When you close a vacation home or need to leave your house for a long trip, it’s natural to worry about security. While many systems offer peace of mind—and can alert the authorities—burglars may still attempt quick break-ins through forceful entry. Homeowners should know how to lock up their belongings to have peace of mind while away. Here are five of the best locksmith tips for protecting your house.

5 Ways to Lock Your Home With Confidence

1. Pick-Proof Your Entryways

Entry doors can be compromised by picking, drilling, or using blunt force against the lock. Minimize this risk by installing a deadbolt that is at least 1” or larger. For greater peace of mind, have a professional install a stainless-steel mortise lock in the door. These systems are placed in a recessed pocket within the side of the door for a durable and less vulnerable barrier.  

2. Guard Your Garage

Even if you unplug the garage door opener, criminals may be able to manipulate the entry with force. If you’re leaving for an extended period, keep the door shut with a physical lock, such as a padlock that connects it to the frame or a deadbolt that secures it to the ground.

3. Reinforce Strike Plates

Strike plates sit where the door connects with the lock and strengthen entries against force. If you have an older door, you may need to reinforce the component with long screws that extend deep into the frame. The best locksmiths can also add a reinforcement plate to the door’s surface.

4. Place Spares in a Lock Box, Not a Hiding Spot

If you want to keep a spare key at your property, don’t leave it in a potentially-obvious hiding place. Instead, install a lockbox in a discrete location outside the home, so only you can access the key using a security code.

 

If you’re concerned about the quality of your home’s entryways, Ability Lock & Key has the resources to assist. Prized for being one of the best locksmiths in the Piedmont-Triad area, this team repairs dysfunctional locks, installs durable deadbolts, and rekeys doors to enhance security. As a mobile locksmith in Winston-Salem, NC, this service can also come to you for quick and convenient assistance. To learn more about how they can help, visit the specialist online or call (336) 784-0226.