Everything You Need To Know About Front Door Locks

Front Door Locks have the primary function of protecting your homes but they have a secondary function – insurance. When you apply for house insurance, the insurance companies ask what types of locks you have on all your external doors, most importantly the Front Door Locks. That is why it’s important for you to understand what types of Front Door Locks there are and the kind of protection they provide.

There are 4 types of Front Door Locks, namely:

1. 5 Lever Mortice Deadlock
2. Multi-Point Locking System
3. Rim Automatic Deadlatch
4. Euro Cylinder Lock

Let’s look at each of these locks closely.

·         5-Lever Mortice Deadlock

5-Lever Mortice Deadlocks are usually fitted on wooden doors and use a key to lock-unlock the door from both sides and are firmly fitted within the door instead of placing them on the outside. This makes this lock super secure because on-the-surface locks are prone to easy breaking through force.

However, Standard 5 Lever Deadlocks are prone to external drilling due to the lack of any hard plates. That’s why these locks are often fitted with an additional night latch for added security. Another variant to this lock, the BS3621 Approved 5-Lever Mortice Deadlocks are more secure and less prone to the common methods of picking locks.

These locks have “5 Lever” or “BS3621 Approved” engraved or stamped on them for easy identification.

·         Multi-Point Locking System

Multi-Point Locking System is usually used for UPVC and composite doors but are quite effective for wooden or Aluminium doors as well

Like the 5-Lever Front Door Lock, Multi-Point Locking System is fitted into the door. It locks multiple bolts into the door frame to engage the lock. The number of bolts in these locks range from three to five and is operated with euro cylinder locks where the key is inserted.

The biggest advantage of having multiple bolts is that it becomes extremely difficult to force the door into opening. Moreover, the whole mechanism only needs one key for all the bolts which makes it easy as there are fewer keys for a house or office. Also, changing the cylinder to the lock is also easier as compared to other locks making it easy to repair or upgrade the lock if required.

·         Rim Automatic Deadlatch

Rim Automatic Deadlatch is used for timber doors or glass-paneled doors. Commonly known as night latches or Yale locks, Deadlatches are fitted inside the door with the key cylinder located on the outside.

These locks can be easily locked/unlocked from both sides of the door. Since these Front Door Locks are automatic, they are locked automatically as and when the doors are shut.

Rim Automatic Deadlatch comes with a key-locking handle used for locking the door from the inside while a key is used to lock the door from the outside. However, these locks are used as additional security rather than the main lock.

·         Euro Cylinder Lock

Euro Cylinder Locks are usually used on composite doors over mortice deadlocks and sash locks for timber and Aluminium doors. Modern homes have seen an increase in the demand and use of Front Door Locks.

These locks are used to further make the Front Door Locks more secure by preventing lock snapping or picking. They are easy to use and can be easily upgraded or changed when and if required.

These Front Door Locks offer unmatched versatility as cylinders in multiple formats can be used for the same key which makes it easy for having a master key for buildings with multiple locked doors.

When you understand what type of Front Door Locks you use and how secure they are, it makes it easy for you to apply for insurance and adds credibility to your application. With the right locks secured properly, securing your insurance isn’t an issue because you have taken the right steps for the safety of your property.

With the right Front Door Locks, you secure your home and your insurance. That’s a win-win.