How To Protect and Secure Your Home
Discovering different technologies and locking systems
Are you looking to ramp up your home security? Changing out your door hardware is a great place to start! Locks certainly have come a long way, and today's technology offers many styles & finishes, as well as advanced security options that in some cases don't even require a key anymore.
From the basics of how to choose a lock, and what style best suits your needs, to security innovations for ultimate peace of mind in the home, we have you covered. Read on for more:
When choosing door hardware, many factors come into play. Here is a little information to get you started:
What type of Door Hardware do you require?
The first step in choosing door hardware is identifying what your needs are:
Exterior lock options include deadbolt, keyed knobs, or keyed levers and handle sets. They are often treated with a special finish to guard against the effects of harsh weather elements, thereby prolonging the life of the hardware:
- Deadbolts can be used for exterior doors where security is critical.
- Handle sets are designed for your home's front door. They tend to make a bold design statement, while providing the advantage of deadbolt security.
- Keyed knobs or levers are ideal for side/back doors.
Interior options include knobs and levers. Both are available in:
- Privacy function: ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms because they lock from the inside but have an emergency release on the outside.
- Passage function: ideal for a hall or closet door where no locking is required.
- Inactive/Dummy function: primarily decorative
Once you have determined your requirements – What next?
Door hardware can have a real impact on the curb appeal of your home. Considering that a guest standing at your door is already formulating a first impression of your home before they are invited in, you can see how the right hardware can make a real style statement!
Finish: Getting the Right Look
Once you have determined the type of door hardware that suits your security needs, there are a surprisingly wide selection of finishes to choose from including bright brass, antique brass, satin nickel, antique nickel, bright chrome, satin chrome, venetian bronze, rustic bronze, rustic pewter and iron black.
Brass finishes are a classic when it comes to door hardware choices, but lately more and more homeowners are opting for a little something different like the warmer bronzes and pewters.
Ever Wondered What a Finish Says About You?
- Venetian Bronze: you are nostalgic and have a soft spot for classic Victorian décor. You are dependable and conservative and love classical music, fine dining and Rome.
- Satin Stainless Steel: your home is probably simple, airy with lots of natural light. You are most likely to enjoy clean living, holidays at the coast, and chowing down on sushi.
- Rustic Pewter: you tend to work too much, but boast good business sense. You enjoy laid-back activities like listening to classic rock, eating cheeseburgers, camping and watching sports.
- Iron Black: there is something mysterious about you! You probably enjoy listening to emo music, visiting Eastern bloc countries, eating ethnic, and dressing in black.
- Bright Brass: you have a sunny personality and a magnetic sense of humor. You enjoy glitzy towns like Vegas, wearing bright colours, and pop music.
Style: Architecturally inspired designs to match your lifestyle
In addition to choosing a colour, there are a number of different handle sets, lever & knob designs to address even the most demanding of decorative themes, including classical, traditional and contemporary treatments.
Grades (ANSI)
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a non-profit organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standardization to ensure that building hardware is up to spec. Each product's operation, security level, and finish are tested before a grade is assigned.
Although it isn't mandatory for manufacturers to obtain these grades, all Weiser products carry ANSI ratings so you can be sure of the quality and durability of their products.
New Technologies in Home Locking Systems from Weiser:
Locking a door used to involve only a key and a lock, but nowadays there are some very interesting new technologies on the market; some of which no longer require a key at all!
SmartKey
SmartKey technology is one of Weiser's new locking innovations. It allows you to rekey your lock (by yourself!) in seconds, and can be rekeyed an infinite amount of times, as you need to update your security. Take a look at this short video to see how this amazing technology works!
If anyone outside of the home has a key or ever had a key, it is a good idea to rekey your locks to maintain the highest standard of home security possible. Contractors and tradesmen building new homes may still have access with their key, for example. Or perhaps you have an outstanding key with a maid service that didn't work out, or even a babysitter who no longer works for you. Any keys you cannot account for present a security risk, which can easily be taken care of without the cost of a locksmith and the easy SmartKey locking system.
The SmartKey technology is resistant to ‘bumping' (a common technique used by thieves to defeat a lock) and is available in 3 levels of ANSI ratings. By installing a lock with SmartKey technology on all your doors, you can set yourself up to use one key on all locks.
Wondering what other reasons there might be to rekey your locks? Get Smart – Get Weiser! Watch this short clip for more.
| SmartKey Locks (view all) | $189.00 at The Home Depot | $189.00 at The Home Depot | | | | | |
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SmartCode
SmartCode technology allows you to forego keys all together by punching in a secret code to open the lock, and then easily locks again with the push of a single button. SmartCode further secures your home because instead of lending out keys that can be duplicated, you can assign temporary codes for trades and services, and delete them when they are no longer needed.
The SmartCode keypad can be installed in conjunction to any Weiser knob, lever or handleset and features a back-lit keypad, easy installation and SmartKey technology.
For absent-minded homeowners who may forget to lock the door when leaving or entering the home, Weiser's incredibly sophisticated technology of the SmartCode provides the ability to set the door to automatically lock 30 seconds after the door shuts. As well, when inside homeowners will be able to tell from a distance whether the door is locked or not by a small illuminating indicator that shows red or green depending on the state of the lock.
The SmartCode can also be unlocked with a key, so if you ever forget the code, there is still a means to safely gain access to your home until you recode it.
Installs in minutes with just a screw driver, No drilling or wiring required! Runs on 4 AA Batteries.
Powerbolt
Powerbolt provides the convenience of keyless door locks and entry systems for today's active lifestyle. The latest in electronic technology operates on just four AA batteries, and permits access with either your personalized code or a key. It is easy to install, easy to program, and easy to use. Powerbolt requires no wiring and easily replaces existing door hardware.
| Powerbolts (view all) | $109.00 at The Home Depot | | $109.00 at The Home Depot |
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Who is Weiser? What Sets Them Apart?
Did you know that this well-known company got their start by making door locks for Hollywood film sets in 1904? Since then, Weiser has been at the forefront of home protection with innovative and aesthetically pleasing door hardware.
What makes Weiser an exceptional brand is their wide range of solutions that satisfy different needs and budgets. Every product line is also offered in a large selection of designer finishes to suit every decorating taste.
The company has been designing and manufacturing locks for over 100 years and they are committed to offering quality and security while always evolving with the consumer's needs.
Alternative Home Security Systems:
Besides locking doors, there are other ways to discourage home invasions. Motion activated spotlights will deter unwanted visitors, while window bars will prevent entry via basement windows.
If budget allows, a camera system will provide a visual of what's going on around your home, but hiring a professional consultant will buy the ultimate home security system - which may include the installation of an alarm.
Safety in the home is important on so many levels. Protecting our loved ones and property is top priority for most of us, and with Weiser's suite of innovative products, it is easy and affordable to do so for life. Take a look at these other helpful tips to make the most of your home security:
- All windows and doors should be locked at all times - 51% of break-ins happen in broad daylight!
- Experts recommend that you check your locks every 6 months.
- Never leave house keys on your keychain when using a valet service.
- When buying a new home, make sure to replace all locks. During the sales process, many people would have had access to keys, and not all of them will have been supervised.
- Never leave the garage door opener in the car if you are in the habit of parking on your street. Furthermore, disconnect the garage door opener all together when on vacation.
- Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor instead of under the doormat.
- If you plan on being away for a while, try to ensure your house looks occupied: have someone pick up the flyers and mail, put lights and TV on a timer, turn the ringer down on the phone, arrange for snow removal, etc.
- Never attach an address tag to your house keys!
- Mark your valuables with your driver's license. Thieves will have a harder time getting rid of stolen goods if they can be easily traced to their owner.
- Discard boxes from newly purchased valuables discreetly, so as not to attract burglars.
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