Deadbolts vs. Deadlatches: Which is Right for Your Home?

1. Understanding Deadbolts: Strength and Reliability

Deadbolts are known for their high security and straightforward design, making them one of the most common choices for exterior doors. They are operated by a key from the outside and a thumb turn or knob on the inside. A major benefit of deadbolts is that they lock directly into the door frame, offering a solid barrier against forced entry.

Key Features of Deadbolts:

- Durability and Strength: Because they extend deep into the door frame, deadbolts are highly resistant to forced entry, particularly against prying or crowbar attacks.

- Single and Double Cylinder Options: Single-cylinder deadbolts use a thumb turn on the inside, while double-cylinder deadbolts require a key on both sides, adding an extra layer of security.

- Excellent for Residential Use: For homes with multiple access points, deadbolts provide reliable security, especially on entry doors.

Product Recommendation: Lancaster Locksmiths offers high-quality Deadbolts suited for exterior door security. Recently, we installed deadbolts in a townhouse in South Yarra, and the client reported feeling much safer due to the lock’s strength.

Did You Know? According to Victoria Police statistics, 70% of break-ins occur through forced entry, making deadbolts an excellent deterrent against this type of intrusion.

2. Understanding Deadlatches: Convenience and Security Combined

Deadlatches are slightly different from deadbolts in that they automatically latch when the door is closed. Deadlatches use a spring-loaded latch instead of a bolt, allowing the door to secure itself upon closing. This automatic locking feature can be incredibly convenient, as it reduces the risk of accidentally leaving the door unlocked.

Key Features of Deadlatches:

- Automatic Locking: Deadlatches offer automatic latching upon closing, making them ideal for high-traffic entry points where frequent locking and unlocking might be cumbersome.

- Suits Residential and Commercial Use: Deadlatches are popular for entry points that require ease of access, such as side or rear doors and commercial entrances.

- Versatility with Hold-Back Feature: Many deadlatches come with a hold-back function, allowing users to keep the latch open when needed.

Product Recommendation: For added convenience, check out our selection of Deadlatches, perfect for areas where self-latching is a priority. We recently outfitted a commercial client’s rear door with a deadlatch in St Kilda, greatly improving ease of access for employees while keeping the property secure.

3. Insurance Benefits: Deadbolts vs. Deadlatches

Both deadbolts and deadlatches can positively impact home insurance rates by enhancing home security, but they may be viewed differently by insurance providers. Here’s what to know:

- Deadbolts: Due to their high resistance to forced entry, deadbolts are often preferred by insurers. Homes with deadbolt-secured doors may qualify for lower premiums, especially when paired with other security measures, such as cameras or alarm systems.

- Deadlatches: Although they are also secure, deadlatches are not always rated as highly as deadbolts by some insurance providers. However, deadlatches with automatic locking can still offer insurance benefits, particularly when used on secondary doors or commercial entrances.

Case Study: A Lancaster Locksmiths client in Footscray installed deadbolts on their front and rear doors. They later reported that their insurance provider offered a discount on their premium, citing the enhanced security features as a reason for the reduction.

4. Choosing the Right Lock for Your Home

When selecting between deadbolts and deadlatches, consider your property’s specific needs, layout, and access points.

- Use Deadbolts for Maximum Security: Entry doors, garage doors, and other high-priority access points benefit most from deadbolts, thanks to their strength and resistance to tampering.

- Use Deadlatches for Convenience: Deadlatches are ideal for secondary doors, back entrances, or commercial areas where convenience is essential.

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