In Canada, an estimated 4.97 million homes have been invaded at least once. In fact, breaking and entering make up the largest percentage of Canada's overall CSI, accounting for 16% of all crimes reported.
Every homeowner wants to feel safe in their home. One way to achieve this is to review the locks on your doors. Upgrading them to better locks makes it more difficult for a burger to gain entry. Securely locking your doors means you're less likely to be invaded than if you had weak or no locks.
Keep reading if you want help choosing a door lock to boost your home's security. Here are the top things you need to consider.
Set a Budget
Locks can get expensive, especially if made from more robust materials. When choosing a door lock, you want to consider your budget. How much money do you have to spend on the lock? Or, if you buy more than one lock, can you afford all the locks you need?
Setting a budget will help you save on overspending. Go through your finances, decide how many funds you can allocate to the door locks, and divide that value between the number of locks you need. Now you know how much you can spend on each lock to stay within your budget.
Decide on a Grade
Not all locks are made the same, and this factor matters. Locks are graded to standards created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware/Manufacturers Association (BHMA). These grades determine the durability and security level of each lock.
There are three lockset grades: 1, 2, and 3. These locks go through various tests to decide the grade level.
Grade 3
With a minimum level of durability and security, this grade is the lowest level you can get. These locks are fine for bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. You don't want to store valuables behind a lock with this grade level.
Grade 2
This grade level provides the next level of security and durability. This lock offers medium protection and can be used for apartment building entry door locks, office doors, etc.
Grade 1
If you need to protect important documents and other valuables, choose a door lock with a grade level of one. Grade 1 level locks offer a high level of durability and security. These locks will be the most expensive and are great at preventing break-ins.
Smart Lock or Not?
Finally, you want to decide whether you're choosing a smart lock. A smart lock provides an easy way to access your door even when you're not home. Smart locks connect to your Wi-Fi, and you access them via an app you install on your smartphone.
This type of lock is advantageous if you leave the house and later feel unsure whether you locked the door. With a smart lock installed, you can log into the app and lock it if needed.
Take Choosing a Door Lock Seriously
A good, solid door lock can go a long way to prevent break-ins. Knowing which Grade level you need is a great place to start. Once you know the grade, you must determine your budget before you go door lock buying. You should make choosing a door lock seriously.
If you're in Edmonton or the surrounding area and need a licensed locksmith, look no further than Aegis Locksmiths. Reach out to us today - our experts are waiting to assist you.