What type of lock should I get for my front door?

Door entry is a common access point for burglars, so it makes sense to periodically check that your door security is still effective and is not compromising the safety and security of your family and your belongings.

There are a range of options available if you are looking to replace or upgrade your front door security, from the traditional mortice lock and key to key pad entry and more advanced digital security such as fingerprint and iris scanners.

Front Door Locks for uPVC or Wooden Front Doors

The most common types of front door lock for uPVC or wooden doors is a night latch, which is often referred to as a Yale lock, mortice locks or Euro lock cylinders.

It is important to find a lock that bears the British Standard Kitemark as you will then be adequately protected by your home insurance and also feel reassured that it offers all the high-security properties required by BS3621.

We recommend a 5-lever mortice deadlock or a Euro lock cylinder as the night latch doesn’t offer such a high level of protection on its own.
A 5-lever deadlock provides 5 brass levers and many have grooves cut into them to create what is called ‘false notching’ which makes any attempt at picking the lock more difficult and time-consuming. If you have handles on your mortice lock, this is called a Sash Lock where the handle operates the latch on the lock. A deadlock doesn’t have a handle and is only operated by a key from one or both sides.

A Euro lock cylinder is extremely popular for uPVC doors and some models offer a thumb turn on the inside so it is possible to exit the property quickly in an emergency without a key. Another benefit is that if you fitted Euro locks to all external doors, all the locks can be keyed so you only need to use one key.

Keyless Entry Front Door Security

If you are a landlord who requires lock security which can be accessed by different people, then an access system such as keypad entry or card swipe is the best option.

The Yale Smart Living Keyless Connected Smart Lock requires the input of a security pin code directly or through a smart phone to gain entry. This is ideal for multiple users or for people who find using a key difficult. You can even set schedules for people to have access, so if you want to allow your cleaner in once per week, they can only gain access during the specified time.
There are many different types of keyless entry systems on the market to suit all requirements and budgets.

If you would like some advice on choosing the right front door lock, please contact Stuart on 07900 335525 at Rocks Locks who will be happy to advise you. For further information on the services provided by Rocks Locks, please visit www.rocks-locks.co.uk