Are Electronic Locks Better Than Key Locks

Are Expensive Locks More Secure?

Many times, the question of whether expensive locks are more secure or not is often raised. In this article, discover all you need to know about expensive locks and if they are the best bet for you.

Are Expensive Locks Worth It?

The answer to this question is yes and no. With commercial and residential locks, the case is different. With commercial locks, it makes perfect sense to spend money on expensive, high-security locks. When it comes to residential locks, if you are only concerned with break-in’s, you might want to look at other methods of reinforcing security other than expensive locks. If you do have items of value to protect, you should invest in high-security locks.

Are Electronic Locks Better Than Key Locks?

Are Electronic Locks Better Than Key Locks
Are Electronic Locks Better Than Key Locks?

Electronic locks remove the need for keys and include automation features such as remote unlocking or locking. This allows the locks to be monitored or controlled through a smartphone.

Some examples of electronic locks include:

Smartphone-operated lock

Smartphone-operated locks are operated through a smartphone. They normally require an app that grants you access to set unlock and lock times. Some of the features smartphone-operated locks offer to include monitoring, allowing you to receive alerts if someone tries to break into your office or home.

Coded entry

This is the most typical electronic lock. A keypad is installed outside the door, and a code will be required to unlock it.

Key card/key fob

Key card or key fob locks are electronic door locks activated by you touching the key card to the touchpad.

Biometric

Biometric door locks are usually operated via fingerprint. All you need to do is place the registered finger on the lock to gain entry. Some other biometric options include eye scanners and voice-activated locks, although they can be very expensive.

Pros

  • It is easy to change or add combinations
  • It offers additional security with increased lock combinations
  • You can self-service the locks
  • It gives you the ability to monitor access
  • It can be easily accessed in the dark
  • Keeps a record of who has locked and unlocked

Cons

  • Requires access to electricity to operate properly
  • May require multiple battery changes

Keyless Convenience

An electronic lock does not require a key to operate. They are great for businesses, allowing you to set multiple combinations for different groups of people.

Access Control

Electronic locks offer better access control because all you need to do is program a special access code instead of fumbling around with various keys. Also, electronic locks let you take note of who has been in and out of your building.

Style and Design

Mechanical door locks usually have a wide range of styles and finishes. Electronic locks have more limited, minimal, yet sleek designs. If you require a more cohesive look throughout your home, mechanical locks might be the best bet for you.

Smart Home Compatibility

If you are big about automation, along with the added security and convenience, then electronic locks are the better option for you. Ensure that you pay proper attention and make sure that the electronic lock you choose is compatible with the existing devices in your building.

Is a Keypad Door Lock Safe?

High-quality keypad door locks that are fitted by a professional are considered safe. This does not mean quality keypads will automatically make your property safer. Keypad door locks are available in a wide range, offering security for your property.

Bear in mind that the major flaw in the security system of a property is not the lock but the user. Many burglars gain access to your home via an unlocked window or door. It is not enough to install quality keypad locks; you have to use them.

Are Digital Locks Secure?

Yes, digital locks are secure. This does not mean they are any more secure than mechanical locks. However, it is important to note that getting past a digital lock might prove more difficult for a regular burglar than a mechanical lock.

Getting past a keyed lock is quite easy for a typical intruder. However, depending on the material digital locks are made from, it can be quite the breeze for burglars. It is important to note that almost all digital locks making use of Bluetooth, wifi and fingerprints tend to cease function during a power outage, requiring a backup key to unlock the door. Most burglars are skilled in exploiting the backup key slots in electronic locks, granting them access into your home.

Electronic door locks are not safer than keyed door locks per se. However, if a person is tech-savvy and wants to enjoy the ease of access, an electronic door lock is the best way to go.

Can a Digital Lock Be Hacked?

Like many other digital devices, digital locks can be hacked. Most smart locks have many vulnerabilities that make them at risk for hacking. Some of these vulnerabilities include device spoofing, plain text passwords, replay attacks and decompiling APK files.

Although some models of digital locks are more secure than others, most times, these locks are installed for convenience rather than security.

How Can I Make My Front Door More Secure?

How Can I Make My Front Door More Secure
How Can I Make My Front Door More Secure?

There are several steps you can take to make your front door more secure. To make your home more secure, you can take the following steps:

ReKey the Lock

If you have just moved homes, it is your responsibility to ensure that your home is secure. Rekeying can be the solution for you. With rekeying, you take out the old cylinder and replace it with a new one that fits different pins.

Rekeying kits are easy to find. You can check your local hardware stores and get a kit that can match most brands. This makes rekeying one of the simplest steps you can take to secure your front door.

Add a Strike Box

Although complicated, strike boxes improve the layer of security on your front door. Strike boxes are small and sleek, allowing them to fit your door seamlessly, enhancing its overall style.

Attaching the strike box to the hinges of your door can protect the opening, blocking it from bad weather. This will prevent wind and rust from affecting the opening system.

Fitting a strike box requires certain adjustments to your front door. However, these adjustments, including enlarging the hole in the jamb and the cover plate recess, are pretty straightforward. A professional locksmith should be able to get it done easily.

Replace your door glazing

Most older doors make use of single-glazed glass in their designs. However, this style of glazing cannot protect your living space. This is due to how fragile glazing is, meaning intruders can break it or separate it from the door frame. Thus, getting through the glazing allows them to access the door a lot quicker. 

Adding new glazing to your door comes with multi-point locking systems. These systems ensure that no matter what happens, the glass remains fasted to the door frame. Due to this, intruders will find it difficult to break the glass alone, making your front door a whole lot secure.

Install a wide-angle peephole

A wide-angle peephole is a very easy security feature to use and install. You can install these indoors that are as thick as two inches, which means you can incorporate them in most designs. These peepholes give you a clear view of the front of your house, allowing you to see what’s going on outside without people outside seeing you.

Wide-angle peepholes are installed, making them a straightforward option to secure your front door. A trained locksmith can install your wide-angle peephole for you. You can also get it done yourself if you are skilled with your hands.

Add a reinforcer plate

A reinforcer plate works by encasing your door around its handset or deadbolt, increasing the edge of the door and improving the security of the whole door. They are an elaborate installation, but this only means they can further improve the security of your doors. You need to measure the thickness of the frame, confirming the distance between the entrance’s edge and the centre of the deadbolt. This measured distance is known as the setback, and it details the size of the reinforcer plate.

Add a high-security Deadbolt

deadbolt are an affordable option that offers some of the best protection you can get for your front door. They are available in three options; single, double and lockable thumb turn options. All these options allow you to secure your door, using an outer key cylinder in collaboration with an inner thumb turn to close the lock automatically.

Conclusion

Fixing your door lock problems does not have to be complicated. When you work with a professional, you can get exceptional service, even in the case of an emergency Contact TBC Locksmith for all your locksmith needs. We are an affordable locksmith company, and our team of skilled locksmiths offers top-notch solutions for car lockouts, homes, storefronts, offices, and so on.

Our services include installing new locks, top-notch door repairs, rekeying locks, and making new keys. All our locksmiths are licensed and insured, and we offer you affordable pricing with a 90-day guarantee.

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What to Consider Before Choosing a Smart Garage Door

Why You Should Invest in a Smart Garage Door 

If you have ever wondered whether you left your garage door open, you probably need a smart garage door. Most people have the thought of an open garage door flash across their mind while running errands or at work, and it is genuinely scary.

The majority of break-ins are facilitated by an open window or door, which includes garage doors. With a smart garage door, you do not have to worry about forgetting to close your garage door. You will be able to control your garage door from where you are and close or open it as you please.

In this article, discover what a smart garage door is, why you should invest in it and what to consider when choosing one.

What is a Smart Garage Door Opener?

A smart garage door opener is a device that functions like a regular garage door opener but with the option of connecting to a WiFi network for control. This connection allows remote monitoring and management of the garage door directly from an application installed on your smartphone.

Smart garage door openers are categorized under the umbrella of smart home automation devices. Believe it or not, your garage is one of the most vulnerable points in your home. A lot of homeowners leave their garage door leading into the house open for convenience. This practice is hazardous and can serve as an entry point for burglars or even more dangerous intruders.

It is also common practice to store costly possessions such as vehicles, lawn care equipment, and other garage tools. Burglars are aware of this, making your garage an even more appealing option.

A smart garage door helps you stay in charge. You can always tell if your garage door is closed or open, and you can control it from wherever you are. This will make it harder for burglars to ransack your home.

5 Reasons You Should Invest in a Smart Garage Door Opener

5 Reasons Should You Invest in a Smart Garage Door Opener

A smart garage door opener is an excellent option for home and property owners. If you are wondering why you should invest in one, here are a few reasons.

1. It makes monitoring easier

With your smart garage door opener, you can hear and see guests who come into your garage. When paired with camera options, you can even speak to them via the available speaker and microphone connections. You can issue instructions, give warm greetings, and even directions to guess who needs help getting in.

2. It improves security

Security is a big deal when it comes to garages. The garage door is easily overlooked as an entry point into your home. Many times, the garage contains valuables such as bikes, electronics, and vehicles.

The great news is with a smart garage door keypad, you have access to various security features for you to choose from. Whether you want to receive push notifications on your phone when your garage door is opened without your authorization or need a security camera with night vision, a smart garage door is the answer.

3. It helps to set up schedules

If you have people that show up at your house at certain times, you can preset a schedule so that your doors open and close at the same time daily.

4. It grants easy access

If you have unexpected guests, you can open the garage door yourself from wherever you are in the house. You can go as far as authorizing certain people’s entries, repeatedly or one time. A smarty garage door opener gives you a vast amount of options to stay in control whether you want to keep people in or let them out.

5. It gives temperature alerts

A smart garage door opener can come with sensors that monitor the temperature. This is great for both winter and summer. The sensor not only tells you if your garage door is left open but also alerts you if the temperature inside your garage is getting too cold or hot. This is helpful if you store equipment, food, or other temperature-sensitive items in there.

How Much Does a Smart Garage Door Cost?

You can get a WiFi-connected smart garage door opener for $169 to $300. These types of garage openers do not require extra accessories for you to control them from your smartphone. You can also get add ons for $50 to $100.

How is a Smart Garage Door Controlled?

The best feature of a smart garage door is the ability to incorporate it into your smart home. This connectivity allows you to control your garage door in several ways using different devices. It also works together with your smart home for increased security.

Some ways your smart home can work with your smart garage include:

  • Camera integration

You can integrate your smart garage with the doorbell camera in your home. By doing this, you can see who is at the front door and open your garage for them if you need a delivery or package dropped in your garage. To further improve how secure your garage is, you can install security cameras inside or right outside the garage so you can continually keep an eye on who goes in and comes out.

  • App and panel control

A smart garage can integrate with an existing smart home control panel when you use a smartphone app as general control. Just as you would do with your home’s smart locks, you can close and open the garage door via your panel or app.

  • Security system integration

You can link your home security system to your smart garage door Toronto based on the existing system you have. When your security system is armed, the garage door will give a signal when it is opened. Integrating your smart garage door keypad with your smart home helps you take advantage of all the features provided by your smart home.

Can I Install a Smart Garage Door Myself?

Smart garage doors are pretty easy to install, and you can do it yourself. If you are a handy person, you can be done in less than an hour. You can use several videos for reference, and most manufacturers also have installation tutorials available.

However, if you are not confident in your DIY skills, do not hesitate to contact a garage door expert. It is a lot easier to install add-on devices compared to full systems. A lot of people can easily manage this themselves. Typically, installing an add-on simply requires you to attach the device to your existing garage door opener using double-sided tape. Next, you connect two wires to close and open terminals on your existing garage door opener.

The final step is to download the necessary application on your phone, and you are all set.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Smart Garage Door

If you are carrying out upgrades around your home or just want to give your garage a makeover, this is an excellent time to consider a smart garage door.

Like other smart devices, choosing a suitable garage door can be quite the chore. It can be even more difficult when you do not know precisely what you’re looking for. Before choosing a smart garage door, here are a few things to consider.

1. Compatibility

You need to make sure that the smart garage door opener you will be getting is compatible with your current garage door. If you have an automatic garage door, installing a smart garage door Toronto will be a lot easier than if your door is manual. The manufacturer should list the current door systems and models that are compatible for easier understanding.

2. WiFi Connectivity

Smart garage openers function via a WiFi connection. Check that your present connection is strong enough and has adequate bandwidth to take an additional device.

3. Smart home integration

If you live in a smart home, you need to be sure to integrate your smart door opener with the rest of your smart home. Ensure that your door opener works fine with the rest of your devices.

4. App Compatibility

App compatibility. Controlling your garage door via an app on your smartphone is one of the most significant benefits of a smart garage door, so make sure the app it comes with is compatible with your smart device’s operating system.

Conclusion

Now that you know why you should invest in a smart garage door, finding an expert doesn’t have to be complicated. If you are in Toronto or the GTA, contact TBC Garage Doors, a reputable company that offers professional garage door installation, replacement, and repair. We also provide emergency services, and our specialized team is available whenever you need help.

Our services include new garage door installation, garage door spring installation/repair, garage door sensor repair/set up, garage door opener belt installation/repair. Garage door framing, among many others. We also handle different doors, from sectional, roll up and side-hinged garage doors to up and over/tilt-up canopy garage doors.

We are a 24-hour garage door company in Toronto, and we offer emergency services along with a 90-day guarantee for services offered and are available round the clock. Contact us today for your smart garage door installation, repair, and servicing.

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