Locks

Boilers have an expected service life of about 15 years. Sooner or later they all need to be replaced. This article is intended to guide the homeowner through an initial diagnostic process to determine if there is a quick and easy solution to the problem, and where to seek help if a quick remedy isn'’t available.

Concerned about recent break-ins in your neighborhood? Need a locking system that is easy to change after a tenant moves out? Sick and tired of locking yourself out of your own home?  You‘re not alone.

In this and following articles we will review some of the advances that have occurred in door locks and related home security systems, and then go over some of the repairs to already
installed locks that homeowners face from time to time.

Here are some of the useful innovations in the  door locking world:

• Do it yourself door jamb upgrades. Even if you have a reasonably sturdy locking device on your door, a stout kick will usually be sufficient to dislodge the strike plate from the door jamb as the door swings open.  To remedy this obvious security deficiency,  homeowners can now purchase a sturdy steel strip that extends the length of the jamb.  The steel strip secures at multiple points with extra long screws.  The prospective burglar will now have to force the door at the next weakest location.  Don't worry though, it's easy enough to install a door frame made entirely of steel - and a steel door to compliment the set, with extra strong deadbolt lock(s).  Ultimately the burglar will be forced to attempt entry through a window.  We'll discuss measures to prevent that in just a bit.
• Biometric reader controlled locks.   There is still time to be the first in your neighborhood to install one of these classy but surprisingly affordable units on your front door.  They come as part of several styles and grades of locking systems, including some very high quality deadbolt products.  Some units are designed to replace the door knob.  You just grab the ergonomically shaped reader which positions your thumb in just the right place, and you are in.  The shame of admitting you locked yourself out again will become a distant memory, eventually. The finger print reader is easy to program, and can accommodate the thumb prints of even the largest family.  These units are available today at larger DIY stores.
• Electronic keypad controlled locks.  Not quite as attention getting as the biometric units, keypad controlled locks will solve the "locked yourself out again" issue discussed above, unless you get a model that requires both a code entry and a key.  They are easily reprogrammed if a tenant or other person moves on. Once again, it's not really how the lock is activated that matters;rather it is the strength of the whole entry system that counts.
• Integrated home security systems.  Now we get to the part about the burglar who can't get in through the door, so he/she uses a convenient window instead.  Home security systems come in a very wide range of prices.  Some monitored systems also include ongoing monthly charges.  There are some quite inexpensive systems that will sense window entries, sound a very loud alarm, and include lots of those little signs you can post around your property announcing that have a security system installed.

It's all food for thought.

If you intend to keep the lock system you have for the present, here are some informative articles on keeping lock mechanisms working properly.

• Common lock problems
• How to fit a cylinder lock
• How to fit a mortise lock
• How to keep your home secure: The cost-effective way

Important information regarding our DIY help and advice

We try to make the advice on our website ( www.serviceteam.co.uk ) as useful and reliable as possible. However, the purpose of this advice section of the website is to provide homeowners and private landlords with general guidance and useful tips only. It doesn't necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals and might not be relevant or appropriate in all circumstances. It is not designed to provide professional advice or financial advice and should not be relied on as such.