When it comes to home security, one of the most important pieces of equipment is your locks. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners make big mistakes regarding their locks that leave their home susceptible to burglary. 

The following are six mistakes you can avoid to maximize the effectiveness of your locks and keep your home as secure as possible:

Getting in the habit of leaving your home unlocked

Obviously, whatever locks you have are going to be completely ineffective if you don't use them. Even if you feel that your neighborhood is particularly safe, you should always take the precaution of locking up your home.

Burglars are inclined to target neighborhoods labeled as "safe" in particular because they are often the easiest neighborhood to burglarize. Use your locks as much as possible to minimize your chances of experiencing a burglary. 

Having only one type of lock in place

It's best to have at least two locks securing all openings to your home. One of these locks should be a deadbolt lock.

Nowadays, you might also want to opt for a smart lock. Smart locks can send you a notification via your smartphone when the door has been opened so that you're always aware when there is an intruder in your home. 

Failing to maintain your locks

Locks need to be maintained in several ways to remain effective throughout the years. They need to be cleaned periodically. They also need to be lubricated. Cleaning and lubrication prevent rust development and wear and tear damage over time. 

Placing locks on faulty doors

If your door is not properly hung, a burglar could bypass your locks entirely. Inspect your door periodically to make sure that it is not sagging or binding up in some way.

Sagging or binding of the door could put pressure on the lock that could cause the lock to fail. It could also lead to a situation where your door can be removed without having to release the lock in any way. 

Not having motion detectors and security cameras installed around locks

Even the best locks can often be disabled fairly quickly with a drill. If you have lights going on around your doors that are triggered by motion detectors, burglars are less likely to stick around long enough to disable your locks.

This is especially true if you have security cameras in place around entryways that will provide you with footage of any break-in that helps you track down the perpetrator. 

Being unaware of the security grade of your locks

Each lock on the market should have a particular security grade. Most lock manufacturers out there have their products tested and given a grade by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The grade a lock receives depends on both its longevity and strength against individual attempts at break-ins.

The lower the grade a lock is given, the more security it provides. Try to get a lower grade lock for maximum security in your home. 

Contact residential locksmith services in your area for more information. 

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