JOHNS CREEK 24/7 LOCKSMITH: WHY YOU NEED DEADBOLTS AT HOME

When you are contemplating options for your home security, you may be asking yourself if installing a deadbolt is really necessary. The long and short answer is “yes.” Deadbolts have advantages over the common latch lock. If a burglar is trying to gain entry into your home, you want to put as many obstacles in their way as possible. Also, if the would-be burglar is on your doorstep for a lengthy amount of time, that leaves more time for a neighbor to see and alert the authorities. All in all, a deadbolt can be a crucial part to your home security plan.

Why should you install a deadbolt? 

A deadbolt is different from other locks due to the solid steel bolt that it uses. This bolt drives directly into the door jamb (when either the knob is turned or the key is turned). The portion of the bolt that fits into the doorjamb can also be steel plated, adding even more protection. If a burglar tries to force your lock open, the steel bolt will not bend under the pressure. A latch lock can be easily opened using a credit card. However, a deadbolt can only be operated by inserting its corresponding key. A deadbolt is usually used in addition to other lock types (door knob lock, latch lock, door chain etc.). The more security measures in place, the better. You want to make your home as hard to break into as possible. And like I mentioned above, the longer a burglar has to stand fiddling with your door, the more likely they will be noticed by passersby.

Types of deadbolts

There are basically two designs of deadbolts available…your single cylinder and your dual cylinder. The single cylinder is the most common type. This is the type of lock that has a turn knob on the inside of the home, and a place to insert your key on the outside. A dual cylinder deadbolt requires a key be used on both sides (entering the home or leaving). These kinds of deadbolts are even more secure, because if your door has a glass pane in it or next to it, the glass cannot be broken and the lock turned. The downside to this type of lock is emergency situations. In an emergency (such as a fire), you may not be able to locate your deadbolt keys to let yourself out of your home. This is why some countries have taken the step of only allowing dual cylinder deadbolts to be used in residences, not in commercial businesses. There are pros and cons to each deadbolt type, it is best to speak with a professional locksmith to determine which deadbolt would best suit your needs.

Keep your deadbolts maintained

Just like any other item in your home, your deadbolts should be maintained, and changed if you start to notice signs of wear and tear. The internal mechanism in your deadbolt can wear over time, so if you start to notice that the lock is not working as efficiently as it used to, please give a call to a licensed and insured locksmith. Some signs to look out for are: do you need to jiggle your key around in the lock in order for the key to turn? If this is the case, it may mean your lock is showing signs of age. In some cases, the lock can be repaired. However, if your locks are very old, it may be suggested to just replace the whole thing. Another thing to look for is the door moving in the frame when the deadbolt is applied. Meaning, you shake the door and it seems to be shaking in the frame. This is not necessarily an issue with your lock, but it could point to an issue with your door or door jamb. The lock you use needs to be installed in a door that will stand the test of time. Make sure your door is sturdy, or it may be time to search for a replacement.

There are various lock manufacturers on the market. It is smart to have your locksmith install the deadbolt from one of the top rated manufacturers in the industry. These manufacturers include:

• Schlage
• Falcon
• Baldwin
• Kwikset
• Ilco
• Medeco
• Yale
• Mul-T-Lock
• ASSA
• Arrow

Types of Deadbolts

In addition to the single and dual cylinder deadbolts previously mentioned, there are also other types of deadbolts on the market. There are keyless deadbolts. These types of deadbolts would have a keypad instead of a keyhole. Meaning that you would gain entry by entering a code. The upside to this is that you can share the code with members of your household (without worrying that they may lose their keys). Also, you can reprogram the code from time to time as an added security measure. There is also digital deadbolts. These are similar to the keyless version (you would enter a code on a keypad), and they run on electricity or batteries. The biggest drawback to this type of deadbolt is if the batteries die or you lose power, your door lock would not be operational. Rim deadbolts are another type of deadbolt that may work for you. These are mounted inside the door. Their biggest advantage is that the deadbolt automatically locks when the door is closed (meaning you don’t have to manually turn the knob). This is a big pro if you or your family members are constantly forgetting to lock the deadbolt. The disadvantage to this is you are at higher risk of a lockout. If you run out to the front curb to grab the paper, the door may shut behind you (and automatically lock). So you would have to make sure your keys are always with you.

If you are in John’s Creek, GA and are looking for an expert locksmith you can trust, please give a call to the professional team at John’s Creek 24/7 Locksmith. We are happy to guide you through the process of picking a deadbolt, and we offer a wide range of services to help you be more secure and protected.

Article source here: JOHNS CREEK 24/7 LOCKSMITH: WHY YOU NEED DEADBOLTS AT HOME

DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

We all want a safe and secure place to call home ~ a private sanctuary where everybody can relax inside in peace. If you’d like extra peace of mind, it’s essential to make sure your household is effectively safeguarded. Start by checking to see whether all your locks are working, and periodically be on the lookout for any vulnerabilities in your exterior doors. Furthermore, always thoroughly monitor what’s going on around your property. It’s not as difficult as you might think to have exceptional security no matter where you live. Consider the following easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to efficiently enhancing your home’s security:

Be a good neighbor. Become acquainted with your neighbors, at least on each side, as well as a few across the street. Communicate occasionally. Establish trust. Good neighbors watch out for each other. You don’t have to be friends; simply be friendly. A good neighbor will keep an eye on your place while you’re gone. Some might even collect your mail, water your lawn, or help in other small ways to make it look like you’re at home. Return the favor when given the opportunity.

Have the family agree to some general rules.

• Don’t answer the door unless you know the person. (Install a peephole if you don’t have one already.)
• Store your valuables in uncommon places.
• Lock doors and windows before turning in, any anytime you’re away.

DIY. When you’re vigilant about spotting potential flaws in your security, then your property will be less appealing to a burglar. No home is completely impervious, but there numerous ways you can thwart criminal trespass.

Store your garage-door remote and keys sensibly. It’s a lousy idea to keep your remotes and keys next to a door that has any glass, or to any door close to a window, evident to anyone able to peek in. Hide them inside a drawer, or on hooks mounted inside a cupboard door, instead.

Don’t keep a “hidden” spare key outside. Don’t leave an extra key above the door, beneath the mat, or under the flower pot. That’s right where a thief will check. A phony rock keyholder might be an attractive alternative, but a criminal with know how will likely already know what it looks like. It’s much better to give a copy of your key to a trusted friend or neighbor.

Fortify your doors. Examine the quality of your exterior doors. A hollow door is susceptible to break-in, so replace it with a solid-core door made of metal or wood. Strengthen your doors’ locks by replacing the strike plate ~ the stationary piece where the bolt goes in ~ and by mounting a solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. Replace any short mounting screws with screws that are longer, which reach the door’s studs reinforcing the door frame.

Upgrade weak or worn-out locks. Trustworthy professional locksmiths will tell you that deadbolts always provide outstanding security. Be sure to get a grade-2 deadbolt, which penetrates the door frame. Moreover, digital or smart locks provide an additional layer of security. With some, you can connect your locks to your smart device, and you’ll never have to use a key again.

Bolster your air-conditioner. Install a sliding window lock, corner braces, or a bracket, so that an intruder can’t enter through an unsecured opening.

Secure your windows and any glass doors. Any open window will attract a prowler. First-floor windows are riskier, but upper-floor windows are tempting to an intruder as well. A cat burglar can enter by tree, balcony, fence, or ladder. Therefore, you should use a blocking device, such as a wooden dowel, on each window. This will prevent a person on the outside from sliding it open. Make sure you can remove these window-blocking devices from the inside easily, so in case of fire anyone inside will be able to leave quickly.

For horizontally sliding aluminum windows, and ground-level sliding-glass doors, anti-lift devices are required. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel, so a robber can’t lift it out when in the closed position. You can also stick a decal on windows and glass doors, next to the latch mechanism, showing that you’re part of a Neighborhood Watch program, or that you have an alarm system (even if you don’t).

Put ladders away. Don’t leave a ladder in the yard, because a swindler, acting like a contractor or handyman, could use your ladder to enter through a window or balcony.

Protect your garage. Some crooks prefer the relatively easier method of getting in through the garage. Whenever you’re out, keep your garage door closed and locked.

Keep a tidy yard. Trim your trees, hedges, shrubs, and all other plants. If not well spaced, too tall, or too unwieldy, a trespasser will undoubtedly find a hiding place.

Keep the lights in operating condition. Install lights by all the doors, along with motion detectors. Some lights also respond to fluctuations in temperature, daylight, or sound. With some, you can sync the lights to your smart device, which will alert you of anything suspicious, and you can immediately respond even when you’re not home.

Install timers. You can make it seem like you’re at home by putting timers on your lights, sprinklers, radios, and TVs. If you go on vacation, you can connect a smart device using a mobile app, and remotely monitor and control everything.

Install an alarm system. If it fits in your budget, install an alarm system. Teach your family to use it daily. Always keep the batteries charged, so you’ll remain secure even in a power failure. Think about:

• installing a carbon monoxide monitor;
• adding smoke alarms and a fire alarm;
• putting in a moisture monitor in your basement for flood detection;
• putting the whole system on a timer schedule; and
• using a smart device to remotely access the entire system, so that anytime you wish, you can monitor and adjust it.

Hire a professional. If you do find weaknesses in your security, to learn how to remedy each issue, hire a reputable local locksmith company. If you’re in Johns Creek, Georgia, request a free consultation from a superior residential locksmith specialist, such as those on staff at Johns Creek 24/7 Locksmith.

Article source here: DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Why Call an Emergency Locksmith

There is a slight difference in calling locksmith than calling an emergency locksmith. When you call a locksmith, they may not offer 24-hour emergency locksmith services. Most reputable and professional locksmith services that offer 24-hour emergency services, offers emergency locksmith services. Any time your safety and that of someone else is in jeopardy, you can consider it a locksmith emergency. This is the type of problem that is best left to the trained and qualified professionals of Johns Creek 24/7 Locksmith. This is because all of our locksmiths have the skills and has the training needed to address many of your emergency locksmith service needs. There are some locksmith services that will take advantage of a person’s situation. This is not the type of service you want to handle the job for you. A reputable service provider will show you by the way they treat you, just how much they would like to assist you in your time of need. They will not take their time to respond to your service needs, they act quickly. They will not overcharge you to handle the job, they will work with your budget to get you the help that you need.

Here are some reasons that you may require the services of an emergency locksmith service:

1. Home Invasions

It goes without saying that if someone has broken in your door or maneuvered the locks of your window that you should contact the services of an emergency locksmith service so that they can quickly repair the damage and secure the area again. Since the lock was obviously compromised, you’ll need to determine which type of lock to have installed that will not be easy to break. The locksmith will be sure to advise you as to which type will be best for your situation.

2. Keys Locked in the Car

Someone locking their keys in the car is a common occurrence. At Johns Creek 24/7 Locksmith in Johns Creek, GA, we are called on every day to help a motorist retrieve the keys they have locked in their car. If you happen to lock your keys in the car, this is certainly a god reason to contact emergency locksmith services to take care of the problem for you, especially if it is late in the evening or early morning. You may also need to do this if you are in a rural area where there is little to no foot traffic. Contacting emergency locksmith services will ensure that you will be able to get back inside your car sooner than later.

3. Locking a child in the car

This happens more than people know. Sometimes when you are in a hurry, you may do something out of the ordinary. This may even include stepping out of the car and locking it behind you without realizing that there is actually someone else inside. This can be scary for both the child and the parent. However, if you are prepared with the name of a responsive and reliable locksmith, it will minimize your level of anxiety. With the help of an emergency locksmith, they can have your child back in your arms in no time. The key to a quick response is your remaining calm and remembering which locksmith service you can depend on to offer you emergency lock and key services.

4. Help with Re-keying a Lock

If you have recently been divorced, separated or are currently involved in a child custody battle, you may need to have your locks rekeyed. This is something that you can count on the services of an emergency locksmith service to help you with. To protect yourself, you should have all of your locks re-keyed. Having your locks re-keyed is not an expensive process and can be done quite quickly. Why not make sure that you can protect yourself from any potential harm by relying on the services of an emergency locksmith to handle the job of re-keying your locks. It is sure to keep you safe and give you peace-of-mind.

5. When You Need Late Night Service

We have already mentioned that if you lock your keys in the car at night, this is when you’ll need the services of an emergency locksmith. This is because an emergency locksmith will respond quickly to your service request because they know that you could be in a dangerous area and do not want to take the chance of anything happening to you. To keep safe and sound, reach out for emergency locksmith services whenever you are locked out of your home or automobile in the middle of the night. You’ll be glad that you did. An emergency locksmith will treat your issue with urgency. They know that it is important to do so especially if you’re calling for emergency services.

Responding to the calls of those who are in desperate need of immediate help is what an emergency locksmith will offer to you. You don’t have to wait around all day to receive the help that you need. If you do, the emergency services you have sought out are not actually emergency services. One thing that we strongly caution our customers about doing is making the situation worse simply because you find yourself in desperate need of help. In some cases, the person may want a quick resolution and they will actually do something drastic, such as, knocking out a window to gain access inside. This is not recommended because what you do not realize in that moment is that you will then have to call a service provider to repair the window also. This makes for even more problems and adds to your expenses. Rather than go to such extremes, we highly recommend that you remember the name or names of several emergency locksmith services in the Johns Creek area who can assist you when you find yourself in need of a responsive locksmith. Get help in a hurry from a locksmith service that cares.

Article source here: Why Call an Emergency Locksmith