The door locks you choose for your home will play an important role in safeguarding your family and belongings from intruders. While most doors are fitted with basic key-in-knob locks, these locks can be easily forced open if enough pressure is applied. This is why all the main doors of your home should also have a deadbolt for supplemental protection. Typically, a deadbolt will come in one of two styles: Single- or double-cylinder. Below is a quick explanation of each and the type of security they provide.

Single-Cylinder Door Locks

This is the most common deadbolt used by homeowners. From the outside of the door, this lock requires a key to open, but it can be locked or unlocked from the inside by twisting a thumb-turn mechanism. Although they do provide more security than a basic key-in-knob lock, there is still some risk, especially if the door in question is located by a window that can be easily broken. If someone were to do this, they could reach inside and turn the thumb lock in order to gain entry into the home.

Double-Cylinder Door Locks

These deadbolts are not used quite as much as single-cylinder door locks because they implement a key cylinder on both sides of the door. This means you have to use your key to open the door no matter which side you are on. While this does offer more security, it can create a dilemma in an emergency situation that would warrant leaving the house quickly. However, in preparedness for these times, it is recommended you leave an extra key somewhere near doors that use these locks. You could place a Velcro® strip on the back of the key, so it can be stuck in a nearby closet or another hideaway spot for safe keeping.

If you are thinking about updating the door locks in your home, contact the locksmiths at A-Tri-County Lock for help today. These lockout specialists provide high-quality lock and key services to the Akron, Canton, and Cleveland region in Ohio. For more information about their residential or commercial services, call (330) 928-6222, or visit their website.