LockRite Locksmiths Blog
Stay up to date with the latest news, views and information from the UK's largest network of professional Locksmiths.
Featured Posts
How to Spot Rogue Locksmiths and Avoid Locksmith Scams
When it comes to protecting your home, it’s important to use a reputable locksmith you can trust. Unfortunately, locksmith scams have become increasingly common across
Halloween Home Security Tips
Dark, spooky nights are drawing in. Stay safe this Halloween with essential home security tips. The dark, gloomy nights approach as we get closer to
Recent Posts
5 Benefits Of Using Smart Locks For Your Home
Smart locks have risen in popularity over recent years, and it is estimated that a staggering 57% of homes in Britain contain at least one smart device in their home. Whether that be to make sure the house is warm for when they get home, or turn the lights off to save electricity, smart home devices are here to stay. Smart locks are a fantastic way to enhance your home security, increase accessibility, and are quick and easy to install. Take a look at the 5 benefits of using smart locks below and upgrade your home security today.
Keyless entry
We all know the feeling: frantically rummaging around in your bag trying to find your keys, only to feel the dread in the pit of your stomach as you realize they are nowhere to be found, and you have no way of gaining access to your house. However, standing out in the cold waiting to be let in could be a thing of the past with the installation of smart locks, as they do not require a key. All you need is your smartphone and internet/Wi-Fi connection, but even if your phone is damaged, lost or out of power, there are still alternative ways to gain access to your home. These will vary depending on the type of smart lock you own. Typical alternative access methods include a pin code, a manual key over ride, a key fob or access to the smart lock app via another device.
Accessibility
With smart locks, you can provide access to your home for others, no matter where you are. So, whether it be to let in a neighbour to water the plants whilst you are on holiday, or the delivery driver to leave your package in the porch so it doesn’t get stolen, all is possible with the right smart lock, and saves you the rush back home to let someone in.
Security
One of the most obvious benefits of smart locks is the additional security they offer. Long gone are the days when you have to leave a key under the flowerpot, which is the first place a burglar will check. With certain smart locks, you can set unique codes for people who need to access your home. What’s more, you can decide how long each code is valid for, and a time window for when they can be used, so you know exactly who is gaining entry to your house and when. It’s possible the very appearance of a smart lock can also be a deterrent to burglars, as being keyless, there is no possibility of lock picking. Smart locks can also integrate with other security devices such as security cameras and smart doorbells.
Notifications
We have all second-guessed ourselves on whether we have locked the door on leaving the house and may have even returned to double-check! A smart lock does all the hard work for you and will send you a notification if you have left the door unlocked, as well as remind you to lock it before you leave your home. Furthermore, it can let you know who has entered your home, so can give you peace of mind in the knowledge that your loved ones have made it home safely.
Good investment
Although smart locks are more expensive at the outset than traditional locks, they are cost-effective in the long term. It can be time-consuming and expensive to change all the locks in the house, as well as have new keys made, whereas smart lock installation is quick and easy, as well as looking sleek and stylish. Smart locks also suit any door and can be used internally in your house to protect sentimental items. Furthermore, peace of mind when it comes to your home security is worth its weight in gold, and worth every penny knowing your house is safe and secure.
Make sure to check out our other great blogs about how to protect against common methods use to enter your home, as well as how to secure your sliding glass door, so you can be as protected as possible. Get in touch today with one of our local locksmiths who will be happy to help.
How To Secure Your Sliding Glass Door
2022 experienced a summer that kept on giving! Over the last few months, we have experienced some truly gorgeous sunny weather, and the majority of us have thrown open our windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and cool down our houses and apartments.
However, burglary rates tend to rise along with the temperature: burglaries were up from 16,294 in April to 17,274 in July, with a burglary occurring every 106 seconds (Review42). It’s even more important to consider how to secure your home in the summer months. Lots of us have French doors and sliding doors in rooms which allow direct access to the garden. This is a fantastic feature to have, and is great for opening up access to green space, and bringing the outdoors in. Nevertheless, remembering to secure your sliding glass door after a day outside is crucial in order to stop burglars taking advantage of easy access into your house. Take a look below to find out some of the best ways to secure your sliding glass door, and keep your house secure during the warmer weather.
Check your door frame
If you are considering getting sliding doors put in, it is important to ensure the door frame is sturdy enough to support locking mechanisms. Sliding doors come in different styles, so consider if you want one or both doors to slide, and how you will be able to secure them effectively. Applying a shatterproof window film to the sliding door also enhances security, in giving an additional layer of protection.
Install a sliding glass door lock
It may be stating the obvious, but fitting a lock that is specially designed for sliding glass doors is key to ensuring the door is as burglar proof as it can be. Sliding glass door locks are an addition to the standard lock which the doors will come with, and give additional protection. They are attached at the top of the door, meaning they can’t accidentally be tampered with by children, and make it impossible to force the door open. Sliding door locks also come with the added benefit of 2 settings; for when the door is locked completely, or locked with a gap to allow air circulation in a secure way.
Install a deadbolt or door brace
If you want to add even more security, then it might be worth considering a deadbolt or door brace to help secure your sliding glass doors. Most sliding doors permit the addition of a deadbolt, and is ideal for ensuring the door can’t slide back. For French doors, we would recommend the addition of a door brace, which can withstand a lot of pressure. They ensure that the doors remain in place, however much force is applied and even if the doors are unlocked. We can supply and fit a great range of locks, and our expert locksmiths are happy to talk you through which lock would work best for you.
Install CCTV
It’s now a common occurrence to have a camera fitted at the front of the house, but it could also be a good idea to install one at the back, for added security and more peace of mind. We install the Yale Smart Home CCTV, which connects straight to your smartphone, and can be set up to record continuously or when motion is detected. We also fit PIR Sensors, which detect movement and sound an alarm when movement is detected.
Follow our steps to make sure you know how to secure your sliding door, and get in touch today with one of our local locksmiths who will be happy to help. Make sure to check out our other great blog posts about how to protect against common methods used to enter your home, as well as the 5 benefits of changing your locks, so you can be as protected as possible.
Supporting National Home Security Month 2022
LockRite is proud to be supporting this year’s National Home Security Month (NHSM) campaign. NHSM is an annual campaign run by leading security specialist, Yale, and this year, NHSM is celebrating its tenth consecutive campaign.
As it’s been for the last decade, National Home Security Month’s main aim is to raise the importance of home security to homeowners across the UK. And now 10 years later, NHSM continues to push home security to the forefront throughout October.
As part of this year’s NHSM campaign, LockRite will be involved in a range of activities to promote the campaign throughout October 2022, providing security advice and tips through blog posts on the NHSM website and social media.
With the clocks going back and autumn on the doorstep, October is a particularly prevalent time for domestic burglaries, making improved home security an even bigger priority for homeowners. With a survey from Yale also revealing that two thirds of Brits haven’t upgraded their home security in the last two years1, there’s no better time to ensure your home security is up to scratch.
Enlisting the help of the trusted home security experts at Yale, National Home Security Month will be sharing their knowledge and expertise to best advice the areas of the home that need prioritising at this time of year. By ensuring high risk areas such as the front door, garages and sheds are secured, homeowners can rest assured their home, family and belongings are protected.
Alongside their top tips and advice, the experts will also be sharing the best home security products on the market to ensure homes have heightened security over the vulnerable autumn period.
From smart security products, including smart alarms, CCTV systems and smart locks, to a range of mechanical solutions including 3-star cylinders, padlocks and safes, the campaign will feature high-quality security products to update the protection of any home.
For more information and handy tips and advice from this year’s National Home Security Month from Yale, visit www.homesecuritymonth.com or search #NHSM2022 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
1Apoll of 2000 UK Adults (Nationally Representative) run by OnePoll, commissioned by Yale UK, 2022
Post Categories
Locksmith Services
If you’re locked out, we can get you back in! We’re experts at picking locks and gaining entry.
We change, repair and fit a wide variety of locks, including : Mortice Locks & Euro Cylinders.
Our expert locksmiths can supply and fit the latest digital smart locks. Including the Yale Linus.
Our trained locksmiths can supply and fit the latest High definition CCTV to your home or business premises.
Our locksmiths can provide boarding services to secure your home or commercial premises.
We offer a full security survey service. Do you really know how secure your home or property is?
We can cut extra keys for your home or office. Our locksmiths carry a range of key blanks.
Smart Security Installed
Yale Linus
Smart Lock
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale Conexis
Smart Lock
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
Yale Keyless
Connected Smart Lock
The Keyless Lock allows you complete control over how you lock your home. Unlock with a PIN, key card, key tag, remote fob or your phone.
Yale Sync Alarm
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale CCTV
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
