add bars or locks.
In addition, make sure that your windows are shut when you leave your home. If they are slightly open, someone can easily slip through them from outside! You do not want a stranger in your home with you when nobody else is around.
If you would like to make your home even more secure, then consider calling a professional window locks company to install bars or other locking mechanisms for you! They will be able to help you out with everything that is on the list and anything else that is not.
Even if there are no burglaries in your area now, it is never a bad idea to have an extra level of security in the house! After all, you want to keep your home protected at all times. If you follow this advice, then you will be able to put yourself ahead of the curve with door locks for safety!
3) What is the difference between a mortise lock and one that goes on the surface of the door?
A mortise lock will be a lot more durable because it sits in a cavity that extends through the whole width of your door, making it much stronger! You can also change out the sliding bolt part with a deadbolt part which will make your lock much more secure. Get a deadbolt that is at least 1 inch thick, and if you can afford it, consider going with a 2-inch deadbolt.
If you want to keep the ability to use the surface of your door for something else like hanging up pictures or decorating, then opt for a surface-mount lock instead. This is a cheaper alternative, and they are still very durable and secure if you choose one that has metal inserts on the edges where it attaches to the door frame.
Are you concerned about the safety of your home?
You’re not alone. In fact, over two-thirds of American homeowners are worried that their homes aren’t secure enough. While there is no such thing as “bulletproof” security, making these small changes to your home’s door locks can go a long way towards keeping unwanted visitors out.
We know how important it is to keep your family safe at home, which is why we provide fast service with no hidden fees or charges. Our locksmith technicians will arrive on time and get the job done right so you can rest easy knowing that everything has been taken care of in a timely manner by an experienced professional who cares about his customers.
That’s why we offer a range of services to help you protect your family and property from burglars and other dangers. From lock installation to key duplication, our team is here for all your security needs!
