Home Security Tips from Professional Locksmiths
Your home's security starts at the door. As a licensed and insured locksmith serving Greensboro and surrounding areas, Gate City Locksmith has helped thousands of homeowners improve their security. Here are our expert tips for protecting your property.
Understanding Lock Security Grades
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates locks on a scale of Grade 1 to Grade 3:
Grade 1 (Highest Security)
- Commercial-grade durability
- Withstands 250,000 lock/unlock cycles
- Resists 10+ strikes from a battering ram
- Recommended for: Front doors, high-security applications
Grade 2 (High Security)
- Heavy-duty residential grade
- Withstands 400,000 cycles
- Good balance of security and cost
- Recommended for: All exterior doors
Grade 3 (Basic Security)
- Standard residential grade
- Withstands 200,000 cycles
- Minimum acceptable for exterior doors
- Recommended for: Interior doors, budget applications
Our Recommendation: Install Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts on all exterior doors for optimal security.
Essential Locks for Every Home
Front Door
Your front door needs the strongest protection:
- Deadbolt: Grade 1 or Grade 2, minimum 1-inch throw
- Reinforced Strike Plate: 3-inch screws into the door frame
- Smart Lock (Optional): For convenience and monitoring
Back Door
Often targeted by burglars because it's less visible:
- Same security level as front door
- Consider a double-cylinder deadbolt if there's glass nearby
- Ensure adequate lighting
Garage Entry Door
The most overlooked security weak point:
- Install a deadbolt (not just a knob lock)
- Reinforce the door frame
- Consider a keypad lock for convenience
Sliding Glass Doors
Vulnerable by design but can be secured:
- Secondary lock or security bar
- Shatter-resistant film
- Motion sensor lights nearby
When to Rekey Your Locks
Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work. Consider rekeying when:
You've Moved Into a New Home
- Previous owners, tenants, or real estate agents may have copies
- Contractors or service workers may have had access
- Recommendation: Rekey within the first week of moving in
Someone Has Moved Out
- Former roommates or tenants
- Ex-partners or family members
- Domestic employees
Keys Have Been Lost or Stolen
- Even if found later, assume copies were made
- Rekey for peace of mind
You Can't Account for All Key Copies
- Keys lent to neighbors or friends
- Keys given to service providers
- Keys that may have been copied without permission
You Want One Key for All Locks
- Convenience of a single key
- Master keying options available
Learn more: Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
Smart Lock Considerations
Smart locks offer convenience and features traditional locks can't provide:
Benefits
- Keyless entry via code or smartphone
- Activity logs showing who entered and when
- Remote locking/unlocking
- Guest codes that can expire
- Integration with home automation
What to Look For
- ANSI Grade 1 or 2 rating
- Auto-lock feature
- Battery backup or alert
- Physical key backup
- Reputable brand (Schlage, Yale, August, Kwikset)
Our Recommendation
Choose a smart lock that still accepts a physical key as backup. Gate City Locksmith can install and program smart locks for your home.
Home Security Best Practices
Daily Habits
- Lock doors every time, even when home
- Use deadbolts, not just knob locks
- Close and lock windows, especially at night
- Use timers on lights when away
Maintenance
- Test all locks monthly
- Replace worn or damaged locks promptly
- Lubricate locks annually
- Check door frames for weakness
When Traveling
- Don't advertise your absence on social media
- Have a neighbor collect packages and mail
- Use smart plugs to simulate occupancy
- Consider a house sitter for extended trips
Beyond Locks: Layered Security
Locks are your first line of defense, but comprehensive security includes:
Lighting
- Motion-activated lights at all entries
- Timer-controlled interior lights
- Well-lit walkways and driveways
Visibility
- Trim bushes near windows and doors
- Remove hiding spots for intruders
- Install peepholes or video doorbells
Cameras and Alarms
- Video doorbell (Ring, Nest, etc.)
- Security cameras at key points
- Monitored alarm system
Reinforcement
- Reinforce door frames with metal plates
- Install window locks and sensors
- Use security film on glass
Common Home Security Mistakes
Mistake 1: Hiding Keys Outside
- Under the mat, in a fake rock, above the door frame
- These spots are well-known to burglars
- Solution: Leave a spare with a trusted neighbor
Mistake 2: Using Only Knob Locks
- Knob locks can be defeated easily
- Solution: Install deadbolts on all exterior doors
Mistake 3: Weak Door Frames
- The frame is often weaker than the lock
- Solution: Reinforce with a security strike plate
Mistake 4: Neglecting Windows
- Ground-floor windows are common entry points
- Solution: Install window locks and consider sensors
Mistake 5: Outdated Locks
- Worn locks may not function properly
- Solution: Have locks inspected annually
Free Home Security Assessment
Gate City Locksmith offers free home security assessments. Our licensed technicians will:
- Evaluate all entry points
- Assess current lock quality
- Identify vulnerabilities
- Recommend improvements
- Provide a no-obligation quote
Our Residential Services
- Lock installation and replacement
- Lock rekeying
- Deadbolt installation
- Smart lock installation
- Security assessments
- View all services
Service Areas
Improve Your Home Security Today
Contact Gate City Locksmith for professional residential locksmith services.
Call: 919-735-2901 Services: Residential Locksmith Services Contact: Get a Free Quote
