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Security Requirements For Your Wooden Doors

wooden front door

Recently I have attended quite a few residential properties as a locksmith which still have wooden doors on them, as opposed to upvc or composite ones. A common theme with many of them is the lack of or inadequate security measures in place. Not only does this make you more vulnerable to a break in but it may also mean that your insurance company may not pay out in the event of a burglary. Many customers are surprised and shocked at how quickly and easily a locksmith is able to gain entry to their home when they are locked out particularly when only a ‘Yale’ type lock is installed.

The following is a typical set of requirements that a home insurance company may request in order for your home to be covered. It is important to note that some higher level policies may require extra measures but for standard home insurance the following is usually the rule. It is always advised to check your policy documents thoroughly.

  • A discount is usually allowed if your home is protected to the required standard
  • Your property may not be covered unless the required security measures are operational whilst the property is left un attended.

FINAL EXIT DOOR

  • Must be fitted with a mortice deadlock/sash-lock with at least 5 levers or is fitted with a lock conforming to BS3621 1998 or higher (see end of article for examples)

FRENCH OR DOUBLE DOORS

  • Must be fitted with 2 key operated security bolts/rack bolts at the top and the bottom of the final closing door and if the door is not rebated i.e one door must close before the other, this must be done to both doors.
  • The bolts must be fitted vertically so as to enter the top and the bottom of the door frame.

TYPES OF LOCK EXPLAINED

Mortice locks and night latches are the two main type of lock that you will need to be concerned about on your single door final exit. These two locks are commonly refered to as Chubb locks and Yale locks respectively although these are actually just brand names.

A lock conforming to BS3621 will have the ‘Kitemark’ logo stamped on to the lock or packaging

BS3621 lock

2 Types of Mortice Lock are available and acceptable if conforming to BS3621

  • Mortice Sash Lock. This type of mortice lock will have a bolt and a latch and will be operated with a lever type door handle.
  • Mortice Dead Lock. Similar to a Sash Lock but with just a bolt and no lever handles required.

Night latches or ‘Yale’ type locks are also acceptable but again only if conforming to BS3621. It is important to note that many night latches are available but only a small amount are British Standard so make sure it shows the kite mark logo.

Bolts for French or Double Doors

  • Surface mounted bolt
Surface Mounted Multi Purpose Bolt
  • Rack Bolt

It Is important to remember that these bolts should be fitted with the bolt going into the frame.

Although standard requirements for most insurance companies please always remember to check your individual policy documents

Security for your Air BnB

showing the air bob logo

Top tips for your AirBnB home security

AirBnB is an ever increasing and popular way to rent out property for personal and investment reasons alike. However, with these short term rentals comes more opportunity for break ins, lost keys and general security issues due to the high turnover of guests. However, there are ways to ensure that your AirBnB home security is the best it can be, yet easy and convenient to access for your guests.

showing the airBnB logo

Key Safe

Key safes are a popular way to give guests access to the home without having to find a time to exchange keys. If there are multiple guests staying at the same property, the key safe allows them to come and go as they please without having to worry about being locked out.

Police approved key safe

Smart Locks

Smart locks are great way to offer keyless entry to your AirBnB property. Virtual keys can be issued for different guests and no key returns or pickups will be required.

Restricted key systems for AirBnB home security

A restricted key system ensures that all keys given to guests cannot be duplicated. The locks with these kind of keys will come with a code that is required in order to get a key copied or a signed document. Many high security cylinder locks now come with this feature. This is important to keep in mind. If prior guests have access to the property it may put future guests in danger.

Lock away valuables

Property owners may wish to stay in their AirBnB at certain times of the year. In this case, it’s advised that any personal items left at the property are securely locked in a store room, spare bedroom, or garage store room. This will ensure they’re not damaged or stolen but still at the property for convenience.

AirBnB Insurance

Ensure your home is correctly insured for short term rentals. This will make sure you are effectively covered, not only for damages but for loss of rent for last minute cancellations or if a guest is injured in your home.

Smart Security Alarm System

Consider installing a smart security alarm system. This means that you’ll have the ability to control your home security system remotely and be notified when the alarm is activated and even add additional video feed cameras 

YALE SMART HOME ALARM SYSTEM

Precision Locksmiths

If you’re interested in finding out more information on how you can secure your AirBnb, please feel free to give us a call on 07577138335. We offer free on-site quotations and all our locksmiths are fully trained and professional.

We also offer an emergency locksmith service, so if you find yourself or your guests locked out, our locksmiths are ready to help.

Ultion Smart Lock

Cylinder locks have come along way over recent years. With changes in break in methods, locks have had to adapt to overcome these new techniques. First and foremost the new Ultion Smart lock hasn’t compromised these advancements in lock technology as it still contains the same 3* Diamond standard lock security of a standard Ultion euro cylinder. The fact that this smart lock still contains a high security manual lock and key removes any concern you may have about what would happen if the ‘smart’ technology were to fail. The lock still features a key hole and comes with keys so in the event of any failure the door can just be manually locked and unlocked like any other door.

Installation of the smart lock is quick and easy and there should be no need for your locksmith to adapt or drill further holes into your door. This is what makes the Ultion smart so adaptable and versatile. Unlike other smart locks such as the Yale Conexis the Ultion smart will use the same fixing holes as your existing door handles and cylinder lock.

So what exactly does the Ultion smart offer? The door can be locked and unlocked using just your phone from the Danalock phone app, and combining geolocation and the bluetooth from your phone the door can be unlocked on approach, totally hands free, and then automatically lock after a chosen time meaning no more worrying about if you remembered to lock up behind you. You can even send remote guest keys via text or email which will work on a permanent or temporary basis.

Features

  • Auto-Lock
  • Twist Assist
  • Hold Back Latch
  • Ultion 3 Star Plus security
  • Digital Key Sharing
  • Phone proximity auto-unlock
  • Remote Control (via 3rd Party Hub)
  • Works with Samsung SmartThings
  • Wireless keypad compatible

There are four versions of the Ultion SMART available. The basic edition has Bluetooth only control, and is the only model available with the wireless Danapad keypad. If you want to integrate your lock into your smart home, via a system such as Smart things, there are Zigbee and Z-Wave versions available, which can also be controlled via the Danalock App and Alexa. Finally, there’s an Apple Homekit version, which can only be controlled via the Apple Home app, Siri or your Apple Watch.

Ultions Key Control

key control

So, you are wanting to upgrade your locks to 3* cylinders to combat lock snapping. Once you have the locks fitted you’re all set right? nothing more you can do to protect the security of your home now, right? Wrong!!

With the Ultion lock by Brisant you also have another layer of security featured that protects the key from compromise. Key Control. Once Precision Locksmiths Sheffield have installed your new Diamond standard cylinder locks you have the option to activate key control and all you have to do is register your Ultion online with the unique code embossed on your new key.

When your new lock has been installed by your locksmith, you will be able to register for Key Control at the same time as registering for your free 10 year £1,000 guarantee against lock snapping. All you have to do is visit the ‘register my Ultion’ website follow the instructions and input the number embossed on your new key and register it to an email address and a password. Brisant will never ask for your address, so the database doesn’t store information that could enable others to get new keys and burgle your home.

Ultion keys can’t be cut like normal keys. Locksmiths need a code to create the right key. The information needed to cut a new key is encoded on the Brisant website. To decode it, licensed Ultion Key Centres need the number embossed on the original Ultion key, and the homeowner’s password.

The homeowner gets an email to tell them that the Key Centre has been given the information to duplicate their key. So homeowners know exactly who is duplicating their key and when. Homeowners are asked to change their password every time the information has been decoded.

Changing Locks To Your Property

When and Why You Should Change The Locks To Your Property

There are a number of reasons why you should consider changing the locks on your property.

  • Just moved in to a new property
  • Lost/misplaced a key
  • Recent break in attempt
  • House mate/ex-partner moving out

It is always advisable that when you move into a new property, whether it be rented or owned that you change the locks. It is quite possible that the locks on your new property have been there for several years and there could be numerous keys out there that will operate your locks. Not to say that this will always lead to unauthorised use of your locks but countless contractors could have been in possession of keys to your property whilst it has been brought up to a standard to rent out or sell. It is also possible that old cleaners or babysitters for the old occupiers may have keys in their possession. On several occasions as a locksmith in Sheffield I have had to attend numerous properties where access has been made and the main suspect has been shady previous tenants.

If you have lost or misplaced a key it is also advisable to change your locks. Lost keys could easily fall into the hands of someone dishonest. You are especially at risk if you have lost them outside but within your property boundary, for example dropped when getting into the car on your drive. It is quite common for people to leave keys in the lock after locking up and leaving home for the day and it may surprise you to realise how many sets if these keys are no longer in the lock upon your return, resulting in a break in later down the line.

Even when keys are misplaced it would always be advisable to have your locks changed. Were they misplaced or has someone taken them temporarily to have copies made? Several brands of high security locks now offer key protection which will prohibit unauthorised keys cutting, so this issue could  be avoided in future if you upgrade your locks.

If you have had a recent break in or break in attempt the would be burglar will now know exactly what locks you have and could return with the required tools that they know will get them entry. If a burglar has unfortunately succeeded in breaking in to your home are you certain that they haven’t found and taken any spare keys to your home (possibly even ones you forgot you had). A burglar will assume you have insurance and will be expecting that everything they have previously stolen will be replaced with brand new things making it easy pickings for them to return and gain entry with a stolen key.

One of the most common reasons I get called out to change locks is breakdown of relationships. Ex partners may feel that they have a right to enter their old home but as long as you are the sole rightful owner or legal tenant of the property then this is not the case and to prevent unlawful entry and give peace of mind locks should be changed. The same issue can also arise from ex roommates.

Whatever the need or reason to change your locks at home, doing so will give you the peace of mind that you and persons authorised by you will be the only people able to access your property by way of discreet and non-destructive entry. If you feel that you should be changing your locks get in touch with Precision Locksmiths Sheffield today.