Deadbolt door locks are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings. Their popularity can be attributed to their ability to provide excellent security, thanks to their robust durability that makes it difficult for intruders to break in. Among deadbolts, there are various types that may fit different needs better.
There are several types of deadbolt lock types available on the market, each with its unique set of features and benefits. Read this article to take a closer look at these types of deadbolts, so you can choose the right one for your property and have peace of mind knowing that your property is adequately secure!
What Is a Deadbolt Lock?
Deadbolt locks are secure types of lock that are commonly used for external doors. Unlike other locks that use spring bolts, deadbolts use a solid steel bolt for the latch that extends deep into the door frame. This makes deadbolts much more difficult to force open, providing an added level of security for your home or business. They are highly resistant against many lock tampering methods to force open the door, including picking, bumping, snapping, drilling, etc.
Their robust security measures are recognized even by insurance providers. Deadbolt installations on external entries can lower your insurance premiums as they are less likely to be broken into. This is the reason why insurance companies tend to offer discounts in this case.
Deadbolts should not be confused with deadlatches, which are typically used on interior doors and operate using a spring—loaded latch bolt that engages with a strike plate on the door frame. When the door is closed, the latchbolt is pushed back into the lock case by the strike plate, but it cannot be retracted without using a key or thumbturn from one side of the door. Unlike deadbolts, deadlatches do not have a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame and are not as secure.
Types of Deadbolts
There are four types of deadbolt door locks that you can consider for your door: single cylinder lock, keyless (or electronic or smart lock), vertical lock, and double cylinder lock.
Single Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
Single cylinder deadbolt locks are the most popular type of deadbolt. They are commonly used for residential front doors and feature a key—operated cylinder on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside, providing security in only one direction. This means that unlocking the door is only possible from the external side, which can be lifesaving in case of an emergency. They are simple to use and require a key only when locking or unlocking the door from the outside.
However, one downside of single cylinder deadbolt locks is that they can pose a security risk if installed near a window. This is because a determined thief can break the window and turn the thumbturn to unlock the door, compromising your home security. Therefore, it is recommended to install doors incorporating single cylinder deadbolts at a notable distance from a window.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
Double cylinder deadbolts offer an extra layer of security by protecting both sides. This means that you need a key to lock and unlock the door from both the outside and inside, as they feature a key—operated cylinder on both sides of the lock. This is intended as a double layer of security to prevent manipulation through the thumb turn on the inside of the door.
However, in case of an emergency, double cylinder deadbolt locks can be a major safety hazard. For example, if you cannot find your keys when you need to exit your house in an emergency, you will be unable to escape. Due to this risk, double cylinder deadbolt locks are prohibited by certain building and fire codes throughout Canada. As such, this lock is generally not recommended.
Vertical Deadbolt Locks
Vertical deadbolt locks are a type of deadbolt lock designed with a bolt that moves vertically into the door frame, rather than the horizontal movement found in most deadbolt locks. They are also known as jimmy—proof locks, as they prevent thieves from using a crowbar to force the bolt out of the way. Due to their robust security, they are a good choice for those who want extra protection against burglars.
However, one disadvantage of vertical deadbolt locks is that they can be a bit of a hassle to operate as they are located on the top side of the door. Nevertheless, this hassle can be resolved if they are smartphone or key fob operated.
Keyless Deadbolt Locks
Keyless deadbolt locks, also known as smart deadbolt locks or electronic locks, are popular due to their convenience and versatile features in both houses and commercial properties. They can be operated to lock and unlock the door through various means, such as a smartphone, keypad password, or card, eliminating the need to keep a physical key. They come with a wide range of features, including one—time or multiple codes, access logs, alarm connection, smart home technology integrations and much more. Moreover, as they do not have a cylinder, many common lock tampering attempts like cylinder snapping are impossible.
One major advantage of keyless deadbolt locks is that you can provide access to your home or business to trusted people, even if you are not present at the location. For instance, if you are on vacation, you can grant access to a friend or relative to check on your home while you are away.
Which Type of Deadbolt Door Lock to Choose?
When choosing the best deadbolt lock type for your home or business, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences, including security, convenience, and desired features for your locking system. Price is also a critical factor to keep in mind, and it is recommended to determine your budget beforehand. It is worth noting that a more expensive deadbolt may offer greater range of security features, but it is essential to find a balance between cost and needed functionality.
Finally, proper installation by a professional locksmith is crucial to ensure that the deadbolt functions correctly. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can confidently select the best deadbolt for your needs and have peace of mind that your property is secure.
Need Deadbolt Security For Your Property? Get in Touch With Us
Deadbolt door locks are an excellent way to ensure security and durability from the exterior side of your doors. There are different deadbolt lock types, including single—cylinder deadbolts, smart or electronic deadbolts, vertical deadbolts, and double—cylinder deadbolts. Double cylinder deadbolt locks are generally not recommended because they pose a security hazard by locking the door from both the inside and outside. The rest of the types of deadbolt locks are robustly secure.
Single cylinder locks are commonly used but can be vulnerable to some advanced theft attempts. Vertical locks provide further security by preventing jimmying attempts. On the other hand, electronic deadbolt locks eliminate the worry of losing a key and provide a wide range of features.
Choosing the right deadbolt lock depends on your preferences, budget, needs, and other factors. If you are interested in increasing the security of your home or business, it is highly recommended to consult with a professional locksmith. A locksmith can help you assess your security needs and recommend the best deadbolt lock for your situation. They can also provide installation services to ensure that your new lock is properly installed and functioning correctly.
If you are looking for a locksmith for your deadbolt needs, look no further than Faster Locksmiths! Our Brock locksmiths have extensive experience serving homeowners and business owners in Brock with top—notch deadbolt solutions. Contact us now to take the security of your property to the next level!